Local firm builds £1.6m block at fire-hit home

Manchester Dogs Home - Medlock FRB April 2017

CONSTRUCTION and fit-out business Medlock FRB has begun a £1.6million project to build a new block at a Greater Manchester dog home that was ravaged by fire in 2014.

The Oldham firm is building an adoption block at Manchester Dogs' Home in Harpurhey and funding for the development was made possible with public donations following the blaze.

The 12,000sq ft facility is being constructed on a former car park at the dogs home site on Moss Brook Road. The scheme marks the latest stage in the rebuilding of the dogs' home.

Medlock was appointed following a competitive tender and is due to complete the building by the summer.

Along with 32 kennels for dogs in need of re-homing, the new block will include welfare facilities, offices and a viewing area where visitors can be introduced to the animals they are thinking of taking home.

The money for the new block was raised in a public appeal following the blaze, which also won the support of many celebrities.

Steve Taylor, head of business development at Medlock, said: "It's great to be involved in this project at Manchester Dogs' Home, which has a place in the hearts of people across the region and beyond.

"The new building will be a fantastic facility that will enable hundreds of dogs to find loving homes and will bring and joy and happiness to the public and to the rescued animals."

A block for stray animals is being used as a temporary adoption centre pending the completion of the new building.

Steve Mapley, manager of the dogs home, said: "The generosity of the public following the fire was amazing and has made it possible to construct the new adoption block, which will be another piece in the jigsaw as we rebuild the dogs' home and look forward to once again operating at full capacity.

"The modern new facility will provide a better experience for the dogs and the public alike."

The new block has been designed by Dickinson Waugh Architecture, of Holmes Chapel, Cheshire.

The project manager for the scheme is Cinns.

Medlock FRB specialises in the leisure and hospitality sectors including hotels and restaurants.