Construction has officially completed on Embassy Village Manchester, a new, pioneering purpose-built community beneath 22 transformed railway arches in Castlefield, designed to provide long-term, life-changing support for people experiencing homelessness.
Delivered through a large scale pro bono collaboration involving more than 130 businesses, the project is the first of its kind in the UK at this scale and level of ambition. The village provides 40 fully furnished homes, each with its own front door, alongside long term personalised support designed to help residents rebuild their lives with stability and dignity.
Built on land provided by Peel Waters and led by Greater Manchester charity Embassy, the site includes a village hall, sports area, mini allotments and landscaped outdoor space with more than 1,800 plants. Residents will receive six hours of tailored support each week, alongside training in cooking, budgeting and work readiness.
The build was delivered at no profit by Vermont Construction Group, working with Capital & Centric and a city wide team of architects, engineers and consultants who donated their time and expertise, transforming a project that began as a bold, visionary response to homelessness into a best‑practice model for social innovation.
Funding for the project includes a £3.5m donation from The Moulding Foundation and £1.7m in Brownfield Development Funding from Greater Manchester Combined Authority, alongside support from the Garfield Weston Foundation, Benefact Trust and other donors. Key elements including windows, air source heat pumps and furniture were also donated to reduce costs.
More than 200 people attended the on site launch, with catering provided by Therme Manchester and a local graffiti artist creating a permanent artwork featuring the logos of all contributing businesses. Guests were also invited to sign a brick to mark the completion of the build.
With construction finished, Embassy is now fundraising to cover ongoing staffing and operational costs as residents begin moving in and the charity scales up its support from March.
Sid Williams, Director, Embassy Charity, said:
“To reach the completion of the village build is incredible. For six years we’ve been carrying this vision and to finally stand in it is amazing. I’d have been nobody’s first choice to build it. I’ve not even built an extension before. God has a sense of humour and is just looking for a heart that’s up for it. I have been so humbled by over 130 organisations, mostly local businesses who’ve given funds, people, time and materials to get this done. It’s nothing short of a quiet miracle under the arches.
“While the build is complete, we have six new full time support roles to fund and so it’s not too late for companies and individuals to support the venture. We can’t wait to upscale the number of people we can support from March, as they leave homelessness behind and start a brighter chapter. What a huge privilege.”
James Whittaker, Managing Director, Peel Waters, said:
“Watching Embassy Village reach completion is one of the proudest moments of my career. Walking through the finished homes and seeing this once forgotten space transformed into a place of safety, dignity and hope is incredibly moving. What makes it even more special is knowing that this wasn’t achieved by one organisation alone, but by an entire city coming together with compassion, generosity and belief in what’s possible.
“I am profoundly proud of everyone who has contributed; every business, every volunteer, every partner who gave their time, skills and heart to make this vision a reality. Embassy Village shows what can happen when Manchester unites behind a purpose. It will change lives for years to come, and I’m honoured that Peel Waters has played a part in helping create a new beginning for so many.”
If you want to help support staffing, training and services at Embassy Village, click HERE.
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Tue 24 Feb 2026
