The development aims to be situated on the site of the former Spire Hospital in Russell Road, Whalley Range, which was demolished in 2019 and the brownfield site has since remained vacant.

The proposals for the majority Extra Care housing scheme have been developed with the input of the Russell Road Community Steering Group, Manchester City Council and LGBT Foundation.

The planned scheme will deliver 80 one- and two-bedroom social rented apartments for older people in a brick building of four to five storeys.

The low-carbon scheme will include shared facilities, lounges and treatment rooms and landscaped gardens which will look to ensure an overall net gain of trees on the site.

Extra Care housing developments look to increase the affordable housing opportunities for older people to move into high quality accommodation, with flexible care and support services available to meet changing needs encouraging independent living.

The residents will be required to be aged 55 years or over, with many residents being members of the LGBTQ+ community from Manchester. 

Living alongside allies and other members of the local community, the aim is to provide an open and inclusive, physical, and psychological place of safety for the older LGBTQ+ community.

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Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: "This is landmark development for Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community and there has been a lot of interest in this development already. We know there is a gap in the market for affordable housing for older people where care needs are met onsite – and where they can feel accepted and live with dignity.

"Critical to this project has been the co-production process with our community steering group that have helped guide the design principles for these homes to ensure they meet the needs of future residents.

"Now it’s the time to present the proposals to the wider community – and I’d urge as many people as possible to take a look and give us their thoughts.

"This feedback really does help ensure developments like this complement and enhance our neighbourhoods."

Paul Martin, CEO at LGBT Foundation, said: “LGBT Foundation is proud to have been involved in the development of the LGBT+ majority Extra Care housing scheme in Whalley Range since it was proposed some years ago.

“The views of the local community are key to making this development a success and we encourage people to use their voice to help shape the future of this landmark project, to ensure it offers a safe and welcoming home for older LGBT+ people."