Gary Neville to regenerate Manchester city centre

Gary Neville has remained a prominent figure in Manchester long after retiring from football, regularly involving himself in debates surrounding the city as well as Manchester United.

The former United defender has continued to comment on matters surrounding the club, recently speaking about the search for a new permanent manager following the departure of Ruben Amorim earlier in 2026.

Away from football, however, the United legend has increasingly turned his attention to business and development projects across Manchester.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Neville’s property firm Relentless Developments has revealed plans for a major regeneration scheme in the city centre.

The proposal focuses on the redevelopment of the historic Kendals building on Deansgate, one of Manchester’s most recognisable landmarks.

Under the plans, the surrounding area would become a new neighbourhood known as the Kendals District, featuring office space, hospitality venues, leisure facilities, retail units and residential accommodation.

At the centre of the project is the renovation of the former Kendal Milne building, which first opened in 1939 and served generations of shoppers in Manchester.

Developers plan to create approximately 230,000 square feet of modern office space while preserving the historic character of the building.

The regeneration scheme is being delivered through a partnership between Relentless Developments and Investec, with backing from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Manchester mayor Andy Burnham previously confirmed that £44 million from the region’s £1 billion Good Growth Fund would be allocated to help bring the redevelopment forward.

Anthony Kilbride, chief executive of Relentless Developments, said the project would form part of a wider vision for the surrounding area.

“Kendals is a complex heritage retrofit that has demanded real conviction, not just in the building itself, but in the wider vision for this part of the city,” he explained.

“As one of Manchester’s most recognisable landmarks, this high-impact site is perfectly positioned to anchor district-scale regeneration and act as a true gateway to a new neighbourhood.”

Kilbride added that the Kendals District has been designed as a comprehensive regeneration plan rather than a standalone development.

“What we are bringing forward with the Kendals District is not piecemeal development; it is a coherent, carefully planned quarter that brings together workspace, hospitality, culture and public realm in a way that creates long-term value for the city.”

Relentless Developments has already been involved in several major projects across Manchester.

Among them is the St Michael’s development on Jackson’s Row, a large scheme that includes a luxury W Hotel and branded residential apartments.

With the Kendals District project now moving forward, the involvement of Gary Neville in shaping Manchester’s urban landscape continues to grow alongside his ongoing role as one of the most outspoken figures connected to Manchester United.