Revised plans for Neville and Giggs' £200m redevelopment of Manchester.

There have been several changes made to plans put forward by former footballers Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs to redevelop part of central Manchester.

A public consultation on the revised plans has opened, detailing the £200m transformation of the 1.5-acre Jackson’s Row site in the city centre.

Here's a list of the main changes:

• retaining the Sir Ralph Abercromby pub in recognition of its emotional importance

• retaining the former Bootle Street Police Station frontage which contributes positively to its surroundings and enables street level uses including a large courtyard

• a single tower, rather than the twin towers envisaged in the original proposal, now located on the western edge of the site away from the Town Hall

• the tower is 134.5m high – 2m lower than the highest point of the previous scheme and is re-orientated through 90 degrees to be slimmer and less obtrusive when viewed from St Ann’s Square, and is no longer visible from St Peter's Square thus preserving the integrity of Central Library - an issue of fundamental importance for Historic England

• the tower also has greater transparency than the original design due to more glazing and a lighter colour exterior.

The plans continue to include a new synagogue, to be built with the support of its congregation, and active street level uses including a new public square as large as Lincoln Square outside the Sir Ralph Abercromby.

Gary Neville said: “This is a scheme which will make a significant contribution to the growth of Manchester city centre and create 1,500 jobs.

“It was important that we got it right and while we believed in the original scheme we have taken the opportunity to reflect on how we deliver the best possible proposal which balances generating the maximum economic benefits for the city and job creation, and our architectural ambition, with heritage and conservation.

“We did not shy away from the passionate debate around the original proposals but instead embraced it in a positive spirit and addressed some of the issues raised head-on.

“At the same time, we have kept faith with our central vision of creating a true mixed-use destination with a signature development of the highest quality including residential living, Grade A offices, a five-star hotel, exciting retail and leisure units and world-class outdoor spaces.

“The confidence of investors and occupiers has been retained throughout this process and, subject to planning approval, we will be on site by spring/early summer 2018.”

Stephen Hodder of Hodder + Partners - a former President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) - said: “We have carried out a comprehensive analysis of the design approach which has led the team towards a different design philosophy which will make a positive impact on the conservation area and support activity which currently does not exist in an under-used and often overlooked part of the city centre.

“This takes on board and responds to feedback from the public and Historic England and involves the retention of buildings wherever possible, the reduction of impact, activation, connectivity and colour. We firmly believe the revised scheme is the right solution for the site.”

The St. Michael’s scheme promises to transform a largely-disused 1.5 acre site into a world class, mixed use development comprising a 5* brand international hotel, high quality apartments, a brand new Grade A office building and ground floor and rooftop retail and leisure units.

Members of the public are invited to view the updated proposals in Rooms 2 and 3, of Manchester Central Library on Wednesday July 12.

Following the consultation event, details of the plans can also be found on the development’s website at www.st-michaels.com

• Ryan Giggs
• Gary Neville
• Manchester
• redevelopment