Mckellen Praises UK’s ‘First Of A Kind’ LGBTQ+ Care Scheme
Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/)
Actor Sir Ian McKellen has praised Manchester City Council’s approval of the UK’s ‘first of a kind’ purpose-built majority LGBTQ+ extra care social rent housing scheme.
Proposals for the site of the former Spire Hospital on Russell Road, Whalley Range were approved at Manchester City Council’s planning meeting last week (26 September). The brownfield site has remained vacant since the hospital was demolished in September 2019.
Sir Ian said: “It’s wonderful to see Manchester leading the way yet again. Our community deserves to be able to age in a safe and welcoming environment where we are accepted for who we are, and Russell Road will do just that. Congratulations to everyone involved in the project and I look forward to following its progress and seeing the scheme open!”
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and development, said:
“This is a real celebratory moment for this development, which has been in the works for some years and is designed to meet a clear need for quality, social rent housing for LGBTQ+ older people to live in safety, dignity and as part of a welcoming and supportive community.”
“We have helped build hundreds of Extra Care homes across Manchester in recent years to meet demand for older people to live in their later lives, many with care needs provided on site, but this is the first purpose-built LGBTQ+ majority Extra Care community in the UK. It’s a landmark development in every sense and we look forward to getting on site later this year.”
Paul Martin, CEO at LGBT Foundation, added:
“Today’s [September 26] announcement marks a significant and welcome milestone and LGBT Foundation are delighted by the news that plans for Russell Road have been approved.
Older LGBTQ+ people are currently at greater risk of discrimination, poor health outcomes and social isolation, and many do not have the support networks of family and friends. This scheme aims to address these challenges and create a safe and affirming environment where our community can age with pride.
We’re looking forward to transforming our vision into a reality and continuing to work alongside partners and the Community Steering Group to improve the lives of older LGBTQ+ Mancunians and ensure Manchester continues to be a place where LGBTQ+ people are free to be themselves.
