DIY SOS Veterans Village

What happens when you bring the BBC, Walking with the Wounded, Manchester City Council and a group of contractors together? Only, the largest DIY SOS challenge ever! Not only has this project set the benchmark for true collaboration amongst those who are normally competitors, it has delivered an exceptional community provision for army veterans who often feel marginalised from society. A once empty street is now a thriving hub of opportunity and rehabilitation in a safe and inclusive environment.

BTP was the project architect and part of the volunteer consultant team on the biggest ever DIY SOS Big Build in Manchester. The project involved transforming run-down terrace houses in Newton Heath into bespoke homes for Army Veterans including Walking with the Wounded Advice and Therapy Centre.

BTP were closely involved in all aspects of the scheme including surveying the properties, carrying out the design work to ensure that they met with the requirements of the Veterans and working closely with our partners at Manchester City Council, Planning and Building Control to ensure the project came to fruition.

We are looking forward to our involvement in the second part of the project which will see a further 17 empty properties refurbished by charity, Haig Housing.