Demolition work has now begun on the site of the much-anticipated St Michael’s development in Manchester city centre.
Construction company Bowmer + Kirkland (B+K) has confirmed that work has now begun on phase one of the huge £200 million St Michael’s development – which is the vision of the former footballer Gary Neville and his company Relentless Developments – starting with the demolition of the former Bootle Street police station on the current site.
When complete, the new city centre destination will be made up of a nine-storey office building, a 191-bedroom skyscraper hotel, apartments, and restaurants – with the star of the show being the rooftop bar which will have space for 900 guests, and views across Manchester.
The first phase of the development is set to provide around 1,800 jobs, and bring £120 million of investment into the city.
It is expected to complete and be ready for occupation in 2024.
St Michael’s is the vision of the former footballer Gary Neville and his company Relentless Developments / Credit: St Michael’sThe first phase of the development is set to provide around 1,800 jobs / Credit: St Michael’s
St Michael’s is the first real estate investment in Manchester from leading global investment firm KKR, which formed a joint venture with Relentless Developments last year to deliver this impressive project.
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Gary Neville and the Relentless Developments team were on-site as work began last week, alongside contractors B+K to “celebrate the major milestone”.
Speaking on the start of demolition work, Gary Neville: “The team has worked incredibly hard over a number of years to bring this project forward and this is a momentous day for all involved [so] we are really pleased to be working with B+K to deliver this transformational scheme that mirrors the ambitions of Manchester as a city.”
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A view of what the St Michael’s development in Manchester city centre will look like once complete / Credit: St Michael’s
“We are delighted to have been chosen by Relentless Developments to build the first phase of this high profile development in the heart of Manchester,” added Paul Sykes, Regional Director at Bowmer + Kirkland NW.
“Today is a major milestone and an important step on the road to increased jobs and investment in our city.”
Featured Image – St Michael’s
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
11th March 2022 
