New low carbon extra care scheme in Gorton completes

Construction work has been completed on Gorton Mill House, a new £17million extra care scheme in Gorton, Manchester which, as well as providing 106 apartments, has also been designed around low carbon ambitions.

With the use of ground source heat pumps, solar panels and vehicle charging points, Pozzoni Architecture has met the aim of client Southway Housing in that all new build properties will utilise renewable heating and hot water systems, a move away from being reliant upon gas. As well as helping to combat climate change, this approach will also benefit residents due to lower energy bills.

The needs of customers have been at the forefront of the design process, even when it comes to the innovative methods used to reduce the carbon footprint. The heating systems used in the 106 extra care apartments at Gorton Mill House may be cutting edge but have been chosen to look as familiar and conventional as possible for the demographic of the residents, for example pairing modern radiators with a ground source heat pump to provide space and hot water heating.

Built by Rowlinson, Gorton Mill House is part of Southway Housing’s ‘With Care’ offer, meaning there is a dedicated care team based within the building, 24-hours a day.

It offers excellent on-site facilities including a bistro, garden lounge, activity room, bathing suite and hair & nail salon, along with large, beautiful communal gardens.

The development looks to help fulfil Manchester City Council’s housing strategy in respect of ‘Living Longer, Living Better’ in adaptable age friendly homes which encourage health and well-being through increased independence, reduced social isolation and community involvement.

For that reason, it not only fulfils the vision for providing special needs housing but it will improve the health of older people within the community due to the high level of specialised care that will be offered.

Gorton Mill House has been landscaped to provide a public, semi-public and private realm. The public facilities are designed to be enjoyed by the local community, drawing them into the site and towards the hub area.

Eleanor McCallum, associate, Pozzoni Architecture commented: “Gorton Mill House fulfils an important role in the local community, meeting the demand for extra care facilities and creating a wonderful, inviting and flexible environment for older people to live and socialise.

“It’s also a development that has been designed to meet the needs of the modern world with sustainability at the fore, incorporating innovative low carbon technologies that will be better for the planet and better for residents’ energy bills.”

Karen Mitchell, Chief Executive of Southway Housing Trust, said: "Gorton Mill House has created more than 100 high-quality new homes and a supportive environment tailored for older residents, while also providing new community facilities for our neighbours in the surrounding area to enjoy.

"This scheme was born from a great need and demand for extra care facilities in this area and we are grateful to Pozzoni and our other partners for helping to make our vision of transforming this brownfield site a reality."

David Chilton, managing director, Rowlinson commented: “Our ageing population means there’s demand for high quality, supported homes. Gorton Mill House helps address that need, whilst also delivering a host of sustainable features. It will be a great asset for the community.”

Gorton Mill House has been shortlisted for next month’s national Inside Housing Development Awards 2021 in the ‘Best Older People’s Housing Development (Urban)’ category.