Construction consultancy supports homelessness project in Manchester 

Edmond Shipway has been appointed by charity Embassy as part of a new initiative aimed at tackling homelessness in Greater Manchester. 

The company will provide project management and cost consultancy services on the second phase of Embassy Village, a hub for disadvantaged people.

The project includes 40 purpose-built homes for men facing homelessness, as well as a community centre, green space, and multi-use sports centre.

Residents will receive training and mentoring to help them break the cycle of homelessness and reintegrate back into society. They will also be equipped with a range of life skills, including shopping, budgeting and cooking. 

In addition, the initiative will help residents get into work. Embassy is partnering with 21 companies to offer interviews and job opportunities. 

At an event earlier this week to mark progress on site, the charity thanked local businesses that have supported the scheme, many of which – including Edmond Shipway – have done so at a reduced rate or on a pro bono basis. 

Funding has been secured for the first 24 homes following a £3.5m donation from the Moulding Foundation, with construction set to start later this month. 

Further funding is needed to enable the charity to employ six additional full-time staff to run the village, which is expected to open to residents in late 2025. 

Jamie Crouch, director at Edmond Shipway, said: “Being involved in bringing Embassy Village to life has been a very rewarding process for our team. This is a fantastic project that will make a real difference to those facing homelessness in Manchester, and it’s important to us as a business to do our bit for worthwhile causes such as Embassy Village.

“We’re thrilled to have been involved in this project alongside so many other generous businesses, and it would be fantastic to see Embassy reach its funding target.”

Other partners contributing to the scheme include Arcadis, which provided project management services for the first half of the project; Peel Waters, which provided the land; Capital & Centric; and Vermont Construction Group.

Sid Williams, co-director and founder of Embassy, said: “Embassy Village will be a huge step forward for Manchester in tackling homelessness, and will allow us to provide a long-term, supportive community for those who need it. 

“The average time those who are homeless spend in shelter is between 10 and 15 years, which has a huge impact on their confidence and mental health, whereas the average stay at Embassy is currently 14 months. 

“Embassy Village will allow us to support even more people in Manchester to get their lives back on track, and we’re extremely grateful to everyone who is helping us reach this goal.”

For companies interested in supporting the village, contact sid@embassyvillage.co.uk.