A prominent empty property in Chorlton, South Manchester, is to be re-developed through a partnership between Manchester City Council and the MSV Housing Group.
Chorlton Leisure Centre, which has stood empty for over 5 years is to be re-developed by the Manchester-based Housing Group. This followed a rigorous and competitive bidding and selection process by Manchester City Council.
The new development will provide 40 apartments (26 one bed and 14 two bed) for the over 55’s, at or below the local housing allowance level. Lettings will be prioritized to over 55’s with a housing priority need, including those wishing to right-size and free up a social rented family home in the local area for the many families on the housing waiting list. Affordable homes to rent in key areas such as Chorlton are much needed and Manchester City Council expect there to be high demand.
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
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 that 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 Spring 2023 and will see an investment of £9.2m.
Councillor Eve Holt said: "This is such good news for Chorlton. A brilliant local partnership which is going to deliver the first social housing we've seen built in Chorlton for a long time, alongside developing community, health and wellbeing facilities in partnership with local stakeholders in the area. There is a strong commitment in the plans to people, place and planet, helping us to respond to our housing crisis and climate crisis and to support a thriving age-friendly neighbourhood."
Councillor John Hacking said: “Ever since the building and site of the former Chorlton Leisure Centre became vacant in 2015 I along with the other Chorlton councillors have been working hard to achieve the ambition we had that the site would be developed for the benefit of the wider local community. I think the plans being brought forward by MSV embody our ambition to see affordable housing combined with community space as the core use of the site in the future.”
Charlie Norman, Chief Executive of MSV Housing Group, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been chosen to deliver what will be a beautiful development in a fantastic location. Chorlton needs more age-appropriate housing and it’s crucial, now more than ever before, that we focus on a safe home environment that is both affordable and meets the present and future needs of residents. MSV has a long track record of providing ‘Later Living’ schemes which allow people to move into a home that better meets their needs and hopefully frees up larger family homes too. As a long standing partner and community anchor organisation in Manchester, we are delighted to be chosen to partner the City Council and build our fifth HAPPI scheme. It will be so exciting to see the first residents move into their lovely new homes”
