Delivering quality, new homes for over 55s

Rowlinson has completed construction of a ‘with care’ environmentally friendly scheme for people aged over 55 in Burnage, Manchester.

The £8million development, on behalf of Southway Housing Trust, has transformed a brownfield former industrial laundry site into 56 age-friendly apartments for social rent.

Rowlinson is proud to have been part of the delivery team and, despite the challenges, we know that both residents and the wider community will benefit from this development.

The homes are available with access to a flexible range of on-site care packages and support. Heating and hot water for tenants will come from a ground source heating system.

Rowlinson was appointed to take on the construction and delivery of the development – named Dahlia House – after the original contractor went into administration.

Karen Mitchell, Chief Executive of Southway Housing said: “This has been a complex and challenging development for many reasons and we are delighted that the hard work, flexibility and responsiveness of our staff and our partners has delivered a successful outcome which will be of real benefit to the community.

“Dahlia House is a fantastic development providing modern, Age Friendly new homes and also flexible support to tenants, to enable them to continue living rich and fulfilling lives as they grow older.”

The scheme has 34 one-bedroom homes and 22 two-bedroom apartments. There is also a community café for both residents and the general public, communal lounge, scooter room, assisted bathroom, landscaped gardens as well as offices and a meeting space.

Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Housing and Employment, said: “We know there is a real challenge to deliver enough affordable housing for older people, to ‘right size’ from family homes into more manageable properties. So it’s great to see another development for people over the age of 55 that will provide high quality social housing and with care on-site for those that need it.

Dahlia House is the second ‘with care’ development to be completed by Rowlinson for Southway, following the opening of Gorton Mill House in 2021.

David Chilton, managing director, Rowlinson, said: “Providing quality housing choices for older people is crucial and these new homes tick every box.

“Rowlinson is proud to have been part of the delivery team and, despite the challenges, we know that both residents and the wider community will benefit from this development.”

Date published: 04/02/2022