Plans submitted to convert a derelict Manchester building into affordable homes

This week Manchester City Council have announced a city landmark, which has stood empty for over seven years, is set to be re-developed into affordable homes for older people.

The Manchester-based MSV Housing Group, who are also working in partnership with Manchester City Council, have submitted a planning application to build an affordable Later Living scheme for local people at the old Chorlton Leisure Centre.

Plans outline that the new development will provide 50 apartments – a mix of one and two beds – for people aged over 55. News of this development to help older people has also come as this week a new government-appointed taskforce was announced to boost suitable housing options for the elderly.

As well as helping older people find a suitable home, the new development is also assisting individuals that have been particularly squeezed by the current cost-of-living crisis. 40 of the new apartments will be capped at the Manchester Living Rent rate – priced at or below the local housing allowance level.

Alongside creating affordable homes, seven of the apartments will be for sale by shared ownership and three will be neighbourhood apartments providing step up accommodation.

Lettings will be prioritised to people aged 55 and over with a housing priority need, including those wishing to downsize and free up a social rented family home in the local area for families on the housing waiting list. As inflation rates continue to climb, big families that are struggling with food shops, rent and bills have caused the demand for affordable homes to skyrocket.

Working closely with the Manchester-based award-winning architects, Buttress, the development will be built to the Housing Our Ageing Population Panel principles which include:  

• 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  

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 by summer 2025 and will see an investment of over £12m.   

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Development, said: ‘We know that local people have been eager to see this site brought back into use for some time and it’s great to see the project moving at full steam.

‘Working with MSV, we have taken the opportunity to use the site to build new sustainable, affordable housing to meet demand in the area and help diversify the housing market in Chorlton – delivering homes at the Manchester Living Rent to ensure as many people as possible can afford them.

‘This is a really exciting development, and we look forward to seeing these homes take shape.’

Image: Buttress