Tower block to be transformed with £6.5 million

Manchester City Council has been awarded £6.54 million to transform an empty tower block into a state of the art supported housing complex, with a sky lounge and a rooftop jacuzzi.

The development, close to Victoria Avenue East in Charlestown will see an existing council owned tower block, Whitebeck Court transformed into 92 apartments especially for older people, along with a wide range of modern communal facilities.

The council submitted one of 25 successful bids to the Department of Health Extra Care Fund, and was awarded the second largest allocation of funding in the country.

The communal facilities in the tower block will include a village hall style day centre, restaurant, assisted bathing facilities, hairdressers and treatment room, shop, communal lounges, quiet room, IT suite as well as an Older People's play area.

Another planned feature is the sky lounge - where the roof will be surrounded by glass giving fantastic views across Manchester and beyond. Tai Chi lessons will take place in the sky lounge and residents will also have the chance to relax in the outdoor Jacuzzi on the roof.

The scheme will also be a focal point for the local community with a wide range of community and health services. This will help embed services within the community and offer an excellent opportunity for more efficient delivery of services.

Some facilities at the site will be available to the wider community as well as residents, including a day centre offering up to 60 places.

The city council will work in partnership with Northwards Housing and Great Places Housing Group to get started in the works in Spring next year.

The scheme will provide modern, flexible and affordable housing, designed to adapt to residents' changing needs as well as allowing the residents to be as independent as possible.

Councillor Basil Curley, Executive Member for Adult Social Care said: "This investment is cutting edge and sees Manchester at the forefront of valuing older people. This investment will allow the block to become a fantastic place for older people to live. It will give them the freedom to be independent whilst having top quality facilities to enjoy - the block will also become a hub for other people in the local community."

Paul Andrews, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services said: "I'm delighted that this investment will allow older people living in the block as well as those in the neighbourhood to enjoy a great quality of life. It will offer an excellent opportunity for the whole community."

Councillor Val Stevens, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Valuing Older People said: "Funding like this is great news and is also vital to ensure that Older People are well looked after for many years to come. The transformation will see the tower block become a scheme which gives Older People the dignity and respect that they deserve."

Robin Lawler, Chief Executive of Northwards Housing said: "I am delighted to be involved in the partnership with MCC to develop state of the art homes and facilities for older people in Charlestown and surrounding areas."

For more Manchester City Council news visit Manchester.gov.uk.