Gary Neville's firm joins controversial plan for 700 new flats next to Number 10 North in Ancoats
The scheme was blocked by councillors after more than 130 objections, but has been revised and resubmitted with the tallest tower lowered from 49 to 44 storeys and 50 Manchester Living Rent apartments included.
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Gary Neville's property firm has joined a controversial plan to build more than 700 flats in two new towers on Great Ancoats Street, right across the road from the site of Andy Burnham's Number 10 North.
A total of 723 build-to-rent apartments could be built in towers 24 and 44 storeys tall, along with new office space, on the site of Stocktons Furniture.
The plans were initially proposed by Liquid Funding Business but drew more than 130 objections, largely over the impact on daylight for surrounding properties, particularly the Oxygen tower. Councillors pushed the scheme back in both November and December 2025 before voting to block it in January this year.
What has changed?
The plans have been revised and resubmitted as a joint venture with Relentless Developments, the firm led by Anthony Kilbride and Neville. The tallest tower has been reduced from 49 to 44 storeys.
Kilbride said: "Since joining the JV, 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."
He added: "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."
Will there be affordable housing?
Fifty apartments will be offered at Manchester Living Rent levels, spread throughout the development with the same specification, size and access to amenities as market-rate flats. They will be managed through an agreement with Manchester City Council.
When could it be built?
If approved, construction could start at the end of 2027, with completion timed to coincide with the opening of the Manchester Digital Campus in 2032.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the proposed development located?
- The development is planned for the current site of Stocktons Furniture on Great Ancoats Street, opposite the future Manchester Digital Campus.
- Why were the original plans rejected?
- Manchester City Council rejected the initial proposal earlier this year following more than 130 objections, largely concerning the impact on daylight for nearby buildings like the Oxygen tower.
- What has changed in the new planning application?
- The tallest tower has been reduced from 49 to 44 storeys, and the revised scheme now includes 50 apartments capped at Manchester Living Rent levels.