In October 2021 The Almshouse Association provided The Edward Mayes Trust in Manchester with a £25,000 loan towards the cost of building two one-bedroomed apartments on a small unloved plot of land at its Mayes Gardens estate.
Paul Harrison, Secretary to the Trustees has recently provided an update on the project:
“The Trust began looking into the feasibility of developing a small unloved plot of land at its Mayes Gardens estate in 2017, employing Triangle Architects to provide the trustees with options to develop new units on a small piece of land at the edge of the estate.
From the options provided, the trustees decided to develop two one-bedroom apartments on the site, following further site investigations and discussions with the local authority a planning application was submitted to the local authority which was granted in 2018.
Fast forward to early 2022 having put the covid pandemic behind us, the Trust could move forward with the development. Following discussion with the architect and project manager it was decided to look at using a modern method of construction in which steel framed accommodation units are manufactured off site and craned into position. This modern method of construction suited the development of a small plot of land and would minimise disruption to the residents on the estate.”
Sourcing funds
“The Trust began to explore how funding could be obtained to supplement its reserves to be used in constructing the properties.
An application was made to the Almshouse Consortium Ltd for Homes England grant funding which resulted in a £130,000 grant being secured. The Trust had previously applied for Almshouse Association 10 year interest free loans and was again successful in being given a £25,000 loan to assist with the project. A new source of grant funding was also secured through the Ministry of Housings community housing fund which awarded the Trust £22,000, this grant was to be used for developing the project and paying for enabling works prior to signing the building contract. All the additional funding secured made the development financially viable and allowed the Trust to begin construction of the two affordable homes in May 2022 following a tendering process.
To give yourself surety in delivering a successful project it is key to engage a professional project team, I am happy to recommend the following consultants which the Trust have used many times: Triangle Architects based in Manchester, Saffer Cooper Consultancy-project managers, and Poole Dick Associates-employers agent/quantity surveyors.”
Project Management and Communication
“The construction phase hasn’t been without its problems ranging from labour and material shortages to issues with connecting the utilities; however, the project team have managed the contract closely and will achieve a successful practical completion at the end of January 2023.
Two applicants have already been selected and both have accepted offers of the new apartments and are busily making plans to move in. It is advisable to select your beneficiaries as early as you can and keep them informed throughout the process so they are ready to move when the keys are available.
Throughout the planning and construction phase we have kept local councillors updated as it is beneficial to have them fully supporting you throughout the process.
Through its many successful development projects, the Trust has learned the importance of staying focused, persevering, and taking sound advice from a professional project team.
Paul Harrison
12 January 2023
If you are a member of The Almshouse Association and looking for funding assistance, please contact us by email at fenellahall@almshouses.org or call us on 01344 452922.
More details can also be found here
posted March 2023