Development of new homes begins on former site of Chorlton Leisure Centre

50 brand new apartments for the over 55’s including 3 neighbourhood apartments are now underway at this prominent site in South Manchester.

Situated at the site of the old Chorlton Leisure Centre (known locally as Chorlton Baths) which has been closed since 2015, this much anticipated scheme will provide 47 social rent apartments, a mix of 1 and 2 bed, for the over 55’s, with 3 additional neighbourhood apartments (an initiative to help those needing support and adapted accommodation following a hospital stay move out of hospital and back into the community more quickly before returning to their home) being leased to Manchester City Council. The apartments will be offered at social rent.

These homes will support Manchester City Council's ambitious housing strategy target to help deliver at least 10,000 Council, social and genuinely affordable homes up to 2032. Just over £14m will be invested into this particular scheme, being a mix of funding from Homes England, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Manchester City Council and MSV Housing.

Demolition of the old Chorlton Leisure Centre is well under way and the site is being cleared so that work can progress on the development situated on Manchester Road. A few architectural stones, some old tiles and other original features have been salvaged which will be sympathetically incorporated into the new design.

The scheme will adhere to the HAPPI (Housing Our Ageing Population Panel) principles. Two adjoining blocks will be built, with a central lift, making mobility for residents much easier, whilst prioritising space, flexibility, and wellbeing and catering for residents' evolving needs over time. There will be a community space and a residents’ lounge with the emphasis of the scheme being on maximising the excellent public transport links locally and reducing car usage.

The community space, which will be available to rent by local groups to hold meetings, workshops etc, will bring the neighbouring community and residents together, creating a cohesive and welcoming space.

Working with our partners; Manchester City Council, Caddick Construction, Manchester architects Buttress and Simon Fenton Partnerships, the development is scheduled for completion in 2026.

Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council's executive member for housing and development, said: "The former leisure centre site has been a target for affordable housing for some time so it's great to see MSV bring this development to site.

"Not only are these homes low carbon and affordable – this development will also provide much-needed housing for older people to the heart of Chorlton, while bringing a long-term unused brownfield site back into use - a site that has become an eyesore in recent years. "We know there is demand for this type of housing in Chorlton and we look forward to welcoming the first residents in 2026"

Charlie Norman, Chief Executive of MSV Housing Group, said: "We are so pleased that this development is now on site thanks to our partnership with Manchester City Council. With an ageing population and the need to live well in our later years, it is essential that we provide more age friendly homes for older people in Manchester. This high quality new HAPPI scheme will offer safe, warm, affordable and comfortable homes in a fantastic neighbourhood close to shops, transport and medical facilities. At the same time, we expect that larger family homes will be freed up for larger families struggling to find the right home. I would like to thank our colleagues within MSV, and colleagues at Manchester City Council, GMCA and Homes England for their continued support and look forward to working with Caddick to see the first residents move in to their lovely new homes"