BBC’s DIY SOS team to create veterans’ homes in Manchester

The team from the BBC programme DIY SOS is set to join forces with a number of construction firms to deliver the initial phase of a new community for veterans.

The development, which will bring together the DIY SOS Big Build project, Manchester City Council, Haig Housing, Adactus Housing Groups and the charity Walking With The Wounded, with see empty homes in east Manchester brought back into use.

In the first phase, eight homes will be revamped to create three larger residential properties for ex-armed forces personnel and their families, in addition to a walk-in support centre.

Elsewhere, outdoor areas near the homes will be refurbished to offer disabled access, while veterans who have been retrained in building trades by Walking With The Wounded will be part of the construction team.

Nick Knowles, the presenter of the BBC’s DIY SOS, said: “We couldn’t have done this without the amazing support of all these trades. The enormous amount of help - in time, materials, labour and much more - is a tribute to our nation’s building industry.”

A number of companies have come on board with the project. Kier will serve as the lead contractor, while ISG will take charge of the supply chain and Wates Living Space will head up empty home refurbishment.

Meanwhile, Willmott Dixon will provide street-scaping services and Bernard Taylor Partnership has joined as the development’s architect. Arcus Consulting will be the lead designer for the new community.

Haig Housing’s CEO, James Richardson, said: “We are delighted that so many organisations have been inspired by this project and are grateful for the many offers of help and support.

“This first phase with the BBC DIY SOS Big Build is an extraordinary project delivering bespoke homes for Veterans in housing need. In the second phase, when this charity will be refurbishing another 19 homes, we hope to create a Veterans’ Village and vibrant community.

He continued: “We are delighted to be working with Manchester City Council, the BBC, Walking with the Wounded and all of the very generous firms and businesses that have made this possible.”

The development is due for completion by the end of September.

Manchester City Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Bernard Priest, said: “This is an incredible project that will help improve the lives of veterans in Manchester.

“As the project begins, I would like to thank all of the contractors and suppliers who have volunteered their time, expertise and manpower to make the new community a reality.”