The Brunswick Village Extra Care scheme will include 60 new social rent homes for older people - and the first residents will begin moving in next month.
It includes an on-site care team, along with other facilities to meet a range of needs including opportunities for engaging with other residents - and will be managed day-to-day by Northwards Housing.
Part of the £106m Brunswick PFI regeneration project, Brunswick Village has been in development since September 2019 to create much-needed housing for older people in the area and across the city.
The 60 new one and two-bedroom homes will be available for social rent and 70% of the homes have already been taken. Each of the properties has an audio-visual intercom, a fully fitted kitchen, level access shower, lift access and a safety cord to alert care staff in an emergency. All the homes also come with blinds and carpets installed.
Alongside the homes, Age UK Manchester are providing a range of on-site services at Brunswick Village, including a bistro restaurant, a Day Centre, a host of Ageing Well clubs and groups, a shop and a Counselling and Advice service.
Residents will also have access to a hair salon, resident lounges, laundry facilities, a family area, a mobility scooter storage area, and a space that will be available for use by the wider community.
The roof boasts a roof-top garden with views over the Manchester skyline, a smaller elevated balcony sitting area, and a formal ground level garden.
Brunswick Village is the second of five brand new extra care schemes in the city programmed for completion between September 2020 and September 2021, adding 330 new extra care apartments to over 400 existing apartments already providing a high-quality housing option for older people in seven existing schemes, with more planned for the future.
The Brunswick PFI (S4B Ltd) is the consortium set up to deliver the 25-year £106m regeneration project which started in January 2014 and is made up of four specialist organisations – Onward Homes, Mears, Vistry Partnerships and Equitix. (See notes to editors for more information)
Resident, David Machin, 65, moved to Elizabeth Yarwood Court in Brunswick three years ago to be closer to his mother and is now making the move to the new development, Brunswick Village, said: “My family moved to Brunswick in 1967 and my dad was a caretaker on the estate for over 40 years working for Manchester City council.
“I’m so looking forward to moving to Brunswick Village which means me and my Mum who is now 86, can stay here living in the area, close to each other and all our friends.
“It’s a fabulous opportunity - we can’t wait to start making new friends, safe and happy in our new forever homes.”
Cllr Bev Craig, Manchester City Council’s executive member for adult health and well-being, said: “We know that some older people in the city want the opportunity to move into accommodation where their care needs are met and to be close to like-minded people. This can be daunting for some, which is why the Extra Care model has proven so popular in the city.
“This type of supported housing creates a genuine community of people, combating loneliness and providing support on-site should people need it. Brunswick is the second of five new extra care schemes planned, meaning we will have developed more than 730 homes in the city up to September this year.”
Cllr Suzanne Richards, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said: "Ensuring that we have the right homes to meet people's needs as they age is an important part of our housing plans for the city. As we get older we may wish to rightsize our home or we could need some additional care and support. Extra Care housing provides that option while also maintaining a community of people who want to stay in their local area as they get older.
“The transformation of Brunswick for local people has been a real success story and this new facility for local residents is another important piece of the regeneration. Having had chance to visit the scheme before it opened, I can honestly say it has one of the most sought after sun terraces in the city with amazing panoramic views right across the city centre. I can't wait to hear what residents think as they move into their new homes."
Bronwen Rapley, a board member of S4B and chief executive of Onward said: “S4B is delighted that Brunswick Village Extra Care is now complete. It is the final piece of the jigsaw in the Brunswick PFI project.
“This fantastic modern facility with wonderful roof garden and views across Manchester will be a lovely home for the residents moving from Elizabeth Yarwood Court, and also for any new residents coming to the area”.