A property developer with a social conscience has bought a closed down bank to convert it into five-bedroom apartments for young people in need.

Ibby Aslam, a 33-year-old businessman has seen success with his firm Briks & Mortar and manages a thriving property portfolio in Manchester and Blackburn and interests in Manjaros restaurants.

The former HSBC bank in Chorlton will afford young adults an unrivalled opportunity to build a life in the desirable south Manchester suburb.

Work is set to begin as soon and after refurbishment the property will be offered as social housing for troubled and vulnerable youths.

Mr Aslam is renowned for his inventive social impact schemes; his mentoring programme was the first step to give back to a community that supported him from his lowest point upon losing his mother and younger brother in separate incidents just a few years apart.

Mr Aslam began this initiative to help young people learn how to develop, rent and sell properties and make a career out of it.

He said: “Since I found a level of success where I’m comfortable and doing well, my drive to make a social impact has increased. This was always the aim. Now I am in the position to create sorely needed housing for disadvantaged young people who might have nowhere else to go.

“I managed to turn my life around when I was really struggling, but not without help. In my opinion it’s true that sometimes all people need is a helping hand and push in the right direction to get themselves on the right track.

“My mentee programme achieves this, and now I’m pleased to offer young people housing to give them a solid base they can call home. The younger generation has it hard and the importance of supporting each other cannot be stressed enough.”

In the future, as his own portfolio continues to grow, Mr Aslam can be expected to create new initiatives with the aim to help raise up other millennials and Gen Z to be their best.