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
10 hot properties for sale in Greater Manchester | June 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.
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Ferndale Road
Sale, Trafford, Greater Manchester, M33
Hibbert Homes
Ferndale Road / Credit: Hibbert Homes
Detached | x5 Bedrooms | x3 Bathrooms
Conveniently being offered to the market with no onward chain, this immaculately-presented five-bedroom detached family home in the popular Trafford town of Sale, only a short distance from a wide range of amenities, excellent local schools, and transport links across the region, is described by estate agents as being ‘impressive’ – and honestly, it’d be very hard to disagree.
Finished to a meticulously-high standard, making it an ideal choice for growing families, this property not only boats stunning interiors, but the exterior is just as stunning, with its large paved driveway and well-maintained rear lawned garden.
Viewing is ‘essential’ to fully appreciate the charm and quality of this remarkable home.
Ferndale Road / Credit: Hibbert Homes
The property is currently on the market with Sale-based independent estate agents, Hibbert Homes, for £975,000.
Estate agents describe this stunning six-bedroom Edwardian semi as being the ‘real deal’… and we think that says it all.
Positioned on a prestigious road within the Heaton Moor Conservation area, meaning you’ll be living in one of Stockport’s most thriving and most sought-after communities, some of the property’s highlights have to include the large hand-crafted kitchen diner, and the fully-converted lower ground floor, which is currently used as a beautiful self-contained apartment and boasts double French doors to a private courtyard.
Externally, the property has plenty of off-road driveway parking to the front and stunning rear landscaped gardens.
Broomfield Road / Credit: Julian Wadden
The property is currently on the market with the Heaton Moor branch of local estate agents, Julian Wadden, for a Guide Price of £1.2 million.
Absolutely brimming with character and charm everywhere you look, and situated on the edge of a semi-rural country lane just to add even more to its charm, this four-bedroom stone detached family home was originally built all the way back in 1885, but has been beautifully-maintained to preserve its period features over the decades.
Now providing flexible accommodation across three floors, some of the home’s undeniable stand-out features have to be the dining kitchen with its Aga, original terracotta tiled floors, and the regal family bathroom with a free-standing bath.
When you take a look outside the property, you’ll find off-road parking, an integral garage providing great storage, and several garden areas surrounding – including a large lawn.
Smallshaw Road / Credit: Reside Estate Agency
The property is currently on the market with Rochdale-based estate agency, Reside, for £550,000 (Offers in Excess of).
Looking for an immaculately-presented property that’s ready to move straight into? This could be just what you’re after.
Situated on a pretty residential street in the heart of the popular Wigan area of Swinley, which is known and loved for its close proximity to all the amenities on offer in Wigan town centre, as well as its good local schooling options and convenient transport links across Greater Manchester, is this four-bedroom mews terraced property offered to the highest of standards throughout.
Not only have the current owners completely refurbished and modernised the home from top to bottom in impeccable style, but many of the property’s original character features have been retained.
Stepping outside the home you’ll find a well-maintained rear yard area.
Ashland Avenue / Credit: Yopa
The property is currently on the market with the North West branch of popular online estate agents, Yopa, for £300,000 (Offers in Excess Of).
Occupying an enviable plot and situated on a beautiful tree-lined street in of Manchester’s most desirable neighbourhoods, this five-bedroom double-fronted Edwardian detached family home is described by estate agents as ‘truly exquisite’, especially thanks to its black and white wooden gables and attractive elevatins.
This generously-proportioned property is part of one of Didsbury’s most exclusive addresses, and is conveniently located nearby to a wide range of amenities, good local schools, and transport links.
Internally, the property has been renovated throughout by the current owners and is presented to a very high standard, while externally, there is a paved driveway providing off-road parking for several vehicles to the front and a large easy-to-maintain garden to the rear.
Clothorn Road / Credit: Philip James Kennedy
The property is currently on the market with the Didsbury branch of independent estate agents, Philip James Kennedy, for £1.5 million.
If you’re looking for a property with bags of potential and somewhere you can move in and begin to put your own stamp on, then this attractive four-bedroom detached property in one of Oldham’s most sought-after villages could be just the one for you – especially as it combines the best of semi-rural living, while still being close to everything needed for modern life.
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The property – which has accommodations set over four floors – has been maintained to a high standard by the current owners, both inside and out, and estate agents describe it as being a ‘superb home’ for a growing family.
To top it off, the property is offered to the market with no onward chain, meaning it’s ready to move straight into.
Church Road / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
The property is currently on the market with the Uppermill branch of local estate agents, Ryder & Dutton, for £450,000 (Offers Over).
Godmond Hall Drive / Credit: Millbrook Estate Agents
Detached | x4 Bedrooms | x3 Bathrooms
Situated in the highly-sought-after Boothstown area of Worsley on a popular residential estate, that’s just a stone’s throw away from Salford and Manchester city centres, as well as good local schools, and transport links across Greater Manchester, is this four-bedroom detached family home modernised throughout and ready to move straight into.
Occupying a prime corner plot, the property has been meticulously-designed and styled with incredible attention to detail, and some of its key features have to be the large kitchen-diner, three reception rooms, and four spacious double bedrooms.
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Stepping outside the property, you’ll find lawned gardens both the front and rear, and a large driveway leading to an integrated double garage.
Godmond Hall Drive / Credit: Millbrook Estate Agents
The property is currently on the market with Worsley-based independent estate agents, Millbrook Estate Agents, for £700,000.
Hollingworth Hall Farm House / Credit: Jardine Estates
Detached | x4 Bedrooms | x5 Bathrooms
Like something off a picture-perfect postcard, this is Hollingworth Hall Farm House.
Sat in an elevated position above Hollingworth village, with panoramic views overlooking the beautiful surrounding Tameside countryside, this four-bedroom detached family home may be set in a quiet and tranquil location, but it is also only a short distance from a wide range of amenities, schooling options, and transport links into Manchester, making it the the perfect blend of rural serenity and convenience.
The property’s spacious living areas are flooded with natural light, creating a warm and inviting ambience throughout, and each room has managed to retain much of its original character and charm.
Externally, the property benefits from off-road parking, sprawling gardens to the rear, and even a luxurious hot tub area.
Hollingworth Hall Farm House / Credit: Jardine Estates
The property is currently on the market with Hyde-based independent estate agents, Jardine Estates, for £900,000 (Offers in Excess of).
High Bank Lane, Lostock, Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL6
Lancasters
Springbank / Credit: Lancasters
Detached | x5 Bedrooms | x4 Bathrooms
Tucked behind grand wooden gates, nestled amongst trees and set in expansive grounds is Springbank – a stunning five-bedroom detached family home in the affluent Bolton suburb of Lostock, which benefits from being close to amenities in the town’s centre, as well as excellent schools and convenient transport links.
This late-Victorian residence boasts large spacious rooms enhanced by high ceilings and large windows letting in lots of natural light, as well as being finished with attractive, thoughtful detailing.
As well as the property having been renovated to a stunning standard throughout, externally, there as also beautifully-maintained grounds spanning around 0.7 of an acre, as well as a driveway providing lots of off-road parking.
Springbank / Credit: Lancasters
The property is currently on the market with Bolton-based independent estate agents, Lancasters, for £1.25 million.
One of the most historic – and truly breathtaking – properties currently for sale in the whole of Greater Manchester.
This is Baldingstone House – an exceptional Grade II-listed detached six-bedroom period residence that’s thought to date back to around 1604 and currently occupies an enviable tucked-away position in the affluent Walmersley area of Bury, just a short drive from all the amenities on offer in Bury town centre, as well as good local schools, and convenient transport links across the region.
Throughout the property’s history, there have been several extensions and alterations, but the current owners have been very careful to retain the original character in any improvements they’ve made – with numerous original period features still intact, including fireplaces and beamed ceilings.
The properties main house, separate two-bedroom cottage, outbuildings, tennis court, and formal gardens all amount to around three acres in total.
Baldingstone House / Credit: Pearson Ferrier
The property is currently on the market with Bury-based independent estate agents, Pearson Ferrier, for £1.5 million.
Featured Image – Philip James Kennedy | Julian Wadden
Property
A historic Stockport pub has officially become a listed building
Danny Jones
The Angel Inn pub in Stockport has officially become the thriving Greater Manchester borough’s latest listed building.
Being granted Grade II-listed status following an extensive visit and survey by Historic England (HE), Stockport Market Place’s Angel Inn may have had a lick of paint amidst the ‘Old Town Revival’ over the last decade or so, but the pub itself was erected back in the 16th century.
Reopened as one of the area’s most beloved boozers back in 2018, whilst still maintaining key fixtures and that feeling of authenticity, it harks back to the town’s Cheshire roots and taps into a deep vein of local culture.
The assessment, which was completed earlier this month, means that Angel Inn has been recognised as having special architectural or historic significance – i.e. the definition of a listed building.
Writing in a post on social media, the government-backed English heritage organisation detailed that while the inn predates the Early Modern/post-medieval period, the Angel‘s frame is comprised of wood from the 15th century.
But it gets even more interesting than that…
As well as being one of a select few surviving, traditional wattle-and-daub structures in the UK – nearby Bramall Hall being another (and a technique that had died out by the 18th century) – a close inspection of the internal floorboards unearthed something truly fascinating.
It just so happens that tests by HE proved that one particular plank of flooring “was cut from a tree alive in 1086, the year the Domesday Book was completed: the oldest government record held in The National Archives, commissioned by William the Conqueror.
How bloody cool is that?
It’s also worth noting that it’s genuinely a brilliant boozer and one of the most popular watering holes you’ll find in the town centre, promising a cosy interior, an intimate little outdoor area out back and serving plenty of regional ales.
You only have to glance at the exterior to clue into its age, let alone what there is to be found inside.Way back when.Credit: Historic England (handout)/Stockport Archives
Although they say it’s likely that the floorboard in question was originally cut for an earlier building situated in the same location, it still goes to show how old this particular North West settlement is.
“The name ‘Angel Inn’ dates from as early as 1769, though the site’s hospitality roots extend further, with references to “Cotterell’s inn” used for sequestrators’ meetings in the 1640s, who met to organise the confiscation of property of supporters of King Charles I during The English Civil War”, HE went on to add.
Angel Inn is one of only a handful of venues like this in Greater Manchester and Cheshire; safe to say a lot of time, effort and money are being put into preserving these links to the past.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd February 2021 
