An assisted living scheme for elderly residents in Salford is set to be decommissioned and replaced with a larger facility on adjacent land. Mosscare St Vincents (MSV) Housing is working with Salford Council to wind down its extra care accommodation at Mount Carmel Court in Ordsall, with plans to build a new facility next door.
The council has agreed to gift land off Mount Carmel Crescent to the private provider on the understanding that they will build 60 new disability-friendly units. The new project will replace and expand the existing 36-home scheme with 60 new extra care units – self-contained homes with access to care services so people can live as independently as possible.
Residents to Move to New Site
Residents currently living at Mount Carmel Court will be moved over to the new site, which will be available at a social rent rate. The old building, which is apparently no longer fit-for-purpose due to being unsuitable for those with physical disabilities, would be demolished to make way for green space or further social housing, according to MSV Housing.
Joanne Bonnington, Director of Development and Investment at MSV Housing, said: “Mount Carmel Court has been home to a close-knit community for many years, so it’s incredibly important that we create a scheme that helps people stay connected to the place and people they know and love. These proposals would create more much-needed extra care homes, providing high-quality, accessible and energy-efficient homes that help older people maintain their independence, live well and age well.”
Public Consultation to Launch
Bonnington added: “The views of residents have been invaluable in shaping the proposals so far, and we are now at a stage where we can move forward with a public consultation, which we are excited to launch in the next few weeks. Hearing from neighbours and the wider community will be a really important part of the process, and we encourage everyone to share their thoughts and feedback.”
Council bosses approved the transfer of land on Monday (November 9). Deputy Mayor Mike McCusker underwrote the agreement, stating the scheme will increase Extra Care provision, replace outdated accommodation, and deliver long-term savings for the council through reduced care costs.
Council Projects Housing Shortfall
A council report states the city has a projected need of 605 units of Extra Care housing by 2035, a current shortfall of 294 homes. However, service providers claim most projects are unviable due to land and building costs, and aren’t possible without the support of the council.
By relinquishing the land, the council will also lose the annual income and capital receipt in the value of the land. However, the local authority estimates it will save around £820k a year in social care costs through the scheme.
Councillor Mike McCusker, Deputy City Mayor of Salford and Lead Member for Planning, Transport, Sustainable Development and Regeneration, said: “This is an important opportunity to deliver much-needed, modern and affordable Extra Care housing for older people in Salford, helping them to live independently for longer while having access to the care and support they need.”
McCusker continued: “Our decision to work with Mosscare St Vincent’s reflects their existing presence on the neighbouring site, the opportunity to improve accommodation for current residents and the growing demand for Extra Care housing across the city. Cabinet’s approval is an important first step, and we will now work closely with Mosscare St Vincent’s to progress the proposals, including the necessary legal, financial and planning processes, alongside further consultation with the community. Our priority is to ensure this development delivers lasting benefits for existing residents and future generations of older people in Salford.”
