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.

(CD/JM)