More details have been revealed for Gary Neville’s £400m city centre development, St Michael’s.
The former Manchester United legend threw open the doors to the site this week as construction gets well underway.
Including in the plans for St Michael’s – 15 years in the making – is a 41-storey skyscraper, a rooftop restaurant, and a 162-bed 5 Star international hotel.
That’s not to mention the 217 luxury residences, which go on sale after summer as part of a joint venture between Relentless Developments and property developer, Salboy.
St Michael’s will also save and refurbish the historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub, which was initially set to be demolished before the developers u-turned and folded it in the plans.
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The tiny pub, one of the few structures remaining in the area from the time of the Peterloo Massacre, will be dwarfed by the new tower but encompassed in the overall St Michael’s vision.
Phase One of the scheme, which expects to be the first fully Net Zero Carbon commercial development in the city, is due to complete in 2024.
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This part includes the highly-anticipated rooftop restaurant, a new opening for Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Chotto Matte.
There’ll also be two other food and drink outlets top and tailing the building.
Watch a fly-through of the St Michael’s development below
Construction is taking place behind the original frontage of the Manchester City Police headquarters on Bootle Street, which is being preserved.
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A public square will see the historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub retained and substantially refurbished.
Also included in No.1 St Michael’s is nine floors of ‘best-in-class’ office space, which will set a new headline rent for offices in Manchester.
In the coming weeks, work will begin on the landmark 41-storey tower, which will be the home of the 5 Star hotel and the luxury apartments, plus another 75,000 sq ft of office space.
Signing of the upscale hotel operator is in the works, and is due to be announced this autumn.
The St Michael’s development will bring £120m investment to the city, and create more than 3,000 jobs.
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The scheme has been designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and Hodder & Partners, with Bowmer and Kirkland working on No.1, and Salboy’s exclusive build partner Domis set to break ground on No.2 in the coming weeks.
The lobby at St Michael’s. Credit: SuppliedSt Michael’s Square. Credit: SuppliedThe terrace at St Michael’s. Credit: Supplied
Gary Neville, director at Relentless Developments, said: “This is an extraordinary scheme that has been no less than 15 years in the making and we believe it to be the most sustainable commercial space in the city. I’d like to thank all our partners who have been with me on this journey and remained committed to the vision to transform this pivotal area of the city into a global landmark.
“We’ve worked so hard to create a development that is distinctive in both its imaginative design and heritage as well as its location connecting the city’s business district with the historic civic quarter. Signing a deal with two of the world’s most reputable law firms and setting a new headline rent as we launch is testament to that.
“Progress is now beginning to accelerate as we approach the latter stages of No.1 and we set our sights on the world-class leisure and residential elements that will be delivered for No.2.”
No.1 St Michael’s (phase one) is a joint venture between Relentless Developments and global investment firm KKR. Nicky Barker, Managing Director and Head of Asset Management at KKR Europe Real Estate, said: “We are delighted to reach this important milestone and look forward to realising the vision for the exceptional regeneration project in the heart of Manchester alongside our partner, Relentless. We’re proud that the St. Michael’s project is being developed with the aim of achieving net zero carbon in construction and operation and targeting a BREEAM Outstanding rating.”
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A joint venture between Relentless and renowned property developer, Salboy, is enabling the delivery of No.2 St Michael’s (phase two). Simon Ismail, Co-Founder of Salboy, said: “Salboy and Relentless share a passion for delivering this new world-class development in the centre of Manchester. We are really looking forward to delivering No.2 St Michael’s, with the help of all of our dedicated partners. When complete, this long-awaited development will raise the bar for the city’s residential, hospitality, workspace and leisure offerings.”
Gary Neville on site at the St Michael’s Development launch, Manchester. Credit: leeboswellphotography.comGary Neville on site at the St Michael’s Development launch, Manchester. Credit: leeboswellphotography.com
credit: leeboswellphotography.com
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “St Michael’s will be a defining regeneration project for our city centre. Following a long road to bring this challenging, long underused site forward, it’s a welcome milestone that construction will start over the summer on a new icon of our city’s skyline – and the latest destination neighbourhood for Manchester – supporting the city’s growth and creating employment opportunities.”
Neil Black, Manchester Office Head at Pinsent Masons, said: “Manchester is an important market for legal and professional services serving as a hub for investment and development across the North West region. As a multinational business collaborating with a range of domestic and global clients, it’s exciting to see the region thrive as a leading UK business centre. Our move into St Michael’s signals an important era for us as we continue to develop and invest in our people, clients and communities across the region.”
Keith Feeny, Director of IT and Operations at Hill Dickinson, said: “We are delighted to be among the first commercial tenants to sign up to phase one of this remarkable new development. Our decision to invest in St Michael’s represents our commitment to the continued growth of Hill Dickinson, our commitment to the wider cultural investment in Manchester as a city and a real desire to improve the sustainability of our operations. We believe this project will help us deliver on all three.”
A completely free canal-side festival is coming back to Salford again
Thomas Melia
After a successful run last year, the Salford-based Middlewood Locks Fest is returning for a second time with the promise of an even bigger and better programme of entertainment, food and fun.
Taking place on Saturday 10 May from 2pm-10pm, the free festival returns to Middlewood Locks..
Whether you’re local or just looking for a great day out, the festival will have something for everyone. There’ll be plenty of activities and pop-up stalls for you to get involved with, including a daytime market as well as children’s interactive workshops.
Get Living is proud to support the festival for the second year, which celebrates local creativity, community spirit and culture. The event is set to take place on the doorstep of New Maker Yards, Get Living’s canal-side neighbourhood.
With a range of one-three bedroom homes available for rent, New Maker Yards blends spacious, stylish apartments with green open spaces, complete with an on-site cafe and a strong community feel – all at the heart of the vibrant Middlewood Locks neighbourhood, where the festival action is taking place.
For Middlewood Locks Fest, a Makers Market will be taking place throughout the day with items on offer from local makers, artisans, performers and creators, including plants, jewellery, artwork, clothes and produce.
The Canal & River Trust is organising explorer’s activities for kids and families alike, while St Philip’s CE Primary School has worked with artists to create bespoke decorations for the event too.
A completely free canal-side festival is coming back to Salford again. Credit: Karen Wright
If that wasn’t enough for you, how about a special appearance from a canal-side regular as a giant Canadian goose puppet will also be making an appearance to meet festival-goers.
Everything really is catered for here. On top of the makers market and masterclasses, there will also be live music courtesy of a brass band – that sounds like music to my ears.
There’s even the opportunity to go on the water yourself as a handful of rafted canoes will be in use for activities throughout the day.
And of course food is in safe hands too. Street food vendors including Taka Taka Mam will be bringing all the flavours of the Mediterranean and stuffing them into their famous hearty gyros, while city favourites Ginger’s Ice Cream Emporium is popping up from Afflecks to soak up the sun and provide dreamy desserts direct from the canal-side pop-up.
Middlewood Locks Fest, a canal-side festival in Salford. Credit: Karen Wright Photography
And when the sun’s out it would be rude not to treat yourself to a tipple, so good thing that the Adams & Rose Bar is making an appearance to fill up your glass with the finest gin and rum selection.
As the night comes to an end, you can dance the night away to some epic tunes thanks to a live DJ while being surrounded by a mesmerising fire and sound installation to close this spectacular celebration.
Kim Quickfall, Regional Director at Get Living, said: “Last year’s Middlewood Locks Fest was a huge success and we’re excited to be supporting the event again in 2025.
“Bringing people from across Salford and the wider area together, the day will celebrate the best of local culture, enterprise and creativity with activities and events for all.”
Middlewood Locks Fest is returning to Salford on Sunday 10 May from 2pm to 10pm and more information can be foundHERE.
For those that can’t make the festival fun, there are plenty of other things to see and do in the area. From the delicious treats at 97 Degrees Coffee to the landmark Aviva Studios cultural hub, there is plenty to discover in this buzzing neighbourhood.
Explore the 1-3 bedroom homes for rent at New Maker Yards and discover more atgetliving.com.
Inside the million-pound four bedroom barn conversion in Cheshire
Thomas Melia
There’s a million-pound barn conversion just gone up for sale in Cheshire, and of course, we couldn’t resist looking around.
This property is nestled in the idyllic village of Warburton in Lymm, just a short 40-minute drive from Manchester.
The four-bedroom, two-bath property spans over two properties, featuring a nice little detached garage and a cosy back garden.
At first glance, you may be captivated by the sheer beauty that is the grand barn-twanged canopy which overhangs the property’s driveway, but we’ve still got a barn conversion to explore.
The minimalistic kitchen with accompanying island and breakfast bar.The dining room separated by that quirky three-arch brick wall.Credit: On The Market
Titled ‘The Barn Birch Farm‘, as you enter through the front door and turn left, you’re greeted by a three-arch red brick wall which separates the kitchen from the dining space.
The kitchen is sleek black all around with a large island which also doubles as a breakfast bar in the middle of the room, which is also where the hob can be found.
Each room in this Cheshire barn conversion seems to wow us even more, and this time it’s the living room which captures our attention, thanks to the large log beams which perfectly frame the TV.
There’s an equally impressive log beam and archway which acts as a break between the main living space and a more snug seating area with a hearty fireplace taking centre stage.
If all that lounging around has you tired out, then you’re in luck as the bedroom is right next door with a large open-plan wardrobe and mezzanine en-suite.
There’s a spiral staircase that connects the bedroom to the mezz, which consists of both a shower and a bath. Very stylish and pretty lush, to say the least.
The main bedroom of the barn conversion with above mezzanine en-suite.The bath and shower in the mezzanine en-suite overlooking the bedroom.Credit: On The Market
All the bedrooms are situated under a wooden-beamed vaulted ceiling, which further adds to the character of the property – not a room goes without a sprinkle of this country-barn style.
Each of the first-floor bedrooms has its own skylight too, meaning once you’ve stopped admiring all the intricate barn details, you can opt for a bit of stargazing.
The garden is quite the sight as well, providing the barn conversion with its own mini forest and garage with not one but two undercover car parking spaces.
This barn conversion is the perfect property for anyone wanting to live out their cottage-core fantasy on a much larger scale.
Obviously, the price tag is out of a lot of our reach, but when a house looks as good as this, we can’t help but have a nosy. So, what do you make of The Barn Birch Farm? You can view all the pictures and find out more information HERE.
The snug area just behind the main living room, separated by the gorgeous wooden beams.All the bedrooms have their own wooden beams which helps keep the barn character alive throughout the property.Credit: On The Market
Daisy Jackson -
5th July 2023 
