'We are in awe of the generosity': Traders team together for DIY SOS style project

WORKS to transform a homeless hostel in the style of ‘DIY SOS’ are progressing.

The second stage in phase one of the renovation project at Michael House in Boscombe has now been completed.

The facility in Grosvenor Gardens has been providing emergency and longer-term accommodation and services to homeless people in the area for 30 years.

Poole based building inspector MC Plan and Site Services identified a need to renovate the house, and launched a project of five phases.

Members of the public and local traders have pledged their time, materials and money to help carry out the project, which is now in phase 1B.

This phase involves creating a new kitchen as well as a new ground floor wet-room.

Michael House (Image: Google Maps)

So far, Tom Redmond from MC Plan & Site Services, Ben Oxland of Oxland Construction Consulting Ltd and Sam from Marisco, have been involved in the stripping out of an old galley kitchen to make room for the wet-room.

"Michael Fraser and Richard Povey organised all the materials and installed the ceiling structure and stud wall in both the wet-room and training kitchen – all in one day.

They were ably assisted by Vasco from Michael House who provided refreshments and kept them entertained all day.

Tim Collier and Lance Spencer, both of Lilliput have been doing all the electrical work. Ryan Cowley from RCC Plumbing and Heating has been carrying out the plumbing and gas work, with plumbing supplies donated by Alex Crabb at Coastline Plumbing and Heating Supplies.

Ricard, Mark and Mark Horsford (Image: AE Marketing Solutions)

Eddie Lloyd at Arno Bathrooms supplied all wet-room furniture and fitting-out the room, while doors have been pledged by Steve Moss at Jewsons.

Kenny Tucknott will be assisting Shane Guy from Stagg Home Improvements with the new training kitchen fitting. The kitchen units were donated by Andy, Manager at Howdens, at Wallisdown.

Helen Cook, director of MC Plan and Site Services, said: “We are in awe of the generosity being shown by all these companies.

"Their kindness knows no bounds and the volunteers are all working tirelessly while a great sense of camaraderie is apparent whenever work is going on.

"It’s a pleasure to behold and amazing how everyone is working so harmoniously together towards our goals.”