Great Places Housing Group has submitted plans for its ‘first of a kind’ purpose-built majority LGBTQ+ Extra Care housing scheme in Whalley Range, south Manchester.
The plans for the majority LGBTQ+ Extra Care housing scheme have been developed with the input of the Russell Road Community Steering Group, Manchester City Council and the LGBT Foundation.
The planned scheme will deliver 80 one and two-bedroom apartments for older people, with flexible care and support services available to meet changing needs and encourage independent living. The residents will be aged 55 years or over, with the majority of residents being members of the LGBTQ+ community from Manchester. Living alongside allies, the aim is to provide an open and inclusive, physical and psychological place of safety for the older LGBTQ+ community and a welcome addition to the Whalley range area.
Paul Martin, CEO at LGBT Foundation, said: “The planning application is a welcome and significant milestone in this project’s development.
“From increased social isolation to fear of discrimination and abuse in later life, older LGBTQ+ people have unique and often overlooked housing and care needs. The Russell Road majority LGBTQ+ Extra Care scheme is intended to address these inequalities, allowing our community to age independently, safely, securely and with pride.
“Alongside the Community Steering Group, LGBT Foundation is looking forward to working with partners to bring our vision for Russell Road to life.”
