A Manchester-based homelessness charity is teaming up with two local powerhouse developers to deliver a brand new initiative.
Supported by Peel L&P and CAPITAL&CENTRIC, Embassy is planning to create a new community to help the city’s homeless and vulnerable get back on their feet, and it’s set to be the first of its kind in the UK.
The Embassy Village will provide up to 40 new, permanent modular homes that are made from repurposed shipping containers, and it will be located on a self-contained, currently-derelict site, owned by Peel L&P that’s just below the railway arches between the Bridgewater Canal and River Irwell in the heart of Manchester city centre.
It will provide safe and secure homes for people who are homeless, or are at risk of being homeless, with in-house start-to-end support, and routes into work.
The plan is to house the vulnerable people surrounded by the support and training they need to leave the cycle of homelessness, and alongside those high-quality homes, the Embassy Village will also include a Village Hall – which will become a community hub and training and mentoring facility for residents – as well as communal outdoor space with plenty of greenery, a multi use sports area, space to grow vegetables, and external eating and socialising areas.
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A consultation on the planning application has been launched today.
Embassy / Peel L&P / CAPITAL&CENTRIC
Plans for Embassy Village are being launched amid the closure of dormitory style shelters due to lockdown and social distancing measures, with growing concerns across frontline charities that there will be an increased need for homelessness support and temporary accommodation services as a result of the pandemic.
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Government coronavirus (COVID-19) support measures – such as a ban on evictions, and funding to house rough sleepers in hotels – are also due to end in the Spring.
This is heightening fears across the city’s charity sector it could drive a spike in homelessness.
At Embassy village, the charity’s team of re-settlement workers and volunteers will provide wrap-around support of at least six hours per week, per resident, to equip them with a range of life skills, including shopping and budgeting, cooking, and how to manage a home, as well as a course designed to help residents unpack past traumas and grow in confidence.
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The self-contained site will be managed 24/7 by Embassy’s experienced team.
Embassy’s training and mentoring programme is also being designed to boost residents’ work readiness through job application, interview support and wider training.
The charity plans to build on its successful track record of helping residents to resettle into secure long-term accommodation and find routes back into work, by collaborating with local employers.
A total of 12 companies have already signed up to offer employment.
Embassy / Peel L&P / CAPITAL&CENTRIC
Speaking on the announcement of the project, Sid Williams – Founder of Embassy – said: “This pandemic has only gone to further strain the resources of the poorest in our society and we sadly expect to see homelessness increase.
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“Our approach is to provide rented housing and formally end homelessness from day one.
“We aim to get people into full time work and private rental sector housing, rather than council housing and benefits.
“We interview everyone we assist and what we look for is a willingness to make progress, learn and, where possible, to work [so] Embassy Village will provide residents with their own front door, and teach them the life skills they need to become independent and start contributing to society again”.
James Whittaker – Executive Director at Peel L&P – added: “It’s been a real joy and a privilege to bring together the business community to help create our vision to deliver a special project to reduce Manchester’s homelessness by transforming our land beneath some railway arches in the city into much needed housing for the homeless.
“We’re delighted to partner with Embassy, a charity who will make a huge difference in helping vulnerable adults to obtain better lives through their restoration programme by getting them into housing, employment and independent living”.
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Tim Heatley – co-founder of CAPITAL&CENTRIC and Chair of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity – said: “We’ve worked with Embassy for the last few years, helping them to get the original bus off the ground, but we’ve always had the vision to create something more permanent that gives people their own front door.
“Making sure it’s really high quality, with communal areas like the village hall and sports area, has been super important as we want the future residents to be proud of their community.”
Sir Richard Leese – Leader of Manchester City Council – added: “Meeting the growing demand for emergency accommodation to support people vulnerable to homelessness is a major challenge, particularly at this time of year when the number of people asking for support and sleeping rough is at its height.
“Developing a Housing First opportunity in the city is welcome and I hope this type of community has the potential to provide life-changing help for people facing homelessness in Manchester.”
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If you would like to take part in the consultation, you can head on over to the Embassy Village website and complete the online questionnaire.
Property
The local property developers helping Mancs buy a home without the large deposit
Emily Sergeant
A North West developer that specialises in creating Shared Ownership homes currently has eight new developments under construction across Manchester.
Getting your foot on theproperty ladder or taking the next step to owning a bigger home can be one of the most challenging things to do and is often not financially viable for a lot of people – and this is whereGecko Homes‘ unique Shared Ownership scheme comes in.
The developer is enabling first time buyers and other qualifying homebuyers to purchase shares in its homes instead.
With deposits from as little as £2,438, the scheme means residents can buy shares ranging from 10% all the way up to 75% instead and then pay rent on the rest, with the option to increase the share percentage at later dates, all the way up to outright ownership.
Gecko Homes is helping Mancs get on the property ladder / Credit: Supplied
As mentioned, the company is currently working on eight new developments across Manchester in some of the city’s most sought-after suburbs, and prospective buyers can now register their interest.
One of the most popular developments currently underway is ‘Tatton Place’ in Sale – which is a redevelopment of a historic Masonic Hall and police station into 31 homes, including two and three-bedroom houses, one and two-bedroom apartments, and several stunning duplexes, all with access to both private and communal gardens.
Another key development is ‘Emerald Way’ over in the popular Manchester suburban town of Chorlton, where prices start from £60,625 for a 25% share, meaning a buyer would only need a deposit of £3,031.
Over in West Didsbury is one of largest ongoing developments called ‘Two Didsbury Point’, which is a £20 million scheme of 76 affordable homes across two connected eight and five-storey blocks – 46 of those being for shared ownership – on the site of the former Withington Hospital, with an outdoor communal terrace and green spaces for residents to enjoy.
Another one of the developments currently in the works that prospective buyers can now register their interest for is ‘Boundary View’, which lies in the thriving Manchester community of Old Trafford.
“Our Shared Ownership model has transformed people’s lives by giving them a way onto the property ladder in a modern, stylish, and high-quality home that they can afford to live in,” explained Christina Tattersall, who is the Head of Sales at Gecko Homes.
Eight developments are currently underway across Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“All of our latest developments are already generating high levels of interest from local people who want to live in some of Manchester’s most popular and vibrant suburbs that all benefit from great amenities and regular transport links.
“Each development will be finished to a very high specification, with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, as well as luxury floorings and quality fixtures and fittings throughout.”
Residents interested in any of these developments are asked to visit Gecko Homes’ website here to find out more and register their details now.
Prices shown are based on 25% Shared Ownership and a 95% LTV mortgage. All properties are bought as leasehold, with full terms applying, and prices shown may be subject to change and are a guide only.
Featured Image – Supplied
Property
10 hot properties for sale in Greater Manchester | May 2025
Emily Sergeant
Every month, we show you some of the hottest properties currently on the market in Greater Manchester.
It’s safe to say that Mancunians love a good nosey around other peoples’ houses, and after all, Greater Manchester is a brilliant place to live.
But what can your money currently get you in the area?
In our monthly Hot Property series, we scour the internet to find 10 more of the most diverse, jaw-dropping, accessible, and beautifully-presented homes currently on the market in Greater Manchester for you to take a look at.
Conveniently offered to the market with no onward chain, meaning it’s ready for the new owners to move straight into, is this two-bedroom luxury apartment located on the ninth floor of Great Northern Tower – which is has long been one of the most desired places to live in Manchester city centre, with a wealth of amenities right on the doorstep.
The property benefits from bright open-plan living spaces offering lots of flexibility, as well as two double bedrooms, and the star of the show, of course, being the large outdoor terrace with unrivalled views of the city’s skyline.
Allocated parking also comes with the property too.
Great Northern Tower / Credit: Savills
The property is currently on the market with the Manchester branch of national estate agency chain, Savills, for £499,950.
This beautifully restored Edwardian semi sits on an attractive residential street in the heart of Worsley, which is by far one of Greater Manchester’s most prestigious and desirable neighbourhoods, known and loved for its access to a wide range of amenities, excellent local schools, and transport links into both Salford and Manchester city centres.
Set over four floors and originally built in 1904, but having been elegantly-updated throughout by the current owners, the property now successfully blends rich period charm with sophisticated modern finishes, offering the perfect balance of character and contemporary comfort.
Estate agents say the home has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of modern family living, while still showcasing a wealth of original features like high ceilings, bay windows, and decorative cornicing.
Externally, the property boasts off-road driveway parking and well-maintained gardens.
Hazelhurst Road / Credit: Hunters
The property is currently on the market with the Worsley-based branch of estate agency chain, Hunters, for £1.25 million.
Old Hall Lane, Mottram In Longdendale, Tameside, Greater Manchester, SK14
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Jardine Estates
Ivydene / Credit: Jardine Estates
Semi-Detached | x5 Bedrooms | x3 Bathrooms
How stunning is this property?
Like something out of a picture-perfect postcard, this five-bedroom semi tucked away on a country lane in the highly-sought-after rural Tameside village of Mottram in Longendale – which enjoys easy access to amenities, good local schooling options, and convenient transport links, while also being on the doorstep to the countryside – is offered to the market in completely immaculate condition.
Built in the 1700s, estate agents say this charming Georgian country home is brimming with timeless character and elegance.
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Some of the property’s stand-out features, of which there are too many to name, have to be the gorgeous open-plan kitchen-diner, the five regal double bedrooms, and the large basement with a wine cellar.
Ivydene / Credit: Jardine Estates
The property is currently on the market with Hyde-based independent estate agents, Jardine Estates, for £875,000.
South Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, WA14
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Watersons
Lauriston / Credit: Watersons
Terraced | x5 Bedrooms | x3 Bathrooms
This immensely attractive double-fronted Georgian property in the affluent Bowdon enjoys a prominent position on the corner of South Road and Stamford Road, and is located within easy walking distance of both Hale and Altrincham, making it ideally-placed for convenient access to the towns’ wide range of amenities, excellent schooling options, and transport links.
Estate agents say the property offers ‘extensive’ family accommodation arranged over four floors, and has been comprehensively updated by the current owners and improved entirely in-keeping with the original character
Multi-paned windows, high intricate corniced ceilings, a spindle balustrade staircase turning through the floors, and several original fireplaces are just some of the features the property boasts internally.
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Stepping outside, you’ll find beautifully-landscaped gardens to the front and rear.
Lauriston / Credit: Watersons
The property is currently on the market with the Hale branch of independent estate agents, Watersons, for £1,625,000.
This has to be one of the finest homes currently on the market – not just in The Heatons, but in the whole of Greater Manchester.
Sedgley Lodge is an impressive eight-bedroom detached family property on one of Heaton Moor’s most prestigious roads, spanning an expansive 4,569 sq ft and offering an abundance of space, character, and potential for any prospective buyers lucky enough to move in to the home estate agents say is a ‘truly rare offering’ to the market.
Behind the doors of this regal residence, you’ll find a wealth of versatile living space perfect for modern family life and entertaining, with timeless architecture and generous proportions throughout.
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Externally, this stunning home boasts some of the most striking kerb appeal and is set within mature landscaped gardens to the front and rear.
Sedgley Lodge / Credit: Julian Wadden
The property is currently on the market with the Heaton Moor branch of independent estate agents, Julian Wadden, for a Guide Price of £1,425,000.
A hidden gem in the heart of one of Bolton’s most sought-after residential areas, tucked behind the historic charm of Smithills Hall and set among by the leafy tranquillity of a private gated cul-de-sac, this four-bedroom end mews home on Aspen Close is described by estate agents as being the very definition of a ‘modern-day sanctuary’.
Ready for a growing families to move straight into, the property has been finished to a high standard, boasting light and spacious accommodations, including a large kitchen-diner and a modern lounge with a media wall.
Externally, the property has driveway parking for one vehicle out at the front, and has its own private garden to the rear, as well as being on the doorstep of a woodland backdrop.
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Aspen Close / Credit: Newton & Co
The property is currently on the market with Bolton-based independent estate agents, Newton & Co, for £400,000.
This stunning stone terraced cottage situated in the ever-popular Bury village of Hawkshaw, only a stone’s throw away from the wide range of amenities, good local schooling options, countryside access, and transport links on offer in Ramsbottom and Bolton, is offered to the market in immaculate condition and is ideal for first time buyers and growing families alike.
The current owners have renovated the property and equipped it with everything needed for modern-day living, while still managing to retain the character and charm of a cosy cottage.
Internally, you’ll find spacious and flexible living spaces set over three floors, while externally, the property benefits from having panoramic countryside views and an easy-to-maintain enclosed lawned garden to the rear.
Bolton Road / Credit: Wainwrights
The property is currently on the market with Bury-based independent estate agents, Wainwrights, for £315,000.
Sat on a popular residential street in the sought-after Swinley area of Wigan – which is close to a wide range of amenities, good local schools, and convenient transport links across Greater Manchester and beyond – is this four-bedroom semi that has been extended and renovated by the current owners to a high standard, and is now ready to move straight into.
Internally, this immaculately-presented family home provides spacious and versatile accommodation set over two floors, with and the master bedroom even having an ensuite.
Stepping outside, the property has an integral garage and a large block-paved driveway at the front with off-road parking for several vehicles, while at the rear, you’ll find a well-maintained garden with a lawn and patio area.
Danseway / Credit: Regan & Hallworth
The property is currently on the market with the Wigan branch of independent estate agents, Regan & Hallworth, for £425,000 (Offers in the Region of).
Oulder Hill Drive / Credit: Adamsons Barton Kendal
Detached | x5 Bedrooms | x4 Bathrooms
Offered to the market on a popular residential estate in one of Rochdale’s most affluent areas, this stunning five-bedroom detached home in Bamford – which is only a short distance from a wide range of amenities, good local schooling options, and convenient transport links across Greater Manchester and beyond – has been finished to an exceptionally high standard by the current owners.
Immaculately presented throughout, the property boasts light and spacious accommodations around every corner with everything needed for modern-day family living.
Externally, the property has off-road driveway parking for several vehicles, a double integral garage, and well-maintained landscaped gardens to the front and rear.
Oulder Hill Drive / Credit: Adamsons Barton Kendal
The property is currently on the market with local independent estate agents, Adamsons Barton Kendal, for £780,000.
The Sycamores is described by estate agents as being a true local gem.
Set behind ornate gates at the top of a grand driveway sits this substantial detached six-bedroom residence occupying a commanding position in one of Saddleworth’s most-popular and most sought-after areas, Greenfield – which residents love for its semi-rural location, while still being a stone’s throw from all the amenities needed.
Behind the doors of this imposing Victorian mansion you’ll find large spacious reception rooms, a bespoke kitchen with an Aga, and a master featuring a stunning en-suite/dressing room, among other features.
Externally, there are expansive gardens to the front and rear of the stunning property.
The Sycamores / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
The property is currently on the market with the Uppermill branch of local estate agents, Ryder & Dutton, for £2.5 million.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd February 2021 
