The Depot, South Manchester - A neighbourhood approach to intergenerational living.

Written by David Coulson of Buttress Architects, Housing LIN Case Study No.182 demonstrates how a large-scale residential development such as The Depot, designed by Buttress Architects and managed by Mosscare St Vincent’s Housing Group (MSV) can embed intergenerational living within a mainstream neighbourhood.

By combining family housing, later living provision and integrated care within a single masterplan, the scheme reflects the findings of the 2026 All-Party Parliamentary Group on Housing and Care for Older People Inquiry into Creating Intergenerational Communities, showing how housing can function as essential social infrastructure that supports ageing in place, social connection and long-term community resilience.

The case study explores the breadth and integration of housing on offer at the scheme, including:

• Family homes, some with shared ownership
• Affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments
• Over-55s independent living, at Bowes House
• Extra care provision, at Elmswood Park
• and NHS step-down apartments.

David pulls out several key themes that have emerged from the project to offer guidance for similar developments, and concludes that the scheme reflects a shift away from housing as a series of individual products towards housing as part of a wider eco-system that supports how people live over time.