Work has begun on the UK’s biggest purpose-built village to home rough sleepers, set to open in Manchester city centre next year.
Called Embassy Village, the project will transform 22 railway arches near the Bridgewater Canal and River Irwell, creating a community of 40 new homes with wrap-around support.
The arches will be filled with shipping containers, which will be converted into high-quality homes, with facilities including a village hall, multi-use sports areas and outdoor green spaces like mini allotments to grow vegetables.
The first phase of the development will be completed in 2025, with the plan for it not to be dubbed simply a ‘homeless shelter’.
Residents will have to commit to six hours of training per week in shopping, cooking and budgeting, while the village hall will be complete with a counselling room, laundry room and communal computers, plus a training kitchen to help residents learn to cook.
The project has been founded by Manchester charity Embassy along with developers Peel Waters and Capital & Centric.
James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters said: “Starting the build of Embassy Village is a very significant moment for us and our partners who have worked on this meaningful project.
“From forming the initial concept of using our land for the most vulnerable in our society during a breakfast with Mayor Andy Burnham, to pulling together the huge team of consultants working on a pro bono basis, we are extremely proud of our involvement and continuous support of this amazing project.
“Today’s launch event is an important milestone, marking years of hard work and collaboration to deliver the UK’s first purpose-built community village and we want to say a huge thanks to all those who have got involved in supporting Embassy Village so far.
“We look forward to completing the build of Embassy Village and seeing the first residents move in, providing much needed housing, training and wrap-around support for some of our most vulnerable members of society; transforming their lives and breaking the cycle of homelessness.”
Tim Heatley, co-founder at Capital&Centric and Chair of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity added: “Initiatives such as this show how big things can happen when the people and businesses of Greater Manchester come together.
“A city is judged on how it looks after its most vulnerable and disadvantaged residents and once again our city region is leading the way.
“Nobody should have to spend a night on our streets, and this project will ensure hundreds of people will have somewhere to call home, with the help and support needed to ensure they don’t end up homeless in the future.”
A further £1million is required for the remaining units and to complete phase two of Embassy Village. Embassy is now working with the business community, individuals and the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity to secure funds for the long-term village running costs.
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