Crewe based Construction and Property Maintenance Company, Construction Linx recently joined the BBC DIY SOS team in one of their biggest projects to date.
The Veterans’ Village Project was supported by supplying three contractors who all volunteered for a 12 hour day
A first of its kind partnership, the project brought together Manchester City Council, the BBC’s DIY SOS: the Big Build project, charities Walking WithThe Wounded and Haig Housing, and Adactus Housing Groups – along with a huge amount of time and expertise donated to the project by volunteer contractors.
During the project Construction Linx supplied a painter, plasterer and a general labourer who all took part in helping to ready the houses for occupation and the company worked alongside many other constructions firms to develop a veterans’ community by bringing 25 empty homes back into use in East Manchester.
During the first phase, eight of the street’s empty homes were refurbished to create three larger adapted residential homes for veterans and their families, one standard size property and a veteran walk-in support and advice centre – all in time for the end of September.
The aim of the project was to create a veterans’ housing community within the existing community. The advice centre will have a private space for therapy and counselling – run by Walking With The Wounded – and provide a space for community use.
Training and employment opportunities are being developed for veterans and existing residents.
At the same time, street scene improvements provided disabled access parking, a planting scheme was introduced, and each of the 62 properties on the street received a facelift – ready for a group of veterans and their families to move in at the end of the month.
Construction Linx Director Gareth Williams commented: “As soon as we heard about the project we jumped at the chance to get involved. It’s a great project for a great cause. These guys have given so much to the country, it is only right we give back what we can. As a company we were so proud to be involved.”
Nick Knowles, the BBC DIY SOS presenter, said: “We couldn’t have done this without the amazing support of all these trades. The enormous amount of help – in time, materials, labour and much more- is a tribute to our nation’s building industry.”
Cllr Bernard Priest, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is an incredible project that will help improve the lives of veterans in Manchester. As the project begins, I would like to thank all of the contractors and suppliers who have volunteered their time, expertise and manpower to make the new community a reality.”
To learn more about Walking With The Wounded or to donate please visit www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk
Next Story >