Two former architecture students have established an organisation to help rebuild destroyed properties affected during the UK riots earlier in the month.

Riot Rebuild was set up by Lee Wilshire and Nick Varey in August, and are calling on architects, planners and those able to offer their handiwork to help redevelop the burned down buildings.

Following the success of the #riotcleanup movement on Twitter, riot Rebuild is accumulating contacts of those willing to work for free, take part in physical work or offer planning advice.

“Following the clean-up comes the rebuild,” said Lee Wilshire. “This will be a longer, slow and more painful process and far harder for businesses and residents to get back on their feet as they struggle amongst other things with slow insurance pay-outs or the lack thereof.

“I want this initiative to be a place to start the rebuild, linking destruction with repair and reconstruction, linking problems with the people who can solve them.”

Blue Barnacles is just one of many architect firms supporting the cause. “Like so many people we were horrified by the wanton destruction which took place across the country and wanted to do something practical to help,” said Andrew Green, director of Blue Barnacles.

Julie Tempest, business development director for the Blue Barnacles told SB that around 50 contractors, carpenters, joiners, suppliers, structural engineers and architects from around the UK had so far offered their services to the cause free of charge.

“This is essentially a small-scale idea to help the smaller shopkeepers. For example, if someone needs a wall tiling, we will have someone who can tile, but can also get in touch with a supplier who can donate the tiles.

“Similarly, architects are happy to provide a set of drawings at no cost, or help with issues of planning,” she added.

www.riotrebuild.co.uk

Twitter: @riot_rebuild