A roll call of contractors, subcontractors and consultants including Kier, BAM, Wates and ISG has been helping the BBC DIY SOS team on its current project to turn empty homes in east Manchester into the first stage of a veterans’ community.
The BBC is screening the transformation in two parts with the final episode due to air on 21 October at 8pm.
Eight of the street’s empty homes are being refurbished to create three larger adapted residential homes for veterans and their families, one standard size property and a walk-in support and advice centre for veterans.
The scheme also includes street scene improvements to provide disabled access, new planting and a facelift for each of the 62 properties on the street.
The industry’s support for the project has included pro-bono working from:
- lead contractor, Kier;
- supply chain lead, ISG;
- empty home refurbishment lead, Wates Living Space;
- street-scaping lead, Willmott Dixon;
- architect Bernard Taylor Partnership;
- principal designer, Arcus Consulting;
- contractors Mears; Rowlinsons; and Keepmoat.
In addition, a six-strong team from BAM Construct also contributed to the project through its supply chain, providing timber, joinery and roofing materials, night time security services via Taurus, concrete works and drainage services through Heyrod Construction, scaffolding services through Allied Scaffolding and joinery services through Reds and Nationwide.
The biggest ever DIY SOS project also involves Manchester City Council, the Adactus Housing Group and charities Walking With The Wounded and Haig Housing.
Prince William and Prince Harry meet the Kier site team
During the final stages of filming the project was visited by The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, who wanted to draw attention to the ongoing challenges facing service personnel making the transition to civilian life.
Veterans who have been re-trained in construction trades – through the Walking With the Wounded charity – have also been part of the building team.
Training and employment opportunities are being developed for veterans and existing residents, and the project partners are also developing a legacy of on-going veteran training and employment opportunities.
Nick Knowles, the BBC DIY SOS presenter, 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.”
James Richardson, chief executive of Haig Housing, 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. 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.”
