Property

Gary Neville’s £400m St Michael’s development reveals details and images of luxury hotel operator

New images have also been released of the site.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 4th October 2023

Gary Neville’s St Michael’s Manchester has revealed that W Residences and W Hotel will be opening within the £400m development.

The huge project is taking shape behind the historic frontage of the old Bootle Street police station – when it’s complete, it will be home to 217 apartments, a 162-room hotel, and a rooftop restaurant, plus a saved and refurbished Sir Ralph Abercromby pub.

It’s a project 15 years in the making and today has taken a step closer, with the announcement of its hotel and apartment operator.

St Michael’s will host the luxurious W Residences and W Hotel brands, promising hotel-inspired living and chance to buy ‘a permanent residence within Manchester’s most exclusive postcode’.

The cost of those apartments hasn’t yet been announced – but one-bedroom flats at W Residences in London started around the half-a-million mark.

This will be one of only W Residences in the world, with sales launching in November and the first people expected to move in from 2027.

Those who live in the apartments will have access to a full hotel level of services and amenities, including 24-hour concierge (W’s whenever/wherever service), round-the-clock in-residence dining, laundry and dry cleaning.

Alongside the luxury 217 apartments will be a W Manchester Hotel, set to open early 2027 within the 410-storey skyscraper.

What the W Residences apartments will look like at St Michael's Manchester
What the W Residences apartments will look like at St Michael’s Manchester. Credit: Supplied

W Manchester is promising bring bold design, distinctive dining and always-on programming, as well as signature spaces including the Living Room, WET deck, W Lounge, AWAY Spa and FIT fitness centre. 

It joins already-announced Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Chotto Matte, which will take charge of the rooftop space.

And the public square connecting the two St Michael’s buildings will be home to the historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub.

Gary Neville, director of Relentless Developments, said: “W Hotel and W Residences are going to put the distinctive 41-storey tower that is No.2 St Michael’s on the global map. 

“There is no better home for W Hotel in the North of England than Manchester. This is a bold city which continues to defy expectations and which embodies the same values of originality and passion that have made the W Hotel experience world-renowned. 

What the W Residences apartments will look like at St Michael's Manchester
What the W Residences apartments will look like at St Michael’s Manchester. Credit: Supplied

“Situated alongside this, W Residences Manchester will be immersive, design-forward homes that will set a new standard in hotel-inspired living and massively raise the bar for city-centre home ownership. 

“I’d like to thank Marriott International and our developer partner, Salboy, for seeing the potential in this scheme and remaining committed to our vision.” 

Jaidev Menezes, regional VP – Mixed-Use Development EMEA, Marriott International, commented: “We are delighted to work with Salboy and Relentless Group to launch our newest residential development under the W brand in Manchester.  

“There is a growing demand for luxury living in Manchester and this project in the St. Michael’s mixed-use development will deliver that with its vibrant design and impeccable service for its residences and hotel.”

A pool at the W Hotel and Residences at St Michael's, Manchester.
A pool at the W Hotel and Residences at St Michael’s, Manchester. Credit: Supplied
CGI of St Michael's in Manchester, a huge development that includes a skyscraper and an office building
St Michael’s in Manchester

Simon Ismail, co-founder and MD at Salboy Group, added: “The W brand became famous for vibrant, diverse, urban locations like Manchester. Salboy is really proud to working alongside Relentless Developments to launch and deliver Manchester’s first branded residences and a truly 5-star international hotel.

“W Residences Manchester will offer a residential living experience and level of service unlike anything in the city right now. From a dedicated concierge handling anything you need at any time, to world-class interiors and top specification fixtures and fittings plus your own secure lift. Not to mention all the benefits of the W Hotel including the restaurants, the gym, pool, spa and relaxing in your own residential lounge or W living room.

“Something will always be happening, whether it’s art pop ups or music experiences, right here in this super prime Manchester location.”

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Featured image: Supplied

Property

Plans for a new cultural hub in Wythenshawe have been green-lit

Danny Jones Danny Jones plans for new cultural hub in wythenshawe town centre approved

Proposals for a new cultural hub in Wythenshawe have officially been approved, with the overall regeneration plans valued somewhere in the region of £500 million.

The Greater Manchester town has long been accused of being neglected by local authorities and investors, but now natives and those living in and around the area are being asked to consult on what has the potential to be a huge transformation.

Wythenshawe town centre could look almost unrecognisable should everything go according to plan, not to mention inject a much-needed boost to the arts and creative industries in the area.

Put simply, this could be huge for a place long overlooked and deserving of some TLC.

wythenshawe culture hub
Credit: Manchester City Council

The simply titled ‘Culture Hub’ will aim to create a new community outlet and environment for everyone to enjoy, allowing them access to professional facilities and support, as well as further tap into that vital grassroots culture and creativity.

Discussions surrounding the project actually date back to 2022, when the idea was first pitched to Manchester City Council as part of a wider bid for a slice of Britain’s Levelling Up Fund.

While the UK government has a total of £4.8bn set aside for infrastructure and regional disparity works that fall under the initiative, the Culture Hub was set to cost £20m back then, though Wythenshawe is looking for an estimated half a billion to upgrade their town centre.

As per an official press release, the hub is set to sit within Civic – Wythy’s much-loved shopping complex – and will include space for food and drink on the ground floor, as well as a mix of artist studio spaces and flexible areas for workshops, exhibitions, classes or local events on the first floor.

The Council itself is set to contribute a further £11.9m, as they hope to back future plans for a bustling new food hall spilling out onto an updated public square, with new workspaces for independent start-ups and growing Manc businesses.

wythenshawe town centre redevelopment
Credit: MCC

Meanwhile, a new 200-seater performance space will be created on the second floor, “providing a backdrop for a diverse range of performances, whether it’s dance or drama, music or modern art, there’ll be something for everyone.”

As touched upon, a larger public square will also be included, with improved outdoor areas, new paving and, crucially, more trees, plants and green spaces to make the town centre a much more natural, vibrant and welcoming space.

Private construction company Muse was appointed as the development partner for the new cultural hub and further Wythenshawe town centre regeneration initiative back in August 2024; as a local firm, they have a heavily vested interest in the 30,000 sq ft site and the surrounding area.

Work on the Culture Hub is due to commence this autumn, with the opening scheduled for some time in early 2027 – touch wood.

wythenshawe town regeneration
Credit: Manchester City Council (MCC)

Councillor Gavin White, who serves as an executive member on Manchester City Council’s executive housing and development team, said: “The Culture Hub planning approval is a really exciting milestone in the long-term regeneration of Civic.

“This is a statement of intent of how serious we are about investing in Wythenshawe’s town centre – and this is an early sign of what is to come. We want to build on the destination potential of Civic, create opportunities for local people and visitors to spend time in the area, and widen the offer for our residents to enjoy and participate in the arts right on their doorstep.  

“High streets are the soul of our communities and we are investing heavily in our town centres across the city, including Gorton and Moston, to celebrate how they bring people together, support businesses and help grow local economies.

“This is just the start for Wythenshawe, and the conversation we are having with local people is ongoing to make sure we can be guided by the very people who live and work in this community. I’d urge as many people as possible to tell us what they think about the future of their area.” 

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Joe Stockton, senior development manager at Muse, added: “Getting the green light for the new Culture Hub is a major milestone in our once-in-a-generation plans to work with local people to transform Wythenshawe town centre.

“The feedback that we’ve received so far for the hub has been really positive with many seeing it as a creative space where people and groups of all ages can spend time, learn new skills and explore culture in a positive way.”

“We look forward to getting started on construction later this year, which we hope the people of Wythenshawe will see as a significant sign of our intent to drive this project forward with their ongoing support.”

Exciting times ahead.

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Featured Images — CGIs via Manchester City Council

Property

Work finally begins on site of UK’s first majority LGBTQ+ housing scheme in Manchester

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant LGBTQ+ housing scheme

Work has finally got underway on the start of the UK’s first majority LGBTQ+ housing scheme here in Manchester.

The exciting new £37 million flagship development – which is being built on the site of the former Spire Hospital on Russell Road, in the Whalley Range area of Manchester – will be comprised of 80 one and two-bedroom apartments for older people over the age of 55 for social rent, alongside an additional 40 affordable shared ownership apartments.  

Plans for the scheme have been co-produced in partnership with the Russell Road Community Steering Group, Manchester City Council, and the LGBT Foundation.  

Delivered in partnership with contractors Rowlinson, and funded through Great Places, the Homes England Strategic Partnership, GMCA Brownfield Housing Fund, and Manchester City Council, the high-quality and sustainable building will offer a ‘safe and welcome feel’ with an ‘inviting presence’.

Plans approved for new ‘first of its kind’ majority LGBTQ+ housing scheme for over 55s in Manchester

While the goal is to create an inclusive space, the scheme has also been designed to respect the surrounding conservation area.  

On top of this, the low carbon scheme will also feature shared communal facilities including lounges, treatment rooms, and landscaped gardens.

The Council says the new scheme is part of its ambitious target to deliver at least 36,000 new homes across the city region by 2032 – at least 10,000, of which, will be social rent, Council, or considered ‘genuinely affordable’ housing. 

It comes after more than 800 ‘Extra Care’ homes have been built in Manchester in recent years, and are another 1,000 are in the pipeline – to meet the demand for older people in the city. 

A CGI of the newly-approved LGBTQ+ Extra Care housing scheme development in Whalley Range / Credit: Manchester City Council

“This is a real milestone moment for this development,” commented Cllr Gavin White, who is the Executive Member for Housing and Development at Manchester City Council.

“The Council has believed in the positive impact an LGBTQ+ majority housing development could have for this community for many years, and to celebrate the social rent homes officially starting on site is a great moment for the city.  

“Working with the LGBT Foundation, we know that older LGBTQ+ people worry about being able to access appropriate and inclusive housing later in life. Although we hope all older person’s accommodation is welcoming to everyone, this scheme will provide safe, secure and affordable housing for LGBTQ+ people to live with dignity.  

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“We look forward to the completion of these homes that will complement and enhance this part of Whalley Range, and be an important part of this community.”

The project is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2027.

Featured Image – Manchester City Council

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