Construction starts on £1.4m development for LGBT people in Salford

Work has started on an apartment scheme for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Salford.

The £1.4m development, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, will create 14 homes for LGBT people who may be facing difficult circumstances, including those in danger of being made homeless.

Housing organisation ForViva is delivering the scheme in the Broughton area.

City West Housing Trust, a member of the ForViva group, worked closely with Salford City Council and the LGBT Foundation on the development.

Colette McKune, group deputy chief executive at ForViva, said: “We all have the right to be able to access a secure home and feel safe in their community.

“It has become clear that some LGBT people in Salford were facing incredibly tough choices on where to live, or even homelessness because their circumstances had left them with nowhere to turn for alternative housing.”

She added: “This scheme will go some way to addressing that challenge and will allow people to improve their situations and live independently.”

The chief exec of the Manchester-based LGBT Foundation, Paul Martin OBE, commented: “Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people can still face considerable discrimination within social housing services which can result in feelings of exclusion and isolation.

“I welcome today’s announcement about this ground-breaking scheme which recognises that LGBT people are an integral part of society and make a tremendous contribution to the identity of modern Salford.”

He added: “I very much look forward to working with City West and the ForViva Group on ensuring that the needs of their LGBT residents are better met.”

The homes will be available for affordable rent. Watson Homes is the developer for the scheme, which is being delivered with funding from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Completion is due in Winter 2018.