St. Michael’s Development Secures Investment from KKR for City Centre Scheme

MANCHESTER, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Relentless today announces a joint venture with KKR to deliver the St Michael’s development in central Manchester. Initial work on the site is expected towards the end of the year in the commercial phase of the project.

The joint venture, KKR’s first real estate investment in Manchester, will combine Relentless’s local knowledge and operational expertise with KKR’s capital and resources to deliver a best-in-class office space and new public realm for the city. The plans include significant investment in the latest green technology to create a 200,000 sq ft sustainable building, which reflects changes to working practices and has the health and well-being of its occupiers at the forefront of the design. KKR’s investment was made through its $2.2bn second dedicated European real estate fund, KKR Real Estate Partners Europe II.

The first phase of development will see the former Bootle Street City Police Headquarters brought back to life and the refurbishment of one of Manchester’s most historic pubs, the Sir Ralph Abercrombie, seamlessly blending the old and new within the scheme. Substantial public space will also be created, in the development of Abercrombie Square and a 20,000 sq ft roof terrace in the heart of the city, with impressive views overlooking the Grade I listed Town Hall and library.

Gary Neville of Relentless said: “The team has worked throughout lockdown to bring this project forward. St Michael’s has been challenging but with the support of KKR we are looking forward to delivering this exciting project in Manchester. The Relentless team welcomes KKR to Manchester and can’t wait to deliver what we know will be an exceptional space for our city.”

Charles Tutt, Head of UK Real Estate at KKR, said: “This is a unique regeneration project in a vibrant city. We have worked very closely with Relentless and the project team to get to this point and we look forward to delivering this exceptional development for the benefit of Manchester as businesses seek high-quality office space to meet their ever-evolving needs. This investment reflects our strategy and focus on investing behind best-in-class office projects and alongside expert local developers.”

Anthony Kilbride, CEO of Relentless said: “This moment is a catalyst to get the project on-site by the end of this year. The Relentless team and KKR have already done a lot of the groundwork needed to enable us to move the project forward quickly. Our teams are aligned on the vision to deliver a world-class sustainable commercial space and new public realm in the city and will be working on the final stages of design in the coming months.”

The development has the full support of Manchester City Council.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Navigating the complexities of this development within the constraints of the site has undoubtedly been challenging, but we know the outcome is going to be truly transformational for this part of the city centre - with world class place making key to its success. This type of investment is the precise antidote we need in the city to balance the economic impact of the last year.”

Joanne Roney OBE, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is a city of ambition, and we expect that same energy from our developers. St Michael’s is oozing ambition - from the low carbon office space to the public realm. This is the sort of development that cities crave and the sort of investment that is vital to our swift economic recovery following the pandemic.”

The first phase of St Michael’s is expected to have a build period of approximately 2 years from starting on site. Later phases of St Michael’s will enhance the hospitality offering in Manchester with a 5-star hotel and residential tower, with works expected to begin in 2022 once the hospitality sector has recovered from the impact of the pandemic.

ENDS

About KKR:

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management and capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of The Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.

About Relentless:

Relentless Developments is Gary Neville’s development company and is the developer of the St Michael’s project. In recent years it has completed Hotel Football and the Stock Exchange Hotel but its main focus has been the successful delivery of St Michael’s. It intends to develop further opportunities once both phases of St Michael’s are underway.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210728005378/en/

For more information, or for interview opportunities
Roland Dransfield:
E: [email protected]
T: 0161 236 1122

For KKR media enquiries:
Alastair Elwen / Sophia Johnston
Finsbury Glover Hering
Telephone: +44 20 7251 3801
Email: [email protected]

Source: KKR

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