Controversy over Major Apartment Project by Ex-England International

Former Manchester United and England international Gary Neville has unveiled a controversial £200m project to knock down an entire city-centre block in Manchester.

The 41-year-old ex-footballer plans to build two skyscrapers, a luxury five-star hotel and a plaza for a new district. The project is expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs in the area if planning permission is granted.

Neville said: “There’s obviously lots of obstacles to overcome, first and foremost the consultation side and the planning process.”

CAMRA and other campaigners have tried to protect the historic Sir Ralph Abercromby, the pub inspiration behind BBC’s Life on Mars, using a community order and an online petition. Other buildings subject to demolition include the former Bootle Street police station and the Manchester Reform Synagogue.

However Neville claims the project will benefit the city in the long term. He has promised to build a new synagogue, include a replacement for the famous pub, and protect the jobs of locals affected.

Works for Neville’s new district could begin as early as 2017 with the planning application expected in September.