Gary Neville's £400m St Michael's scheme in Manchester has launched with news that two prominent law firms have agreed deals for space at the landmark development.

The mixed-use scheme is being brought to the market through a collaboration between Relentless Developments and stakeholders KKR, Salboy and Manchester City Council.

No 1 St Michael’s is expected to be the first fully Net Zero Carbon commercial development in the city, both in operation and delivery.

The launch sees the development set a new headline rent for offices in the city with Pinsent Masons and Hill Dickinson signing deals for 26,842 sq ft and 18,192 sq ft respectively at No.1 St Michael’s.

Construction of the 41-storey tower is also set to commence in the coming weeks and, when complete, will be home to a 162-bed, 5 Star international hotel brand plus 217 luxury residences.

Relentless is in the final stages of signing a deal with a premium global hotel operator for the tower, which will be announced in the autumn. Apartment sales will also commence after the summer as part of the joint venture between Relentless and property developer, Salboy.

St Michael's is aiming to set new standards in quality, aesthetic and experience in the city, becoming a high profile destination for food, drink and entertainment. Nikkei restaurant brand, Chotto Matte will occupy the roof terrace while a public square will see the historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub retained following a substantial refurbishment.

The scheme has been designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and Hodder & Partners to be both transform an underused area in the heart of the city, while also being sympathetic to the site’s heritage as the former home to Manchester City Police headquarters.

Interiors have been created in collaboration with SOM to complement the building's external design.

The development is separated into two distinct phases, with phase one branded No.1 St Michael's and comprising nine floors of office space set to achieve the highest standards in sustainability and wellbeing. The Chotto Matte rooftop restaurant and two food and beverage outlets top and tail the building.

No.2 St Michael’s comprises the tower containing the hotel, apartments plus an additional 75,000 sq ft of office space.

Bowmer and Kirkland commenced delivery of No 1 in January 2022 with completion due in 2024. Salboy's exclusive build partner, Domis, is set to break ground on No.2 in the coming weeks, with the scheme in its entirety completing in early 2027.

Gary Neville, director at Relentless Developments, said:

"This is an extraordinary scheme that has been no less than 15 years in the making and we believe it to be the most sustainable commercial space in the city. I'd like to thank all our partners who have been with me on this journey and remained committed to the vision to transform this pivotal area of the city into a global landmark.

"We've worked so hard to create a development that is distinctive in both its imaginative design and heritage as well as its location connecting the city's business district with the historic civic quarter. Signing a deal with two of the world’s most reputable law firms and setting a new headline rent as we launch is testament to that."

No 1 St Michael’s (phase one) is a joint venture between Relentless Developments and global investment firm KKR.

Nicky Barker, managing director and head of asset management at KKR Europe Real Estate, said:

"We are delighted to reach this important milestone and look forward to realising the vision for the exceptional regeneration project in the heart of Manchester alongside our partner, Relentless. We’re proud that the St. Michael’s project is being developed with the aim of achieving net zero carbon in construction and operation and targeting a BREEAM Outstanding rating."

A joint venture between Relentless and property developer, Salboy, is enabling the delivery of No.2 St Michael’s (phase two). 

Simon Ismail, co-founder of Salboy, said:

"Salboy and Relentless share a passion for delivering this new world-class development in the centre of Manchester. We are really looking forward to delivering No 2 St Michael’s, with the help of all of our dedicated partners. When complete, this long-awaited development will raise the bar for the city’s residential, hospitality, workspace and leisure offerings.”

Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, added:

"St Michael’s will be a defining regeneration project for our city centre. Following a long road to bring this challenging, long underused site forward, it's a welcome milestone that construction will start over the summer on a new icon of our city’s skyline – and the latest destination neighbourhood for Manchester – supporting the city’s growth and creating employment opportunities."

Neil Black, Manchester office head at Pinsent Masons, said:

"Manchester is an important market for legal and professional services serving as a hub for investment and development across the North West region.

"As a multinational business collaborating with a range of domestic and global clients, it’s exciting to see the region thrive as a leading UK business centre. Our move into St Michael’s signals an important era for us as we continue to develop and invest in our people, clients and communities across the region."

Keith Feeny, director of IT and operations at Hill Dickinson, said:

"Our decision to invest in St Michael’s represents our commitment to the continued growth of Hill Dickinson, our commitment to the wider cultural investment in Manchester as a city and a real desire to improve the sustainability of our operations. We believe this project will help us deliver on all threey."

Paul Sykes, Bowmer + Kirkland regional director, said:

"Our Bowmer + Kirkland team is proud to have been appointed to deliver the first phase of this landmark development which involves refurbishing the former Greater Manchester Police HQ and new-build 11-storey world-class, sustainable offices."

Andrew Knight of Kuits Solicitors acted on behalf of the developer for the lettings.