It would be fair to say we’re proud of our pubs here in Manchester, and with some of the oldest in Europe, these boozers really are a rich part of our city’s history. Now, Relentless Developments has submitted a planning application to restore the historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub on Bootle Street as part of the wider St Michael’s development.
What will the restoration involve?
The proposals will see the pub undergo a substantial refurbishment with strategic features retained and repurposed to honour the building’s heritage. This includes the retention and refurbishment of window frames, brickwork and external doors where feasible, or replacements in keeping with the original elements.
A new walkway connecting old to new
A link will also be created to connect the pub to the St Michael’s scheme, with a glassed walkway integrating the pub with the 43-storey tower set to play host to W Hotel and W Residences.
The Sir Ralph Abercromby and St Michael’s development
The pub, which dates back to the 1800s, is located between Jackson’s Row and Bootle Street in Manchester city centre. It has remained operational as construction of the £400m flagship St Michael’s development progresses.
No.1 St Michael’s officially opened in November 2025 and secured its position as one of the leading office developments in the UK. The development was successfully brought to the market by a joint venture between Relentless Developments and KKR.
Construction of No.2 St Michael’s is underway which will provide 75,000 sq ft of premium office space within the scheme’s 43-storey tower, alongside the 162-room W Hotel and 217 W Residences.
Gary Neville, Manchester United legend and Director at Relentless Developments, said: “The Sir Ralph Abercromby is one of Manchester’s most treasured pubs and an important part of the city’s social fabric. A big part of our ambition for St Michael’s has been to celebrate Manchester’s heritage and restoring this iconic building is central to that vision.
“Our proposals carefully retain and enhance the features that give the pub its character while sensitively integrating it into the wider St Michael’s scheme. We’re proud the pub has been able to remain open throughout construction and this next phase will secure its future for generations to come – ensuring it continues to serve the community while sitting confidently alongside a truly world-class development.”
When will the restoration of the Sir Ralph Abercromby pub be completed?
Subject to planning approval, work will commence in the coming months aiming for a planned completion in summer 2027.
