New homes for later living put forward in Manchester

Above: CGI from Buttress Architects of the Later Living scheme at the Chorlton Leisure Centre site

A planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of the former Chorlton Leisure Centre in Manchester, as an affordable Later Living scheme for local people.

The new development will provide 50 apartments (a mix of one bed and two bed) for the over 55s.  7 of the apartments will be for sale by shared ownership, 3 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: 

“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.”