MIPIM UK 2015: Footballer Rio Ferdinand is looking to launch a series of sports-led, mixed-use regeneration developments.
Plans are at an early stage but the former Manchester United and England player is already working with Aviva and Colliers International on how the model will work.
Ferdinand was at MIPIM UK on Wednesday where he toured stands and discussed plans with local authorities and representative bodies from areas including the Thames Valley and Bedfordshire.
The developments are expected to be labelled “Legacy” and will have sports academies at their heart. Ferdinand grew up on a council estate in Peckham and the projects will focus on deprived regions and areas where the need for affordable housing is greatest.
Discussions are believed to be under way with one pilot local authority, although the ambition is to eventually roll out Legacy projects nationally.
Ferdinand’s project may be very different to developments by his former teammates, but he is the latest in a long line of Manchester United players to move into property.
Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville have led the way, launching Hotel Football next to Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground earlier this year. They have also developed Café Football and are working with Singapore-listed development company Rowsley and Beijing Construction and Engineering Group to deliver the 500,000 sq ft Bootle Street project in Manchester.
damian.wild@estatesgazette.com
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