Manchester’s commercial property industry has helped to take the city’s local economy from strength to strength over the past few years, however, it is important that the city invests into its local communities to tackle social issues in the property and architecture space too. An example of this is the announcement of a new village that is set to be designed to help homeless people in the Castlefield area of Manchester’s City Centre.
Work on the £5 million project has already begun next to Bridgewater Canal, and Greater Manchester charity Embassy have said that before the end of 2025 they hope that up to 40 people will be living in the newly designed community. For the new village space, Embassy initially considered converting shipping containers into living spaces, however, they have now evolved these plans in favour of focusing on the construction of purpose-built homes.
This initiative demonstrates the scope of opportunities for architecture jobs in Manchester, as it combines structural development with charity work and giving back to the community. This is a unique and inspiring project that could truly change people’s lives for the better, demonstrating that the industry is not just for commercial gain.
The charity has stated that their aim is to ‘support tenants to permanently move off the streets and find work.’ This is a crucial consideration to make as employment without a permanent address is significantly more difficult. Therefore, Embassy’s project will not just assist people in the short-term, it will also help them to make long-term change in their lives as well.
The charity is already doing great work in the city, as they currently rent five properties to 15 former homeless individuals, and their new village project will take this impact to the next level. Sid Williams, Director of Embassy, has noted that ‘92% of people leave us with a full-time job’ after receiving help from the charity, demonstrating the true impact their work.
It is also worth noting that the project has inspired landowners, architects, planning consultants and more to dedicate their time and expertise towards the initiative free of charge to assist the charity’s impact even further.
Managing Director at Peel Waters, James Whittaker states that ‘so many businesses have got involved saying ‘I will give you my time for free.’ We probably would’ve spent £1.5 million if it wasn’t for those free services.’
Whittaker also went on to highlight that ‘hundreds of people have been involved in this project to get to this stage but when we see the first homeless people moving into these homes, that will be a special moment.’
The new village in Castlefield is an interesting and inspiring project that will really help to contribute to the community. It would be amazing to see similar projects that bring together charity work and the property and architecture industry in the future as well.
