Manchester businesses boost funding for rough sleeper village

Greater Manchester’s business community has poured further funding into supporting the development of Embassy Village in the city’s Castlefield area. The Mayor’s Charity raised more than £40,000 at a gala dinner, more than double the amount raised in its 2023 and 2024 events combined. The capital is expected to speed up the delivery of the first phase of Manchester’s rough sleeper villager, which began on site under Vermont Construction Group late last year. The scheme will transform 22 railway arches into a purpose-built accommodation for homeless people, featuring pods, village hall, outdoor green spaces, mini allotments and a multi-use sports area. The project started in 2021 after the charity joined forces with a team of developers led by Peel Group and Capital&Centric.  Mayor Andy Burham said: “We’re creating a new living quarter under the railway arches which has been funded by local businesses through donations. It’s opening later this year, and we thank everybody who’s made the Embassy Village project a reality.” Tim Heatley, founder at Capital&Centric and chair of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, added: “That’s hundreds of people brought in from the cold, given a warm bed, a hot meal and, most importantly, access to life-changing support that helps them take the next step toward a brighter future.” Sponsors and partners include Watson Homes, LPL, Axis-RE, Atlas Bar, AO Arena Victoria Rose Florals, and Neuron.