Son of Tony Wilson tackles homelessness with Ancoats project

Peacemeal aims to tackle homeless problem

Peacemeal, a social enterprise lifestyle space, will open in a former Ancoats warehouse this Summer with a mission to end homelessness across Greater Manchester.

Set across three floors, the space will include an artisan bakery and restaurant, studio space and a late-night music venue.

The brainchild of Oliver Wilson, son of the late Factory Records founder and Manchester icon Anthony Wilson, Peacemeal is recruiting staff who have experienced homelessness, providing a platform for individuals to reconnect with a normal life.

The multi-functional ground floor will feature an all-day eatery, transforming into a late-night venue, seeing DJs take over the space spinning their record collections.

The all-day food offering, curated by DJ restauranteur Luke Cowdrey, will serve fresh and locally sourced nutritious soul food, including fresh pastries and bread from the in-house bakery, artisan coffee, seasonal salads and sandwiches.

A key addition to the food offering will be the ‘holy grail’ one pot menu, available throughout the day which will feature guest recipes from key chefs around the North.

The second floor will provide a studio space dedicated entirely to wellness offering yoga and meditation classes free of charge.

The rooftop space will be transformed into an urban farm, working with rehabilitated prison leavers and homeless, who will assist in growing produce for the kitchen – part of a study into the psychological benefits of urban farming.

Peacemeal will employ up to four staff who have experienced homelessness, offering an employment academy to support them.

Working with key Manchester charities to recruit individuals who have completed job workshops and kitchen courses, have keys to their first home, and need the final step in securing a job, Peacemeal aims to generate up to 18 positions in the bakery, back and front of house and a delivery service connecting to businesses across the city centre.

The Peacemeal property

Oliver Wilson, founder of Peacemeal said: “Rough sleeping on the streets of Manchester has recently been described as a humanitarian crisis.

“As Manchester witnesses another renaissance I knew there was something that this city could do, especially through our thriving food and cultural scene.

“We aim to support Andy Burnham’s homelessness initiative, fitting into his ‘four r’s’ providing the final step of ‘reconnection’ through supported employment.

“We’re also approaching this in a holistic fashion, making sure music and arts play a central role in everything we do.”

He added: “We are also proud to be working with other charities from the Manchester Homelessness Partnership such as Booth Centre and Mustard Tree, and key partners in the Manchester food and beverage industry.

“All our profits generated at Peacemeal will be donated to various charity and community projects across the city.”

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