Key points from article :
A groundbreaking project in Manchester is aiming to redefine how cities support people as they age. Backed by £1.5 billion in government funding, the North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH) site will be transformed into the UK’s first purpose-built "healthy neighbourhood" designed for ageing well. The plan, developed by public health experts, architects, and local leaders, includes adaptable high-tech homes, improved transport, green spaces, and a vibrant social calendar to combat loneliness.
Michelle Humphreys, strategic projects director at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, described the neighbourhood as one that "adapts around people as they go through life," using advances like medical wearables and remote monitoring. The initiative aligns with global age-friendly movements, responding to predictions that by 2050, 60% of the world’s population will live in urban areas and 27% will be over 65.
Experts like Professor Stefan White from Manchester Metropolitan University say the project will set a national example for enabling people to "age in place" with flexible health and social care support integrated into everyday life. The redevelopment will also include two hospitals, 200 homes, and new health-tech businesses, helping to boost life expectancy and community wellbeing.
Manchester has been a UK leader in age-friendly planning since 2008 and continues to innovate, with figures like Elaine Unegbu of the Age Friendly Manchester board advocating for accessible public spaces. Paul McGarry, head of the Greater Manchester Ageing Hub, emphasised that the project is part of a larger mission to challenge ageism and start a national conversation about how society can better prepare for an ageing population.
