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Fuelling the BBC’s DIY SOS
The company worked alongside hundreds of Manchester building firms and tradesmen to develop a veterans’ community by bringing 25 empty homes back into use at Newton Heath in east Manchester.
“We couldn’t have done this without the amazing support of all these trades,” said Nick Knowles, the BBC DIY SOS presenter. The enormous amount of help – in time, materials, labour and much more- is a tribute to our nation’s building industry.”
During the first phase, which ended last month when Princes William and Harry visited the site and helped put in some of the finishing touches, saw eight of the street’s empty homes 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.
“Certas Energy is committed to being a good corporate citizen,” said commercial manager Darren Holloway. “This is just one way we can give back to the community in which we operate. This project will provide quality homes for some very deserving individuals; it’s a pleasure for us to be able to do our bit to get these properties constructed and habitable.”
Along with the BBC’s DIY SOS Big Build project team, the project brought together Manchester City Council, charities Walking With The Wounded and Haig Housing, and Adactus Housing Groups. Energy.
As the project moves in to its second phase, any further support the construction industry can provide is welcome to assist the charity Haig Housing with the refurbishing of the remaining 17 empty properties.
Follow the conversation on Twitter: #DIYSOSVeterans