Manchester United legends Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville have become the unlikely faces of the fight against homelessness in the UK after allowing a group to squat in their luxurious Manchester hotel.
Neville said that he is ‘quite relaxed’ about taking on the lodgers through the winter months - once they agree to leave in February when the pair intend to begin renovation work on the building.
The Guardian was granted exclusive access to the premise which once housed the city's stock exchange.
"It's not a utopia - this isn't the end of homelessness. This is simply a short term solution - so many people are coming together to try to create solutions to the wider picture," one of the organisers told the paper.
This "baroque-style" building with marble columns, a sweeping red-carpeted staircase and a domed ceiling, is home to a group of 15 squatters for the harsh-winter months.
“This is such an amazing building. We can’t believe that Gary Neville is letting us stay somewhere that’s going to become a luxury boutique hotel,” said one 54 year-old resident whose nickname is 'Granddad.'
Manchester Angels initially intended that the act of squatting in the historic building, which has been vacant for several months, would function as a publicity-stunt to raise awareness around the issue of homelessness in the city.
Instead they are now working to house homeless people in the 23,000 sq ft space which is due to be converted into a luxury hotel, gym, and spa with a rooftop terrace.
The awareness generated by the involvement of the two Manchester stars has lead to a wave of good will and donations of food, clothing, bedding and bikes.
Housing groups and mental health organisations have also reached out to work with the residents.
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