Man Utd legends revise plans to transform the heart of Manchester

Former Manchester United stars Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville have for the third time revised their plans to redevelop part of Manchester city centre after the initial proposals created widespread opposition.

The 700,000 sq ft St Michael's scheme had envisaged building a 31-storey bronze skyscraper and a 21-storey neighbour.

But the former footballers’ £200m plan to build two bronze skyscrapers (pictured) have now been shelved after being rejected by heritage groups and local residents.

The latest plan is for a lozenge-shaped 39-storey glass tower which would sit on Jackson’s Row, off Deansgate, containing a mix of apartments and a luxury hotel.

The former Manchester United stars, which were involved in the development of Hotel Football near their former club's Old Trafford stadium, said the scheme would create 1,000 jobs.

Neville believes the new proposals for the St Michael’s scheme will have less impact on surrounding heritage and a more ‘elegant’ profile than the originals. But the former footballer insists he is ‘taking nothing for granted’ when it comes to planning consent.

It is reported that Historic England’s initial view on the new version has been ‘encouraging’, but the organisation has still to comment.

“We promised to present the tower and rooftop designs to seek responses before we submit the final plan for consent, and so we’re delighted to reveal them now,” said Neville. 

Neville and Giggs are also currently turning the former Manchester Stock Exchange into a luxury hotel.

Before renovation work started earlier this year, they allowed homeless people to stay in the building.