Plans to turn derelict Manchester leisure centre into ‘affordable homes’ approved
Plans to transform a derelict former leisure centre in Manchester into affordable homes have been given the seal of approval.
After Manchester City Council formally submitted its vision for the redevelopment of the former Chorlton Leisure Centre as an affordable ‘Later Living’ scheme for local people back in May, it’s now been revealed that the planning application was officially approved last week.
The development will be made up of a mix of 50 one and two-bedroom apartments for the over 55s.
Seven of the apartments will be for sale by shared ownership, three will be neighbourhood apartments that provide ‘step up accommodation’, leaving the remaining 40 apartments to be capped at the Manchester Living Rent – which means they will be priced either at or below the local housing allowance level.
Lettings will be prioritised to over 55s with a housing priority need, which includes those who are keen to ”right-size and free up a social rented family home” in the local area for families on the housing waiting list.
The Council says it wants the development – which is set to see an investment of over £12 million – to have the “flexibility to adapt over time” in order to meet the changing needs of residents, meaning they can move from their existing family home and right-size to a new more suitable home that provides them with “everything they need for years to come”.
Not only will the development include “well-thought-out” communal spaces for residents, but the Council says there’ll also be opportunities to eventually integrate other external features within the community too.
These include health services, wellbeing spaces, and different hubs for social interaction and involvement.
Cllr Gavin White, who is Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, called the approval of the plans a “welcome milestone”.
He continued: “The project will deliver much-needed low-carbon, affordable housing for older people, helping to meet a clear need for this type of home in this neighbourhood [and] we know this will be a really positive investment in the heart of the Chorlton community.”
As affordable homes to rent in highly sought-after neighbourhoods like Chorlton are much needed at the moment, the Council says it expects homes in the new development to be “in high demand”.
Read more:
- Council submits plans to turn derelict Manchester leisure centre into ‘affordable homes’
- Manchester City Council invests £50m in ‘transformational upgrades’ to social housing
- Plans for Oldham Coliseum’s £24m ‘new home’ have officially been submitted
The development is expected to be completed Summer 2025.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council