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Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs have told a group of activists they can stay in the Stock Exchange, an iconic building the ex-footballers bought for £1.5m, through the coldest months of the winter.
Around 30 homeless rights activists from the Manchester Angels group set up camp in the Stock Exchange over the weekend after being evicted from an empty office block in the city centre with only 24 hours’ notice.
Rather than securing another eviction order, Neville reportedly said he’s relaxed about homeless activists staying in the development while extensive renovations take place over winter – provided access is granted to surveyors who need to come and go.
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We just want to say publicly that Gary Neville is one AMAZING man, he doesn’t realise what he’s doing here…HE’S SAVING LIVES 1 <3
Posted by The Sock Exchange on Sunday, October 18, 2015
Neville and Giggs are transforming the Grade II-listed building into a luxury hotel with 35 beds, a basement gym, spa, roof-top private members’ terrace, restaurant and bar. The building work is expected to continue into 2016.
The occupation is another attempt by the housing and human rights activists to set up a community hub for the homeless.
The goal of ‘Operation Safe Winter’ is to provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ that includes hot food, health checkups, workshops, advice on benefits and other services and help with finding permanent accommodation.
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I’m crying…Just go off the phone to Gary Neville…He’s letting us stay for a few months over the winter period and he’s gonna help us with intervention I’m shaking here.#TheGraftPaysOff <3
Posted by Manchester Angels on Sunday, October 18, 2015
Because clothes will also be distributed to the new occupants, the activists have renamed the building the Sock Exchange.
The Real Junk Food Project will deliver a food project and the Manchester Angels are in talks with ‘a household name chef’ to help with a Christmas meal for the homeless.
Click here to find out more about the Sock Exchange and how you can support Operation Safe Winter.
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