Work commences on UK’s first majority LGBTQ+ housing

To celebrate Pride Month, Great Places have begun work on the UK’s first majority LGBTQ+ housing scheme in South Manchester.

For decades Manchester has been widely recognised as the ‘gay capital of the north’ while not officially obtaining the title. However, to enhance its inclusive status, the city is due to become home to the UK’s first majority LGBTQ+ housing project.

Delivered in partnership with the Russell Road Community Steering Group, Manchester City Council and LGBT Foundation, the development is comprised of 80 one and two-bedroom apartments available for older people – over the age of 55 – to socially rent, and 40 affordable shared ownership apartments.

What’s more, the scheme is set to feature shared communal facilities including lounges, treatment rooms and landscaped gardens and will deliver an overall net gain of trees on the site.

While the project is a UK-first, the homes are also part of the local authorities plans to deliver at least 36,000 new properties by 2032 – of which 10,000 will be social rent.

‘This is a real milestone moment for this development,’ Cllr Gavin White, executive member for housing and development at Manchester City Council, said. ‘The council has believed in the positive impact an LGBTQ+ majority housing development could have for this community for many years – and to celebrate the social rent homes officially starting on site is a great moment for the city.

‘Working with the LGBT Foundation, we know that older LGBTQ+ people worry about being able to access appropriate and inclusive housing later in life.’

Alison Dean, chief executive at Great Places, added: ‘We are incredibly proud to mark the official start on site for this pioneering project. This development represents a significant step forward in providing inclusive and supportive housing for Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community.’

It is currently understood that the project, which will be situated in Whalley Range, will be completed by summer 2027.

Image via Russell Road Community Steering Group 

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