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Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs' £200m Manchester tower scheme gets green light

St Michael's The scheme was revised in July 2017 following criticism from conservationistsSt Michael's
The scheme was revised in July 2017 following criticism from conservationists

Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs' £200m development in Manchester has been given the green light, investors say.

The scheme, centred around a new tower in Jackson's Row, was backed by council officers in March after being revised following criticism from conservation groups including Historic England (HE).

The secretary of state confirmed there would not be a review.

Mr Neville said he was "delighted" but campaigners said they were "extremely disappointed".

Google Albert Memorial in ManchesterGoogle
HE said it was concerned about the impact the tower would have on the city's Albert Memorial

HE had objected to the original St Michael's scheme, which included two skyscrapers and the demolition of the Sir Ralph Abercromby pub, on the grounds that it would "erase" the area's history.

Catherine Dewar, North West planning director at the organisation, said a tall building would "harm the setting of three of Manchester's finest grade I-listed buildings".

But planning officers said the benefits would "outweigh" any damage "to the historic environment".

In a statement, the secretary of state for Housing, Communities and Local Government confirmed the government would not use its power to "call in" the planning decision, adding "he is content that it should be determined by the local planning authority".

St Michael's Artist's impression of the new public squareSt Michael's
The plans include a public square
St Michael's Artist's impression of skyline with towerSt Michael's

The scheme includes a five-star hotel with 216 bedrooms and a 39-storey tower with 189 apartments as well as office space, a rooftop terrace, a public square and a synagogue.

The Victorian Society was among conservation groups which had objected to the scheme.

Conservation adviser Anna Shelley said the scheme, even after revisions, would "cause substantial harm" to the "significance" of the city's grade I-listed and "nationally important" town hall.

Save Britain's Heritage said it was "surprised and concerned" that the scheme had not been called in.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: "St Michael's is a case in point for the type of high-quality development that our city centre needs.

The Jackson's Row area has been underwhelming and underused for too long and we welcome the decision by the secretary of state to move this important project into the next phase."

Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville
Ryan Giggs (left) and Gary Neville are both working as pundits for ITV during the World Cup