This is a copy of the Letter to Rachel Reeves that was sent yesterday and signed by 81 retail CEOs. Economic consequences of the Autumn Budget for UK retail We are writing to share our significant concerns about the impact of the Budget on the retail industry and the economic
Clarion Partners Europe, a leading real estate investment fund manager specialising in European logistics and industrial properties, has partnered with NatWest to secure a £200 million Net Asset Value (NAV) Line facility for one of its co-mingled funds. This fund reports under Article 8 of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation
Bespoke excavation support solution from Groundforce Shorco helps East Rudland Construction. Groundforce Shorco has provided specialist shoring equipment and design services for a complex excavation at a new housing development in North Yorkshire. Contractor East Rudland Construction is carrying out the groundworks and civil engineering for the project, which involves
Field service engineer Tom March has taken the lead in the technical assessment of the Caterpillar® Global Dealer Technician Challenge and progressed to the next stage of the competition. The competition is a new global Caterpillar initiative that recognises excellence in the field of engineering and Tom’s performance to date puts him
As the farming industry gets ready to protest changes to agricultural property relief (APR), they can count on construction to understand their concerns. Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “Construction companies are also generational businesses operating on tight margins, uncertain cashflow and aging workforces.
Onduline Building Products, a leader in lightweight roofing systems and waterproofing solutions, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the upcoming Public Sector Estates and Facilities Management Show, where it will showcase its renowned sub-roof system, ISOLINE LOW LINE. Taking place at the Pendulum Hotel in Manchester on 30th January
ABB has launched the ACS8080, its newest medium voltage air-cooled drive. The new drive represents an evolution, building on over 50 years of experience in delivering drives to industrial applications and bringing reliability, performance, and flexibility to the next level thanks to innovative motor control, versatile design, and digital capabilities.
A transformative housing project is set to take shape in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, as developers Persimmon and Barratt Homes Bristol join forces to deliver up to 2,500 new homes. This landmark collaboration marks a significant step forward in meeting housing demand and enhancing local infrastructure. Persimmon has been working closely with
ACCELERATING educational development, work on two new schools with an emphasis on sustainability has completed in Bedfordshire, delivering space for up to 1,740 pupils within a growing local community. The regional projects, Wixams Academy and Willow Grove Primary School, form part of an ambitious £100m schools development initiative within Bedford,
Construction begins to build the UK’s largest purpose- built village for rough sleepers Once complete, Embassy Village will transform the site below 22 railway arches into accommodation for 40 homeless men with a village hall, outdoor green spaces, mini allotments and a multi-use sports area. The team behind a pioneering
This is a copy of the Letter to Rachel Reeves that was sent yesterday and signed by 81 retail CEOs. Economic consequences of the Autumn Budget for UK retail We are writing to share our significant concerns about the impact of the Budget on the retail industry and the economic consequences for inflation, employment and investment. Retail is in every community and is vital to the socio-economic fabric of the UK. It is the largest private sector employer, with three million direct jobs and 2.7 million more in the supply chain, contributing over £100bn per annum to GDP. This scale and reach means the industry can be a partner to government, supporting the reinvigoration of high streets, creating jobs all over the country and supporting the government’s ambitions for growth. We appreciate government’s focus on improving the fiscal situation and investing in public services; we also recognise the role businesses have in supporting this. But, the sheer scale of new costs and the speed with which they occur create a cumulative burden that will make job losses inevitable, and higher prices a certainty. Cumulative cost burden The estimated additional costs arising in 2025 are set out below. The impact of the Budget NIC threshold change is particularly acute given retail employs large numbers of people in entry-level and part-time roles. Costs from the Budget sit alongside other incoming regulations, including implementation of new packaging levies. New Costs From Cost Budget Employers’ NIC changes Rate increase to 15% April 2025 £0.57 billion Threshold change April 2025 £1.76 billion National Living Wage increase April 2025 £2.73 billion Packaging Levy October 2025 £2.00 billion Total £7.06 billion Taken together, the retail industry’s costs could rise by up to £7bn a year. This will also affect our suppliers, increasing costs that retailers pay for goods and services. Business rates While the 30 October Discussion Paper recognised the need to bring down the burden for retail and hospitality, as things stand, retailers’ bills will increase by £140 million in April 2025 due to the inflationary uplift and a reduction in the existing retail discount for those businesses that receive it. We are concerned the proposals merely redistribute rates within the industry and would see many retailers’ bills significantly increase. Changes must lead to a significant, permanent reduction of rates bills for all retail properties if they are to offset the effects of the extra costs above in any meaningful way. Economic consequences Retail is already one of the highest taxed business sectors, along with hospitality, paying 55% of profits in business taxes. Despite this, we are highly competitive, with margins of around 3-5%, ensuring great value for customers. For any retailer, large or small, it will not be possible to absorb such significant cost increases over such a short timescale. The effect will be to increase inflation, slow pay growth, cause shop closures, and reduce jobs, especially at the entry level. This will impact high streets and customers right across the country. We are already starting to take difficult decisions in our businesses and this will be true across the whole industry and our supply chain. Proposed next steps We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss our concerns and to work together on a solution. By adjusting the timings of some of these changes, the government would give businesses time to adjust and greatly mitigate their harmful effects on high streets and consumers. This discussion could include: This letter reflects the strength of feeling across the industry. We look forward to meeting you. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Clarion Partners Europe, a leading real estate investment fund manager specialising in European logistics and industrial properties, has partnered with NatWest to secure a £200 million Net Asset Value (NAV) Line facility for one of its co-mingled funds. This fund reports under Article 8 of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), marking the first collaboration between the two organisations. This NAV facility is also a landmark transaction, as it includes green loan provisions aligned with the Loan Market Association’s (LMA) Green Loan Principles. This is the first such agreement between NatWest and Clarion Partners Europe, setting a precedent for green financing in real estate. The funds will support a range of sustainable initiatives, including refinancing existing properties, implementing green capital expenditure (capex) programmes, and acquiring assets that either meet or aim to achieve specific building energy certifications. Florina Capraru, Acquisitions Director at Clarion Partners Europe, commented:“Integrating green loan provisions into the NAV facility is a natural progression in our sustainability and value creation strategy. It aligns with our mission to future-proof our portfolio of mission-critical assets. NatWest has been an outstanding partner, demonstrating a deep understanding of the decarbonisation challenges facing the real estate sector. Their alignment with our sustainability ethos reinforces the idea that sustainability acts as both a risk mitigant and a driver of value.” Dan Kumagai, Head of Asset-Backed Funds Financing at NatWest, added:“This innovative green structure is a significant development for the NAV line product. By supporting Clarion Partners Europe, we hope to encourage other leading investors to take pivotal roles in decarbonisation and broader responsible investment.” Rahel Haque, Climate & ESG Capital Markets Lead for Private Finance at NatWest, shared her thoughts:“We are thrilled to have supported Clarion Partners Europe with their inaugural Green NAV facility. This funding will enable them to acquire additional logistics assets and enhance energy efficiency across their portfolio. We look forward to deepening our partnership as we work together towards decarbonising the built environment.” This collaboration not only strengthens the relationship between NatWest and Clarion Partners Europe but also underscores their shared commitment to sustainability and responsible investment in real estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bespoke excavation support solution from Groundforce Shorco helps East Rudland Construction. Groundforce Shorco has provided specialist shoring equipment and design services for a complex excavation at a new housing development in North Yorkshire. Contractor East Rudland Construction is carrying out the groundworks and civil engineering for the project, which involves the construction of 25 executive-style homes for developer Gem Construction Ltd. One of East Rudland Construction’s tasks is the installation of a stormwater attenuation tank – a large underground reservoir to store rainwater and prevent surcharges into the nearby watercourses during periods of high rainfall. The attenuation tank is a large void made using ACO’s StormBrixx HD900 geocellular blocks encased within an impermeable 1mm LLDPE/HDPE membrane. Ground conditions on the site at Ulleskelf, near Tadcaster, are very challenging, says Steve Hayhurst, co-owner of East Rudland Construction. “The site has a very high water table which raises the risk of the groundwater floating the tank and lifting it out of the ground,” he explains. To prevent this happening, it was necessary to increase the depth of soil on top of the buried tank to hold it down. “We couldn’t bury the tank any deeper, so instead we had to change its shape,” says Steve. The tank was therefore redesigned, reducing its height by approximately one metre to allow a greater depth of fill on top. However, to maintain the same volume, the tank’s footprint had to be extended outwards to make up for the reduced depth. The redesigned tank now covered an area of approximately 25m x 17m but due to the space restrictions of the site layout, it has to be a complex and irregular shape in order to occupy the space available. To support the sides of the excavation, East Rudland Construction called in Groundforce Shorco. “I’ve worked with Groundforce for over 20 years and I know them well. I knew they would have the right solution,” says Steve. East Rudland Construction gave Groundforce Shorco the dimensions of the tank and Groundforce Shorco designed the temporary works solution, employing its modular Mega Brace system to support a steel sheet-piled retaining wall and braced with MP50 and MP150 hydraulic props. The Mega Brace system is designed so that beams of virtually any length can be assembled using the modular sections in different combinations. However, this excavation’s complex shape meant that certain lengths of the perimeter frame were little more than one metre in length – too short even for Groundforce Shorco’s standard equipment. Groundforce Shorco therefore provided bespoke lengths, modified to suit the application. To support the sides of the 3m-deep excavation, they supplied 170 lightweight GFI interlocking steel piles, each 6m in length. Larssen piles would normally have been the default option, but site constraints ruled this out, explains Steve. “Larssen piles are strong, heavy-duty sheet piles with a deep U-shaped cross section and we would have struggled to remove them after completion of the excavation without resorting to a larger excavator. “We couldn’t use a heavy excavator without risking damage to the installed tank. There was also very limited space in which to manoeuvre a large machine. Therefore, we had to find an alternative. “We used about 170 6m-long GFIs to stop water flow into the excavation. These are interlocking sheets offering a lighter option than the Larssen piles. They are much easier to remove from the ground.” To permit the lightweight GFI piles to be driven to the correct depth, East Rudland Construction pre-augured the perimeter of the excavation, loosening the soil and allowing insertion of the sheet piles. Another requirement was to carry out extensive frame-to-sheet-pile welding to prevent lateral movement of the frame. The irregular shape of the excavation meant there were numerous short lengths of frame subject to relatively high end-loads. Welding the frame to the sheet piles helped ensure rigidity. “We did all the installation ourselves, using our own plant and equipment, but we relied heavily on the design and technical support provided by Groundforce Shorco,” says Steve. “I kept in regular contact with their area manager Trevor Kendrick – whom I have known for years – and he was absolutely fantastic,” Steve continues. “The job started out as a potential headache but together we found a solution and made it work smoothly.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Field service engineer Tom March has taken the lead in the technical assessment of the Caterpillar® Global Dealer Technician Challenge and progressed to the next stage of the competition. The competition is a new global Caterpillar initiative that recognises excellence in the field of engineering and Tom’s performance to date puts him in with a chance to compete with the best-of-the-best at the competition’s final, at the CONEXPO trade event in Las Vegas. Finning UK & Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat® machines, parts and aftermarket services, used their Staffordshire headquarters as the base for the first round of the competition which saw seven engineers take part in three timed technical challenges. The next stage of the first round will see Tom complete a written assessment set by Caterpillar as well as a five-minute video interview. Tom was delighted to emerge victorious from the first stage, as he says the competition was extremely close: “I was up against some excellent engineers, some with a little bit more experience than me, and none of the challenges were straightforward, so I was honoured to be considered as a front runner.” The Caterpillar Global Dealer Technical Challenge builds on the success of the Global Operator Challenge which sees huge CONEXPO crowds flock to see the world’s best plant machinery operators. Caterpillar see this new initiative as equally important, as Christina Pritchett, Learning and Development Lead in Engineering and Technical, at Finning UK & Ireland explains: “It’s great that Caterpillar is recognising the exceptional work that engineers in the dealer network do, and also promoting what an amazing career you can have as an engineer both in field service, or the workshop.” Tom March certainly agrees on this second point, and says that taking part in this competition is the latest in a series of remarkable experiences in his career so far: “I began my career working for Finning in Canada, which involved a lot of travel, working in some incredible places. Having settled down I am now lucky enough to be working as a field engineer in the North-West where I grew up. Every day is different, and I get to meet some interesting people and solve problems for them. I’m delighted to still be in with a chance to compete in this global competition, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.” Subject to a written exam and video submission, Tom will go forward to the next round of the Global Dealer Technician Challenge: the European regional qualifier, which will be held next March at the Caterpillar Demonstration and Learning Center in Malaga. To find out more about a career in engineering here Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As the farming industry gets ready to protest changes to agricultural property relief (APR), they can count on construction to understand their concerns. Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “Construction companies are also generational businesses operating on tight margins, uncertain cashflow and aging workforces. We therefore stand behind farmers who oppose this budget decision because the growth-hindering, anti-business tax changes also apply to our industry. With so many construction companies being generational, struggling with regulatory burdens and a fifth of workers being over fifty years old, early conversations with members have highlighted that some will consider closing their businesses, changing operations, or cutting back the size of their operations. This means fewer directly employed workers and more sub-contracting, so greater pressure on state pensions and public services. A reduction in new learners and reskilling, as SMEs train 8 in 10 constriction apprentices. Rural areas disproportionately impacted, as local constructors are often major local employers. Fewer businesses to build our houses, especially council homes that are typically built by SMEs. Less capacity to deliver capital and infrastructure works. And a greater challenge to meet our carbon targets, especially to retrofit our 28 million buildings. Some members said they will sell rather than pass on and while this ensures a future for those businesses it comes with workforce insecurity, a loss of experience and talent, and unless bought by a local person, the loss of a local investor. This Government is at risk of being remembered as the one which closed the businesses who keep us fed and build the homes, roads, rail, commercial premises, renewable energy, transport hubs, schools, hospitals, utility connections, drainage systems, and climate solutions. A rethink is desperately needed.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Onduline Building Products, a leader in lightweight roofing systems and waterproofing solutions, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the upcoming Public Sector Estates and Facilities Management Show, where it will showcase its renowned sub-roof system, ISOLINE LOW LINE. Taking place at the Pendulum Hotel in Manchester on 30th January 2025, the event gathers Facilities Managers, Heads of Estates, and Project Managers, with a central goal of advancing sustainable, efficient public estates across the UK in a cost-effective manner. Attendees can visit Onduline to explore the unique benefits of ISOLINE LOW LINE – the only system in the UK that has been BRE tested and BBA Accredited for low-pitch applications as low as 10°, backed by a 30-year guarantee. Designed with versatility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in mind, the ISOLINE LOW LINE system provides an ideal sub-roof solution for projects where cost and functionality are key. It guarantees waterproofing for even the most complex projects, and seamlessly works beneath both new and existing roof tiles, meaning it can meet the needs of a range of applications from retrofit to heritage. In renovation projects, contractors can reuse the building’s original tiles or slates, preserving historical or aesthetic integrity while saving costs. For new construction, ISOLINE LOW LINE offers a watertight, resilient roofing solution that meets modern performance standards, featuring a durable corrugated sheet made from 50% recycled fibres. The system not only delivers superior protection but also enhances the roof’s ventilation, helping to maintain a healthy, well-ventilated roof space. Paul Duffy, Managing Director at Onduline UK, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Public Sector Estates and Facilities Management Show, which is an invaluable opportunity for Onduline to connect directly with key decision-makers in the public sector. “The public sector market is a crucial audience for us, as we understand the unique demands they face in balancing cost-effectiveness with sustainability and long-term resilience. Through our ISOLINE LOW LINE sub-roofing system, we aim to demonstrate how innovative solutions can meet these needs, offering public sector teams a reliable, sustainable choice backed by decades of performance.” For more information on Onduline’s bitumen roofing solutions, visit: www.onduline.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ABB has launched the ACS8080, its newest medium voltage air-cooled drive. The new drive represents an evolution, building on over 50 years of experience in delivering drives to industrial applications and bringing reliability, performance, and flexibility to the next level thanks to innovative motor control, versatile design, and digital capabilities. The converter can achieve up to 98% efficiency, targeting optimal performance for the entire drive system. The new motor control technology MP3C pushes efficiency and motor friendliness to the limit, while preserving the dynamic performance and robustness of the predecessor DTC. It also reduces harmonic distortions by around 50% compared to classic control and modulation schemes, thereby extending equipment lifetime and achieving energy savings. Designed for versatility and ease of integration, the new ACS8080 easily adapts to a wide range of applications and industries. The modular and flexible design includes the possibility of utilizing an external transformer and selecting a sine filter option, making it an optimal match not only for new applications, but also for retrofitting existing drive systems or direct online (DOL) machines. A high degree of flexibility is also possible due to the advanced digital features: the integration of the open software platform, Crealizer™, into the ABB drive operating system allows for advanced programming capabilities that enable the rapid development and deployment of innovative application-specific functionalities, reducing reliance on external controllers. “At ABB, we invest in R&D to deliver new solutions that enhance productivity while reducing emissions and operating costs. With over 50 years of experience in mission-critical applications, we recognize the importance of reliability and flexibility. This is why we continue to evolve—integrating clean, adaptable designs, stepping up our testing capabilities, and embedding the latest digital technologies. This product reflects our commitment to advancing reliability, performance, and flexibility to help the industries outrun- leaner and cleaner,” says Chris Poynter, President of Systems Drives Division, ABB Motion. The leaner design of the ACS8080 translates into a lower number of components than its predecessors, increasing reliability but also simplifying maintenance and service processes. For this new drive, being reliable also means being able to withstand extreme conditions, and this has been tested through rigorous accelerated lifetime tests carried out in the ABB Drives testing facility in Estonia, simulating 20 years of operations. Enhanced sensing capabilities and a next generation control hardware enable the collection of up to 10 times more diagnostic data for better and faster monitoring solutions. The new ABB Connectivity Edge Gateway allows connectivity whether on premises or to the cloud, making it an optimal fit for many digital needs. The built-in sensing solutions enable Asset Health and Performance Management (AHPM) capabilities, reliability monitoring, and data supported inspection for faster troubleshooting and failure detection. Fully embedded in the new drive are advanced safety and protection systems designed to prevent foreseeable hazardous situations and effectively manage unexpected ones. The new ACS8080 is developed to protect against unauthenticated access, malicious firmware, data breaches, and insecure connectivity allowing customers to benefit from all modern digital capabilities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A transformative housing project is set to take shape in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, as developers Persimmon and Barratt Homes Bristol join forces to deliver up to 2,500 new homes. This landmark collaboration marks a significant step forward in meeting housing demand and enhancing local infrastructure. Persimmon has been working closely with Wiltshire Council to secure outline planning permission for the expansive 177-hectare urban extension. Now, with half the site acquired by Barratt Homes Bristol, the ambitious project moves closer to realisation. The scheme will be delivered jointly by Persimmon, Charles Church, Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, and Redrow Homes, with outline planning permission expected early in the new year. The development promises high-quality, energy-efficient homes alongside a multi-million-pound investment in local services, including education, healthcare, transport, and recycling facilities. Residents will benefit from 68 hectares of public open space, incorporating play areas, green spaces, sports pitches, and allotments. A strong emphasis on biodiversity is central to the plans, with the retention of key habitats, extensive planting, bird and bat boxes, and sustainable drainage systems. The project also includes measures to protect and support bat species near Biss Wood and Green Lane Nature Park, alongside the creation of an ecology visitors’ centre. Additionally, the scheme will feature the Yarnbrook and West Ashton Relief Road, a critical infrastructure project to improve local connectivity. Developers’ Vision for a Thriving CommunitySeb Spiller, Deputy Managing Director for Persimmon Homes and Charles Church Wessex, highlighted the project’s wide-ranging benefits:“Persimmon is thrilled to collaborate with Barratt Redrow on this exciting development. With strategic highway improvements, biodiversity initiatives, environmental features, and significant investment in public services, this project will meet local and national housing needs while creating a vibrant community in Trowbridge. “Large-scale projects like this alleviate the housing crisis, drive economic growth, and provide wider benefits for the local area. We look forward to working with Wiltshire Council and our partners to make this vision a reality.” Rob Hart, Managing Director of Barratt Homes Bristol, echoed these sentiments:“We’re delighted to play a key role in this venture, bringing much-needed homes to Trowbridge. Alongside high-quality housing, our initiatives, such as the key worker deposit scheme and shared ownership options, are helping more people achieve homeownership and strengthen the local community.” With its focus on sustainable development, robust infrastructure, and community well-being, the Trowbridge project represents a major milestone for housing in Wiltshire, setting a new standard for urban living in the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ACCELERATING educational development, work on two new schools with an emphasis on sustainability has completed in Bedfordshire, delivering space for up to 1,740 pupils within a growing local community. The regional projects, Wixams Academy and Willow Grove Primary School, form part of an ambitious £100m schools development initiative within Bedford, which is being led by multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard and Bedford Borough Council. Building on its opening in 2017, Wixams Academy, on Green Lane, has been extended to cater for an additional 900 students as part of a £34m project, with the creation of a three-storey teaching block, eight classroom modular block, all-weather sports pitch, and sports hall. Wixams Academy has also received a £250,000 grant from the England Cricket Board (ECB) to enhance its facilities per ECB standards and make the sport accessible to all pupils. The new enhancements include upgraded lighting, flooring, netting, and bowling machines. Meanwhile, Willow Grove Primary School, designed according to Department for Education (DfE) guidelines, is net zero carbon in operation and has space for 840 pupils across a 3.4-hectare site. Claire Peacock, senior project manager at Pick Everard, said: “This has been a fantastic project to be part of and a great opportunity to deliver more school spaces for young people in Bedford. “Wixams Academy in particular now has some industry-leading sports facilities, while Willow Grove Primary School is an exciting new space for younger children to take their early pathways into education. “We look forward to both environments becoming cornerstones of the Wixams community.” Sustainability was a key development objective for both schools, with designated cycle parking spaces and facilities encouraging green travel habits. More than 400 solar panels were installed on the roof of Willow Grove Primary School, helping generate its own renewable energy. Pick Everard, operating via Perfect Circle, was appointed by Bedford Borough Council under the SCAPE Consultancy framework and delivered project management, quantity surveying, NEC supervisor, and principal designer services on the two projects, working closely alongside principal contractor Willmott Dixon. Stewart Brundell, managing director at Willmott Dixon said: “We are proud to have continued our strong partnership of delivering high quality educational facilities with both Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough councils and our wider partners. “The completion of Willow Grove Primary School, alongside a new sports hall and teaching block at Wixams Academy, is a testament to our education expertise and collaboration. With Willow Grove Primary School delivered from start to finish in just 27 months, this incredible achievement highlights what a dedicated project team can accomplish.” Sean Conneely, director at Pick Everard, said: “These are exciting times in Bedford, which like most places across the country, is striving to meet the demands of an ever-growing population. “With modern and accessible teaching environments housed in a sustainable, high-quality build, both of these schools set the standard in creating lasting legacies in their communities. “It’s been a huge positive to see all this achieved within a short period of time, with families now able to benefit from new and expanded schools close to their homes.” Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton, said: “Wixams is continuing to grow into a thriving community, with these new state-of-the-art facilities being an illustration of the bright future which awaits the young people who will grow up here. “Across Bedford Borough, we’re determined to invest in the future, build up and support our communities. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.” In addition to educational projects, the relationship between Pick Everard and Bedford Borough Council has also seen it undertake cross-sector operations in the region, with healthcare centres, heritage works, residential, and commercial projects among its portfolio, alongside the new railway station in Wixams. For more information on Pick Everard and the services it provides, visit: www.pickeverard.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction begins to build the UK’s largest purpose- built village for rough sleepers Once complete, Embassy Village will transform the site below 22 railway arches into accommodation for 40 homeless men with a village hall, outdoor green spaces, mini allotments and a multi-use sports area. The team behind a pioneering homelessness project in Manchester city centre have come together to celebrate a significant milestone moment as work starts on site to build Embassy Village. The purpose-built community for the homeless will provide a long-term and sustainable solution to help address the challenges around the growing number of homeless and vulnerable men within the city region. In 2021 Greater Manchester-based charity, Embassy, joined forces with a pro-bono team led by developers Peel Waters – part of The Peel Group and Capital&Centric, alongside the city’s business community to bring forward Embassy Village and provide 40 new purpose-built homes with wrap-around support for those who need it most. Once complete, Embassy Village will transform the site below 22 railway arches which has been provided by Peel Waters, into high-quality homes with communal outdoor green spaces, including mini allotments to grow vegetables and a multi-use sports area. Embassy will be responsible for the management and operation of Embassy Village. The Greater Manchester based charity launched in 2019 and specialises in reintegrating people back into society, breaking the cycle of homelessness by providing a home, skills training and wraparound support to give them the life skills to be independent. Embassy Village will not be a homeless shelter but will instead be a purpose-built community in which residents will have to commit to six hours of training per week in shopping, cooking and budgeting. The village hall within Embassy Village will be complete with a counselling room, laundry room and communal computers, plus a training kitchen to help residents learn to cook. Since planning consent was granted in 2021, Embassy and partners have been focused on fundraising. Through a £3.5million donation from the Moulding Foundation and further substantial donations from the Garfield Weston Foundation and Benefact Trust, the first phase of the village can now begin which will include the village hall, completion of 24 homes and staff accommodation. Vermont Construction Group has been appointed to build the scheme for no profit and expect to complete phase one of Embassy Village by late 2025. James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters, Tim Heatley, co-founder at Capital&Centric, and Sid Williams the Co-Founder and Director of Embassy marked the start on site at a special event with the organisations who have offered their services for free to design and plan Embassy Village. 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.” Mark Connor, Founder and CEO of Vermont Group also added: “Being able to commence the Embassy Village today is such an achievement. Homelessness is a huge issue in Manchester as the city has some of the highest numbers of rough sleepers in the country. We all have a collective responsibility to deal with this issue and our work at Embassy Village doesn’t just set out to offer warm homes and a village hall, but to create a real community and support system for people who need it. It’s a huge honour for Vermont to be part of solution in dealing with this issue and watching Embassy Village come to life.” 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. Sid Williams, Co-Founder and Director of Embassy said: “Buying an A-lister tour bus to house homeless people seemed a big vision when we started, and yet here we are not so long later at the start of building an entire village. We couldn’t have done this without the incredible companies, individuals and trusts who have given their support to the project and believed in our vision. “Special thanks go to Matt and Jodie Moulding for their significant financial backing and the teams at Peel Waters, Capital&Centric, the Mayor’s Charity and Manchester City Council for making this happen. Whilst this is a huge moment for the project, the hard work doesn’t stop there and we still need further funds to complete all 40 homes and for the long-term running costs. If you can help by sponsoring a home or supplying materials please get in touch.” Jodie Moulding, Co-founder
