Gary Neville’s visionary £400 million Zero Carbon development was recently launched and marked a significant milestone for Manchester City.
The culmination of 15 years of relentless effort, this groundbreaking project aims to transform an underused area of Manchester into a world-class destination for work, rest, and play. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation, this mixed-use scheme promises to set new standards for commercial developments.
No.1 St Michael’s: Pioneering Net Zero Carbon Development
The collaboration between Relentless Developments, KKR, Salboy, and Manchester City Council has given birth to No.1 St Michael’s, the first fully Net Zero Carbon commercial development in the city. Both in its operation and delivery, this iconic project showcases Manchester’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The launch of No.1 St Michael’s has also set a new record for office rent in the city, with prominent law firms Pinsent Masons and Hill Dickinson securing groundbreaking deals for prime office spaces.
An Iconic 41-Storey Tower and Unparalleled Hospitality
One of the most highly anticipated features of the development is the striking 41-storey tower that is set to commence construction in the coming weeks. This architectural marvel will house a 162-bed 5-star international hotel and 217 luxury residences, solidifying its status as a world-class destination. Relentless Developments is finalizing a deal with an upscale global hotel operator for the tower, promising an unrivalled hospitality experience. Additionally, the joint venture between Relentless and property developer Salboy will commence apartment sales after the summer.
Setting New Standards in Quality and Experience
St Michael’s aims to redefine quality, aesthetics, and experiences in the city, positioning itself as a premier destination for food, drink, and entertainment. The rooftop terrace will be home to the renowned Nikkei restaurant brand, Chotto Matte, offering panoramic views of the city. Furthermore, a public square will showcase the historic Sir Ralph Abercromby Pub, which has undergone a substantial refurbishment, preserving its heritage.
The design of the scheme, crafted by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and Hodder & Partners, pays homage to the site’s rich history as the former home of Manchester City Police headquarters.
Phases and Completion Timeline
The development is divided into two distinct phases. Phase one, named No.1 St Michael’s, consists of nine floors of top-notch office space designed to achieve world-leading standards in sustainability and wellbeing. The building will feature the Chotto Matte rooftop restaurant and two food and beverage outlets. On the other hand, No.2 St Michael’s comprises the tower housing the hotel, apartments, and an additional 75,000 sq ft of office space. Construction of No.1 commenced in January 2022 and is expected to be completed by 2024. No.2, led by Salboy’s exclusive build partner Domis, will break ground in the coming weeks and will be fully completed by early 2027.
Visionary Minds Shaping the Future
Gary Neville, Director at Relentless Developments, expressed his excitement for the extraordinary scheme that has been 15 years in the making. He thanked all the partners involved for their commitment to transforming this crucial area of Manchester into a global landmark. Neville emphasized the project’s distinctive design, its connection between the city’s business district and the historic civic quarter, and its achievement of setting a new rental benchmark.
Nicky Barker, Managing Director and Head of Asset Management at KKR Europe Real Estate, celebrated the important milestone reached and expressed their pride in the project’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon construction and operation, targeting a BREEAM Outstanding rating.
Simon Ismail, Co-Founder of Salboy, highlighted the shared passion between Salboy and Relentless in delivering this world-class development. He praised the dedication of all the partners involved and emphasized the project’s ability to raise the bar for residential, hospitality, workspace, and leisure offerings in the city.
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, acknowledged St Michael’s as a defining regeneration project for the city centre. She expressed her delight that construction would begin on this iconic addition to Manchester’s skyline, which will further support the city’s growth and create employment opportunities.
Driving Manchester’s Growth and Investment
Neil Black, Manchester Office Head at Pinsent Masons, recognized Manchester’s significance as a hub for legal and professional services. Black expressed excitement about the region’s thriving business centre and the move to St Michael’s as an important step for their firm’s development and investment in the region.
Keith Feeny, Director of IT and Operations at Hill Dickinson, shared his delight in being among the first commercial tenants to sign up for this remarkable development. He emphasized their commitment to the growth of Hill Dickinson, the cultural investment in Manchester, and the sustainability of their operations. Feeny believed the project would help them deliver on all three fronts.
With its groundbreaking design, commitment to sustainability, and world-class amenities, Gary Neville’s landmark development at St Michael’s is set to redefine Manchester’s urban landscape. This visionary project will create a thriving destination that sets new benchmarks for excellence in the city’s commercial, residential, and hospitality sectors.