December 2023 - Latest update on our Russell Road Extra Care Scheme Project

Work is now gaining pace with our plans for the first purpose-built LGBTQ+ majority Extra Care scheme in the UK at Russell Road. The initial pre-planning work has now been completed, and with Rowlinson Construction now in place, we’re looking to begin site investigations this week which will help to inform the design. There will be investigatory activity on the site up to April 2024 and more information will be sent out as soon as the Phase 2 (intrusive) investigations have been commissioned.

Despite some slight delays, this has been necessary to ensure we honour our commitment to comprehensive co-production in developing the design.

The co-production with the Community Steering Group (CSG) has continued positively over the past two months, with members of the CSG meeting with the design team (Great Places, Triangle Architects, Rowlinson Construction and Simon Fenton Partnerships), Manchester City Council, and LGBT Foundation. They have been working together towards the production of the top-level design of the scheme to be shared at an upcoming public planning consultation event in January. Full details will be circulated when they are available.

Recent meetings have focused on the external features of the building and how the planning process will influence these. The CSG has also been involved in co-producing the public consultation, including the role of CSG members in answering questions from people who attend.

The CSG’s involvement has truly been invaluable in ensuring that this scheme will meet the needs of the community. We’re really happy with the proposals we’ve developed in this spirit of co-production, and we’re pleased to announce that you’ll shortly be able to share your views in person and online with the launch of our public consultation next month.