Age-friendly development opened in Openshaw

New age-friendly development opened in Openshaw for One Manchester by the Mayor Andy Burham, who praises the social housing provider for keeping ‘people at the heart of development’

One Manchester welcomed Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to its latest age-friendly development, to unveil 27 new affordable homes in the heart of Openshaw, including 15 bungalows designed specifically for those living with cognitive conditions.

Andy Burnham praised the social housing and community services provider for bringing the future of housing to Openshaw through the introduction of the development, called South Gate, which brings together a mix of different tenures for the area.

The 15 age-friendly bungalows for affordable rent situated next to 12 family houses, available on Shared Ownership, encouraging intergenerational living, and allowing local people to take their first step on the housing ladder.

The scheme was supported with Homes England grant funding and is on land previously owned by Manchester City Council.

One Manchester worked closely with partners such as Dementia United, the Alzheimer’s Society and the Salford Institute of Dementia, to ensure that the bungalows were designed for people living with cognitive conditions, making them fit-for-purpose.

At an opening event at South Gate, Chief Executive of One Manchester, Dave Power, talked about One Manchester’s ambition to enable older people developing cognitive conditions to live independently for as long as possible and the option to live with partners for longer.

Dave Power said: “South Gate is all about reinvesting in our communities and making a place that is inclusive for all residents. Building isn’t just about more homes, although vital for Manchester, but homes that are in the right place, the right type, at the right price and are inclusive of all people.

“This new development is a bridge between those living in unsuitable, independent homes, and residential care, allowing people to live in an environment which is safe, well-designed and catered for residents.”

Before declaring the development officially open, Andy Burnham congratulated all the partners involved for providing a ‘21st century housing development’. Andy said: “Greater Manchester is the only UK city region designated by the World Health Organisation as Age Friendly, and when you walk into South Gate, that’s what this development is all about.

“The Greater Manchester Health and Care Partnership have identified that around 15 to 20,000 units of this kind are needed across the 10 boroughs, and One Manchester are showing that working in partnership with specialist health care providers can help us achieve that target.

“South Gate is an amazing scheme and is bringing the future of housing to Openshaw. I’m proud to be here and delighted to open this new development.”

South Gate will be open from the 27th August and is just one of multiple developments that One Manchester have planned for Openshaw. The housing provider is currently developing eight family houses for Rent to Buy on Godley Avenue, and has submitted planning for 38 apartments for affordable rent near the South Gate development. Together, these developments will offer a range of accommodation for new and existing Openshaw residents.

For more information visit the One Manchester website