2017年 10月 09日

Gary Neville to sell site of proposed ‘Tellytubby House’ as he prepares for move into Manchester

Gary Neville is selling up the site of his proposed ‘Tellytubby House’ as he prepares to move his family into Manchester.

The footballer turned developer is pressing ahead with plans to build a huge skyscraper development in the city centre.

But he still has a family home in Bolton as well as a large plot in the town’s Harwood area which he had hoped to turn into a futuristic house.

The plan for the hillside eco-mansion, which had been compared to the children’s TV show, were bitterly opposed by locals in 2010 and resulted in a two-year planning battle.

While Neville, ultimately did not proceed and switched to other ambitious schemes such creating Hotel Football, it seems that he had not entirely given up on reviving the plan for the hillside home.

However, the land has now been put up for sale with a guide price of £650,000.

Sources close to Neville, 42, a married dad-of-two, who also has a flat in Manchester city centre, say that the Bury-born United legend is now looking to move out of Bolton entirely so he can focus on his city centre developments.

Plans for the proposed £8m Harwood home initially included a 128ft wind turbine which would create its own energy, in conjunction with ground heat.

Shaped like a flower petal with six offshoots, the home would also have featured a swimming pool, a gym, an office, dining rooms and a garage.

After initially being rejected by planners, Neville and his team managed to get the renewed proposals through planning in 2011 after slashing the height of the turbine.

Continued unrest among neighbouring residents eventually led Neville to abandon his plans of the turbine. Adding a second level to the original designs and moving away from the petal shape, the latest designs were approved in 2012.

Yet, it seems that the ex-England defender has now given up altogether on his dream of building the eco-bunker.

Recently unveiling plans for University Academy 92, in Trafford Park, and renewed plans for his St Michael’s development, perhaps the former footballer no longer has the time to finish the project.

Advertised alongside the latest designs from 2012, it is understood that the planning permission has remained intact.

On the market with estate agent, Pearson Ferrier, the new owners can expect a ‘rural setting enjoying privacy and seclusion’.

The advert reads: “Harwood is a substantial development opportunity to create a distinct family home, nestling in a sought after rural setting enjoying privacy and seclusion.

“The residence will be a significant undertaking harnessing the latest concepts in architectural and environmental design.

“Extending to 8000 sq ft with accommodation set over two floors, the house will be set in large gardens and grounds extending to around five acres.”

A spokesman for Gary Neville said: “Gary has several business interests plus media commitments in the city centre of Manchester and so is looking to relocate to the city in the next 12 to 18 months with his family, as it makes more sense.”

Read more: https://goo.gl/WMmNh2