The planning application to completely re-develop the former Chorlton Leisure site as an affordable later living housing scheme has been approved by the planning committee today (Thurs 31 Aug).
The scheme has been brought forward as part of a partnership between Manchester-based MSV Housing Group and Manchester City Council and will bring a site back into use that has stood empty for more than seven years.
The new development will provide 50 apartments (a mix of one bed and two bed) for the over 55s. Seven of the apartments will be for sale by shared ownership, three will be neighbourhood apartments providing step up accommodation, with the remaining 40 capped at the Manchester Living Rent (i.e. priced at or below the local housing allowance level).
Lettings will be prioritized to over 55s with a housing priority need, including those wishing to right size and free up a social rented family home in the local area for families on the housing waiting list. Affordable homes to rent in neighbourhoods like Chorlton are much needed and these homes are expected to be in high demand.
Working closely with the Manchester-based award-winning architects, Buttress, the development will be built to the HAPPI (Housing Our Ageing Population Panel) principles which includes:
- space and flexibility and a focus on health and wellbeing so that occupants’ changing requirements will be met over time
- the inclusion of large balconies, increased light levels, and shared social spaces
- high quality fixtures and fittings
- the design will incorporate strong elements of the natural environment
- a strong emphasis on decarbonisation and sustainability
The apartments and development overall will have the flexibility to adapt over time to meet the changing needs of the occupants, meaning residents can move from their existing family home and right-size to a new more suitable home which provides everything they need for years to come.
In addition to well thought out communal spaces and hubs within the development, there will also be opportunities to bring in other external features, for example health services, wellbeing spaces and opportunities for community interaction and involvement.
The development is expected to be completed Summer 2025 and will see an investment of over £12m.
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said:
“This is a welcome milestone on the transformation of this site, which has stood unused for a number of years. The project will deliver much-needed low-carbon, affordable housing for older people, helping to meet a clear need for this type of home in this neighbourhood. We know this will be a really positive investment in the heart of the Chorlton community.”
Charlie Norman, Chief Executive of MSV Housing Group, said:
“I’m so pleased this scheme has gained planning approval and we can now get this flagship development on site. Our pledge to build age-appropriate homes for every stage in life remains as firm as ever, and ensuring an ageing population have a home that supports their lifestyle and health needs is absolutely a must. Chorlton and the surrounding area needs affordable homes to rent for it’s older citizens and we are proud to be the organisation that will deliver a highly sustainable development of the highest calibre and green credentials.”
David Coulson, Buttress, said:
“This is a fantastic scheme and great news for the community, particularly as our population ages. The design prioritizes wellness in the home and embraces people’s changing living requirements as they age. In addition, the plans for the site will create much-needed, highly sustainable and affordable homes for local people, within their existing community.”