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BTP and Haig complete second phase of Veterans’ Village

Award winning BTP Architects has helped deliver more homes for veterans after work was completed on phase two of a scheme made famous by the BBC programme DIY SOS.

The latest phase of work at the veterans’ village in Newton Heath, East Manchester involved converting 17 empty properties into 14 refurbished homes for veterans, including three larger, adapted, residential homes.

Work on the final residential home on the site will be carried out over the coming days as the DIY SOS team return to the site.

Veterans’ charity Haig took over ownership of the homes, which had been long-term empty properties, with a vision of creating a vibrant, secure and supportive veterans’ community. The houses will provide an opportunity for veterans to get on the housing ladder.

Assan Sawo served in the Grenadier Guards for six years including two tours of Afghanistan, and received support from Haig as he looked to start a new life after leaving the army. He has now moved into one of the new properties with his wife Mam and three children Musa, seven, Abdul, four and five-week-old Jamal.

“When you leave the army you are going into the unknown,” he said. “You are really out of your comfort zone and away from everything you know.

“You aren’t sure how you are going to provide for your family or if you’ll be able to afford a place to live. That’s why schemes like this are really amazing.”  

James Richardson, CEO of Haig Housing added: “This development continues to inspire people and provide families with a unique opportunity.

“We’re delighted to be able to hand over the latest phase of homes.” 

Accessibility was a key consideration when designing the homes, including converting two properties into new larger homes to ensure they met the needs of residents.

Vicky Saunders, Director at BTP Architects, added: ‘It has been an honour to use our expertise to turn around these derelict properties into sustainable, accessible and modern homes for such a worthwhile cause. We hope that the design can help veterans and their families adapt to life away from the military.”

Work on the homes was carried out by contractor Kier.

The initial phase of work on the veterans’ village development was featured on the DIY SOS: Homes for Veterans special last October, and saw eight properties on Canada Street and New Street refurbished in an initiative run by Manchester City Council, Haig Housing and the Walking with the Wounded charity.

BTP Architects was part of the original team of volunteers that took part in the two-week refurbishment, that also included Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge, and Prince Harry.

The company was honoured for its work on phase one of the veterans’ village after the scheme was named winner in the regeneration category of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Awards North West 2016. The project was also highly commended in the national awards.

Lee Podmore Associate at BTP added: “It has been a pleasure to design and co-ordinate this scheme through from Phase 1 with the BBC through to completion of the remaining properties. Having started the process surveying dilapidated terraces, it is very fulfilling to see it transformed to a vibrant community with children playing on the street.”

The BBC’s DIY SOS team has now returned to the scheme to carry out work on the final property and welcome a new family over the coming days. 

Family image: Lee Podmore, BTP Associate, Mr Sawo and family, Simon Griffin, Development Manager at Haig Housing and Neil Jones Operations Manager at Kier. 

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