Gary Neville's development firm has unveiled an ambitious bid to create a 'new destination' in Manchester city centre.
The plan would see two tower blocks reaching up to 43 storeys in height built on land in St Mary's Parsonage where the former Alberton House once stood and Cardinal House is still located. The scheme could see 434 new homes created, along with 172 hotel rooms.
There would also be 'opportunities for cafés, shops and other uses that bring activity to the street, create more welcoming frontages, and encourage people to spend time in the area'. Around 12,657sqm of office space are also included in the proposals.
Public consultation underway
The plans remain in the early stages, with Relentless Developments now seeking views from residents through a public consultation. The firm, founded by Gary Neville and Anthony Kilbride in 2015, said it has also discussed its proposals with Manchester City Council.
Consultation responses will be used to inform a planning application to be submitted to the council in due course.
Site between Spinningfields and River Irwell
The site sits between Spinningfields and the River Irwell, in the city centre. Parts of the area are 'underused and disconnected', with 'inactive building frontages' and pedestrian routes that could be 'clearer and more welcoming', Relentless Developments said.
The development would provide an 'opportunity to address these issues', the company believes. Among the proposals are aims to 'open up the site' towards the River Irwell and 'make better use of the spaces alongside it'. The scheme is being presented as 'car-free'.
Previous plans for the site
This is not the first time that plans have come forward for the Alberton House site. In 2022, Manchester council approved plans for an 18-storey office and leisure building.
However, these were never brought to fruition by developer Bruntwood. In 2025, Bruntwood warned of unfavourable 'market conditions' with the developers saying they had only recently learned the land was subject to 'restrictive covenants' which would 'preclude delivery of parts of the approved landscaping scheme at this time'.
Residents can respond to the consultation online until Tuesday, December 1. Public drop-in sessions are being held at Manchester Hall, in Bridge Street, on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 17 and 18.
