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Anchor Hanover chosen to deliver ‘UK’s first’ LGBTQ+ extra-care housing scheme
Housing and care provider Anchor Hanover has been selected to deliver more than 100 homes as part of a development that claims to be the UK’s first purpose-built LGBTQ+ older person’s housing scheme.
The homes, which will be for LGBTQ+ people aged 55 or over, will be developed on the former Spire Hospital site in South Manchester and will be a mixture of affordable rent and shared ownership.
Plans to develop an LGBTQ+ extra-care scheme were first announced by Manchester City Council in 2017.
Since then, the council has been working with the LGBT Foundation to develop the core principles of the scheme and how it should operate.
Anchor Hanover will now develop plans for the site in collaboration with a local community steering group, which is made up of councillors, local residents and members of the LGBT Foundation, with the aim to submit its first planning application by winter this year.
The LGBT Foundation has received Homes England funding to produce an online ‘learning journal’ about the history of the scheme in order to help other councils develop similar projects.
There are currently more than 7,000 people in Manchester over the age of 50 who identify as LGBTQ+, and this figure is expected to rise over the next two decades.
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According to a report published by the LGBT Foundation, LGBTQ+ older people experience higher levels of loneliness and isolation and also experience discrimination within their existing accommodation.
The news follows the announcement last month that Tonic Housing, which is currently in the process of becoming a registered provider, had purchased 19 homes from One Housing to open an LGBTQ+ retirement community in south London.
Bev Craig, executive member for adult health and well-being at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester was proud to be the first place in the country to announce such a scheme so it’s great to see this scheme come to fruition.
“Our ambition came on the back of years of research and engagement with older LGBT people.
“We’ve been working closely with the LGBT Foundation and local people for some time to ensure the site, location, the principles of the scheme, and eventual design principles work – both for the LGBT+ community, but also for the local people in Whalley Range.
“We already know LGBT+ people are more likely to be lonely later in life, and as this community is growing, it shows that this extra care is not only welcome but absolutely needed.”
Suzanne Richards, executive member for housing and regeneration at Manchester City Council, said: “Extra-care housing has proven hugely popular and this first-of-a-kind LGBT+ scheme on Russell Road is an important addition to our extra-care offer in the city.
“This scheme is part of a programme of 730 extra-care homes built in the past few years for older people in the city. Crucial for us is that these schemes are accessible to and affordable for Manchester people.”
Charles Taylor, head of new business at Anchor Hanover, said: “We are delighted to be working on this innovative new extra-care retirement housing project in Manchester, to deliver accessible homes in a place where there is a thriving LGBT+ community.
“We look forward to collaborating with Manchester City Council and the LGBT Foundation to develop a place where people can continue to love living in later life.”
Paul Martin, chief executive at the LGBT Foundation, said: “It’s fantastic to see the LGBT Extra Care Scheme move forward into the next stages of development.
“Everyone deserves to have access to safe, affordable housing where they can be sure they feel secure and welcome.
“Many older LGBT people have grown up in a world hostile to their identities, and are worried about their future, particularly if they are likely to require care in later life.
“This scheme is a vital and exciting step forward for our communities and the learning journal will track our journey and share recommendations for other schemes that will follow.”
