Gary Neville's property firm has joined a controversial plan to build more than 700 flats in Manchester city centre in two new towers. A total of 723 build-to-rent apartments could be built in towers 24 and 44 stories tall, along with new office space.
Site and previous rejection
The scheme would revamp the site of Stocktons Furniture in Ancoats, over the road from the Manchester Digital Campus on Great Ancoats Street, which is expected to become a future base for Andy Burnham's Number 10 North.
The plans were initially proposed by Liquid Funding Business but were hit by delays last year after major concerns about the impact on daylight on surrounding properties, particularly Oxygen tower. More than 130 objections were sent to Manchester City Council about the plans, and councillors pushed back the scheme in both November and December 2025 before voting to block it in January this year.
Revised plans and joint venture
The plans have since been revised and resubmitted to the council for approval. Now, it has become a joint venture with Relentless Developments, the firm led by Anthony Kilbride and Gary Neville. One of the key changes is that the tallest building in the development has been lowered from 49 stories to 44 stories.
Anthony Kilbride, CEO of Relentless Developments, said: “Since joining the JV [joint venture], we’ve reviewed the project with fresh eyes, listened carefully to the comments made during the previous planning process and spent a lot of time assessing the scheme with the existing consultancy team, ward councillors and local residents. We want to make it the best it can be and ensure it meets our ambitions and approach to development.”
Affordable homes and timeline
A total of 50 apartments in the revised plans would be at Manchester Living Rent levels, and these would be spread throughout the development with the same specification, size and access to amenities. These homes would be managed through an agreement with Manchester City Council.
If the plans are approved, bosses behind the project hope construction could get started at the end of 2027, with the project finish set to coincide with the opening of the Manchester Digital Campus in 2032.
Daniel Green, CEO of Liquid Business, said: “Stocktons reflects our ambition to bring together commercial vision, quality and meaningful social value. We believe the scheme can make a lasting contribution to this part of Manchester and to the city’s continued growth.”
Developer's track record
Other schemes delivered by Relentless Developments include Hotel Football in Old Trafford, the Stock Exchange Hotel and No.1 St Michael’s in the city centre. Anthony Kilbride added: “Ultimately, Stocktons will make an important contribution to the city’s growth plans and growing need for new apartments, while acting as a catalyst for further investment and development. We’re proud to be playing a positive part in the wider vision for this increasingly important area of Manchester and specifically the wider Manchester Piccadilly masterplan announced at MIPIM earlier this year.”
