Gary Neville ex Manchester United captain who yesterday was announced part of Roy Hodgson’s England management team has been given the go ahead to build a new £20m hotel close to Old Trafford.
Planning permission for four star, 139 room hotel was granted by Trafford Council despite objections from Manchester United his former club.
The 8,000-square-metre building is next to the Bridgewater Canal, just yards from the north east side of the stadium. The canal level will be used solely by the supporters club.
There will be capacity for up to 1,200 fans and planned features include projector screens to watch matches, bar areas, restaurants, a club shop, a restaurant and an OTSC board room.
The lower levels will be restricted to supporters club members.
Floors two to eight will house the hotel and there are also plans for a gym for residents and match-day sponsor suites.
The exterior of the building will feature the United home kit colours of red, white and black.
The plans will clearly delight the United fans on match day but support for the project across the city seems to focus on the positives for Manchester as a city and leave club loyalties aside thankfully.