Work begins on homeless village in railway arches

The purpose-built village will aim to give homeless people stable accommodation

Work is set to begin on a £3.5m village-style housing development in railway arches in a city, three years after the plan was approved.

The project by charity Embassy Village will see 40 homes built using shipping containers along the Bridgewater Canal in Manchester city centre.

It said the homes would help people "rebuild their lives" and the building could begin now it had enough donations.

Sid Williams from the charity said the complex would "provide homes, support and stability for people when they need it most".

The plans includes a village hall and green space for sports, socialising and growing plants

The plans, which also include a communal hall and gardens, were approved three years ago.

The scheme is expected to be completed by 2025, but the charity is still looking for funds to help pay for the long-term maintenance of the site.

Alongside the homes, there will be a meeting space, a mini allotment and a sports area, the charity said.

Mr Williams added: "Our aim is for it to be a community where residents, with support, can rebuild their lives and break the cycle of homelessness that people so often get trapped in."

The charity is now expecting a "busy few months", he said.

"We’ll soon be able to confirm the contractor we’ll be partnering with for the build and we are aiming to get going on site this summer."