It’s happening: Demolition works start at St Michael’s
Bowmer + Kirkland has begun site work in Manchester for the 185,000 sq ft office project from Gary Neville’s Relentless and US investor KKR.
As part of the project, Bowmer + Kirkland has begun the process of taking down the Sir Ralph Abercrombie pub kitchen, the Jackson’s Row Reform Synagogue, and the rear parts of the former Bootle Street Police Station.
Relentless owner Gary Neville and Bowmer + Kirkland senior project manager Sean Gilmour on the St Michael’s site. Credit: via Roland Dransfield
This is the first phase of the largescale St Michael’s scheme, which also includes the Planit-IE-designed park, dubbed St Michael’s Square, and a rooftop restaurant. The first phase is estimated to cost £120m and has a tentative completion date of 2024.
Located at the former police headquarters site on Southmill Street in Manchester, the St Michael’s office building will stretch across nine storeys, offering tenants dedicated roof space, private terraces and meeting areas. Skidmore, Owings & Merill designed the scheme.
The Relentless and KKR joint venture is aiming for the office building to secure high energy efficiency and sustainability credentials, including achieving BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum status.
Neville told reporters in December that he hopes to begin construction on the second phase of the St Michael’s project by the end of the year. The second phase consists of a 41-storey tower designed by Hodder + Partners. The tower would have 191 hotel rooms and 181 apartments.
St Michael’s has been more than 14 years in the making. Neville told reporters in December that despite the delays in delivery that the project is now in “the home straight”.
St Michael’s project team includes interior designer Bowler James Brindley, MEP engineer Hoare Lea, civil engineer Curtins, wind analyst and façade access consultant WSP, access consultant Peter Connell Associates, principal designer RLB, heritage consultant Stephen Levrant Heritage Architecture, and Design Fire Consultants. Zerum is the project manager and planning consultant for the scheme.
CGI showing how the offices will look upon completion. Credit: Revere
A great day! So many years with the redesign and consultation process. The site has been derelict for far too long seen simply as a back alley / cut through with no life
By Tomo
Excellent news. This will be a real gem in the city center I believe. Hopefully the tower kicks off soon as well as another 5* hotel will be much welcomed. Should all come off with it being KKR that are funding it.
By Bob
At last! Such a long time in the making but such an important site and will be worth it.
By James
The Sir Ralph Abercrombie pub was one of the best pubs around after the demolition of Tommy Ducks. All happy memories of yesteryear.
I hope Mister Neville is happy but not the zero carbon build I was expecting. Like his punditry, he talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk.
Like everything in Manchester, it’ll be inaccessible as Cross Rail in London.
I bet developers have never completed a jigsaw because everything they do is broken, like their thinking!
By Andy Grey Rider
Leave our pub alone
By Gordon Sinnott
Another part of historic manchester vandalised for more hideous tower blocks
By Nightwtchman
Err , the pub is being left alone isn’t it? This development looks really rather good.
By Anonymous
So sad to see the Synagogue go and now not part of the scheme many happy memories there through many generations.
By Hayley L
On the plus side there’s new and very welcome synagogue being built, and the regeneration of a long derelict site. Also the creation of quite a few jobs.So cheer up people this a good thing.
By Anonymous
what a waste of Manchester’s heritage
By Anonymous