Share

Neville, Giggs unveil Manchester building plan

London - Former football stars Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs on Thursday unveiled their plan for a multimillion-pound development in Manchester city centre, including a 200-bed hotel, two skyscrapers and a synagogue.

Neville, a former England full-back and Manchester United legend, said it would create 1,300 jobs and regenerate a historic part of the northwestern English city.

The project will also include 153 new apartments and 12,540 square metres (135,000 square feet) of offices.

"We will breathe new life into the area," Neville, 41, said at a presentation in Manchester Town Hall.

But Historic England, a government cultural conservation agency, said the plans were of "great concern" as they would "harm" historic buildings.

"We acknowledge, and are excited by, the potential of the site, but feel that there are alternative ways to provide the benefits of the scheme which would not harm the special heritage of Manchester," it said.

An online petition has been started for a 19th century pub which would be demolished under the plan.

But Neville said the jobs of its nine staff and landlord would be protected.

The Reform synagogue which will be demolished will be replaced by a new one.

"Our vision is to deliver the biggest statement in architecture and development that Manchester has seen in modern times," he said.

The development project was in the headlines last winter because Neville allowed around 30 homeless men to squat in one of the buildings on the site -- the former stock exchange.

Welsh football legend Giggs recently left his assistant manager's role at Manchester United following the arrival of former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

Giggs and Neville are already business partners and were the co-founders of Hotel Football at Old Trafford, Manchester United's historic ground.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE