Gary Neville Submits Plans to Restore Historic Manchester Pub He Once Sought to Demolish
Former Manchester United star and football pundit Gary Neville has pledged to restore a historic Manchester pub, marking a dramatic reversal from his previous efforts to have it demolished. The iconic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub on Bootle Street, which dates back to 1811, holds a unique place in the city's history as the only pub to witness the Peterloo Massacre of 1819, where 18 protesters were killed by cavalry.
A Change of Heart After Public Outcry
In 2014, Neville, now 51, announced plans to demolish the pub as part of his ambitious £400 million 'St Michael's' redevelopment project in Manchester city centre. However, heritage groups and pub regulars organised a petition against the demolition, attracting over 3,500 signatures. Neville later admitted to making 'huge mistakes' in his initial approach.
By 2017, he had abandoned the demolition plans, redesigning the project to preserve the pub and create a public square flanked by two skyscrapers. The first skyscraper, containing offices, was completed last summer, while the second, which will house luxury apartments, is currently under construction.
New Refurbishment Plans Submitted
Last Friday, Neville submitted new plans to Manchester City Council for a 'substantial refurbishment' of the Sir Ralph Abercromby pub. The proposals aim to 'retain and purpose' the pub's 'strategic features,' including refurbishing window frames, brickwork, and external doors where feasible, or replacing them with elements in keeping with the original design.
Perhaps the most unusual aspect of the plan is a proposed glass walkway that would connect the 19th-century pub to a hotel skyscraper. Neville claims this addition will 'enhance... one of Manchester's most treasured pubs,' integrating it sensitively into the wider St Michael's scheme.
Celebrating Manchester's Heritage
In a public announcement, Neville stated: 'A big part of our ambition for St Michael's has been to celebrate Manchester's heritage, and restoring this iconic building is central to that vision. Our proposals carefully retain and enhance the features that give the pub its character while sensitively integrating it into the wider St Michael's scheme.'
He added: 'We're proud the pub has been able to remain open throughout construction, and this next phase will secure its future for generations to come.'
Historical Significance and Cultural Impact
The Sir Ralph Abercromby pub has stood in Manchester since the 18th century and is not only notable for its connection to the Peterloo Massacre—where some of the injured were treated at the pub—but also for commemorating its rich history with an internal mural. Additionally, it is believed to have inspired the BBC TV drama Life on Mars.
Planning Process and Future Timeline
The application, submitted by Relentless Developments on March 6, is still awaiting processing by the council. If approved, construction is expected to be completed by summer 2027. Neville has openly reflected on the challenges of the project, telling BBC Radio 5 Live's Wake Up To Money in 2023 that the decades-long battle to build St Michael's had been a 'bumpy ride.'
He acknowledged: 'I love old buildings; I have always renovated old buildings. The idea that we looked at that pub and the front of Bootle Street police station and thought we should knock it down, that was a huge mistake. I have openly admitted that we got it wrong, but we have been corrected, and we have owned up to our mistakes, and we are now on site.'
The St Michael's scheme includes towers with a five-star hotel, luxury flats, offices, and a rooftop restaurant, representing a significant urban development for Manchester. Relentless Developments and Gary Neville were contacted by the Daily Mail for comment, but no further statements have been released.
