The £14 million scheme provides 50 light, modern and spacious social rent apartments for local people, many of whom are right-sizing and freeing up family homes in the area. The scheme has been designed in line with HAPPI* principles, and place a strong emphasis on accessibility, wellbeing and independent living. Residents benefit from spacious, energy-efficient homes, communal facilities and excellent access to local shops, services and public transport links in the centre of Chorlton.
Bath House has brought a long-vacant brownfield site back into use, creating much-needed affordable housing while preserving elements of the site's heritage. Architectural features salvaged from the former baths building have been incorporated into the development, celebrating the history of a local landmark. Residents also benefit from a communal lounge and community space, which will be available for use by local groups and organisations, helping to strengthen connections between residents and the wider community. The scheme was delivered by MSV Housing in partnership with Manchester City Council, Homes England, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Buttress Architects, Simon Fenton Partnership and Caddick Construction. As part of the celebrations a commemorative wooden sculpture and original stonework embedded into the project was unveiled by Councillor White.
Councillor Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Development at Manchester City Council, said:
"The Bath House scheme is a development that ticks so many of our housing investment boxes – 50 social rent homes that provide accommodation for older people, should they want to right size into properties that might better suit them. And it's also bringing a long-term brownfield site back into use, while celebrating some of the features in the former leisure centre. This is quality development that has delivered genuinely affordable homes to the heart of Chorlton, creating real housing choice for people in the area in their later life. With huge thanks to MSV for delivering this brilliant scheme – this is the power of our housing partnerships in Manchester."
Charlie Norman, Chief Executive of MSV Housing Group, said:
"I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to see this wonderful scheme come to fruition. It’s been exciting to see Bath House grow from what was an overlooked brownfield site to now fit so beautifully in its surroundings – a true testament to the architects and contractors, as well as MSV’s team, having the vision to create something that looks like it has always been here. Chatting to new customers today it’s been lovely to welcome them to their new homes and it’s clear to see this has already made a massive difference to the area. I’d like to thank Manchester City Council, Homes England and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority for partnering with MSV on this project, and Caddick Construction for being such a considerate contractor."
Steve Sullivan, Project Architect at Buttress commented:
"From the outset, the ambition was to create a building that felt both contemporary and familiar within its setting. Its scale, form and material palette create a distinctive identity, while communal landscaped gardens, generous balconies and dual-aspect apartments foster both independence and social connection. The result is a development that balances architectural quality with the needs of later life, while helping residents remain connected to their community, and creating genuinely affordable quality homes which are available for social rent."
*HAPPI - Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation.
Image credits
Buttress and MSV Housing