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      Cristiano Ronaldo’s plans for luxury £27m hotel in chaos with derelict building left crumbling as work halted

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      CRISTIANO Ronaldo has halted plans to construct a luxury £27M hotel in Manchester after his planning permission expired.The superstar won planning permission to build an exclusive CR7 151-room hotel in the heart of the city in December 2020 – but the Grade II-listed building has been left in ruins.
      Ronaldo has put his Manchester hotel plans on holdCredit: PA
      Pictures from inside the derelict building show paint peeling off the wallsCredit: Manchester City Council
      The building has been left in a state of disrepairCredit: Manchester City Council
      The hotel was due to be open this year – employing over 900 people and adding £56 million to the local economy. 
      Yet the historic property is still derelict, which it has been for the last two decades.
      Council photos from the planning application show exposed ceilings and paint peeling off the walls.
      The three-year planning permission expired earlier this month on December 16 – but no work has been attempted on the property.
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      A spokesperson for the hotel group Pestana – Ronaldo’s CR7 hotels partner – admitted to The Sun that the project is on ice, saying: “The next steps of the project are on hold, as the Group is still working on permitting matters.”
      Former Man United hero Ronaldo’s stock has fallen dramatically with fans after his fateful interview with Piers Morgan when he criticised the club and forced his way out to eventually get a move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. 
      There were also ongoing issues that the group of investors hadn’t got the required funding. 
      The project is a joint venture between Pestana and developers Eastern Green called Southern Green Properties.
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      In September, it wrote a letter to the council to discharge a number of conditions on the site which would buy it some time. 
      In the letter to the council, sent by Deloitte on their behalf, it said: “Since planning permission and listed building consent were granted in 2020; however, a number of well documented and unforeseen macroeconomic challenges have resulted in some delays in bringing forward this project.
      “Southern Green Properties Ltd continues to be fully committed to delivering the permitted scheme which will provide a high quality development and the restoration and long term sustainable reuse of a grade II-listed heritage asset.”
      The property has been in a state of disrepair for years, but its fortunes seemed to have changed when Ronaldo’s team got the green light for a futuristic 11-storey hotel. 
      Nevertheless, the council has been frustrated that there’s never been any sign of work starting. 
      Ronaldo’s CR7 brand already has hotels in New York’s Time Square, his homeland Madeira, Lisbon, Portugal, and Madrid, Spain.
      The Manchester site has been embroiled in controversy from the start – with the council stepping into ban billboards after it was covered with a huge advertisement.
      The advertisement agency Blow Up Media UK were blocked from putting up anymore huge ads in in June 2022 after the council voiced concerns “about a lack of progress since planning permission was granted.”
      The council officer said at the time that the ad was delaying construction, adding: “The City Council considers that the continued approvals for the advert could delay potential development due to the income generated from the advertisement, which would cause the site to remain vacant and undeveloped for longer… it would give a poor impression of the area to a large number of people and could detract from investment in the area as a result.”
      The plans were for a four-star hotel with 151 rooms, roof terrace for guests and visitors, gymnasium, and two bars in the trendy Northern Quarter.

      All of the ageing upper floors of one building were to be knocked down and the adjoining Grade II-listed building was to make make up the bulk of the lower floors including the ground floor bar, cafe and reception. 
      The Sun reached out to reps for Ronaldo for comment.
      Artists impression of the hotel Ronaldo planned to developCredit: Manchester City Council
      Ad agencies were blocked from putting billboards over the building by the councilCredit: www.thisischriswhite.com
      Ronaldo currently plays for Al Nassr in Saudi ArabiaCredit: AFP
      The hotel was supposed to be opened in the heart of Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter.Credit: Manchester City Council More

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      England ace Harry Kane learning Bayern Munich’s incredibly dull football chants

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      ENGLAND skipper Harry Kane is learning his new German club’s incredibly dull football chants.The Bayern Munich ace, 30, is mastering “Stand up if you are Bayern” and “One shot, one goal, one Bayern”.
      Harry Kane is learning his new German club’s incredibly dull football chantsCredit: AFP

      UK fans say the songs lack wit — and challenged Harry to teach Germans some Spurs favourites.
      James Ceppi di Lecco, 40, cheekily suggested: “How about ‘He’s not one of our own’ (Er ist nicht einer von uns)?
      Or ‘You’re Schmidt and you know you are? (Du bist Schmidt und das weißt du auch).”
      Richard Wilson, 62, from Sunbury, Surrey, added: “I can’t believe Harry’s taking the trouble to learn that rubbish.
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      “Why not, ‘It’s coming home?’ (Der Fußball kommt nach Hause).”
      Harry — who has already scored 22 goals — reveals his language skills in a clip for AI chatbot Bard, saying: “The Munich fans are great.
      “Home and away.”
      He is already using AI to help him read bedtime German stories to his four children.
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      Asked which songs he knows, he says: “I’m going to double-check on Bard.”
      The app plays a few which he translates and says: “‘Stand up if you are Bayern?’, I’ve heard that one.”
      Harry has been living alone since his £104million move but will soon welcome his family to Bavaria. More

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      Mega-rich Premier League club ‘wants to make us homeless’ to build huge stadium – we won’t be swayed by their millions

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      RESIDENTS say a Premier League club “want to make us homeless” so a huge stadium can be built, but they won’t be swayed by their millions.The Grade-I listed Leazes Terrace, which dates back to the 19th century, in Newcastle sits just metres away from the East Stand of St James’ Park, where the Magpies play their home matches next to the city centre.
      Leazes terrace, left, is next door to Newcastle’s East StandCredit: NNP
      Resident Philip Griffiths is ‘concerned’ what may happen to the flatsCredit: NNP
      Just a road separates St James’ Park and the terrace propertiesCredit: NNP
      Residents in the flats are worried the historical building could be demolished to make way for a bigger football stadium.
      But locals say they’re no further forward about the future of their homes after rumours circulated they could make way in order for Newcastle United to expand the 52,000-seater ground.
      Earlier this month, the club sent out a survey to its fans asking for their take on how to enhance the stadium itself.
      The Newcastle faithful were asked to give their thoughts on a number of issues, including stadium expansion, a new stadium being built, hospitality and club suites, ticket pricing, matchday offerings and other aspects such as if they would be willing to attend concerts at the ground in the future.
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      The move comes after the club brought experts in to conduct a feasibility study to look into every possibility of stadium expansion and enhance the matchday experience.
      The flats, which were built in the 1830s, are made up of a rectangular shape with student accommodation on the side closest to the stadium and private residencies at the other end.
      Rumours suggested the football club could pursue a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire the flats, or alternatively the residents could be “bought out” if they agree to accept a sum of cash.
      Semi-retired doctor Philip Griffiths, 66, said: “I know potentially that we can be bought out but I don’t think that would be easy.
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      “We are aware there are plans to extend the stadium here, or to move it somewhere else.
      “There are lots of crazy rumours swirling around including knocking down the student side and bringing the football stand closer to our door.
      “I also heard about the potential for a Compulsory Purchase Order to be made but I think there are precedents for listed buildings being purchased and I think they would have to keep the facade.
      “I have no complaints to the football club and they have been better neighbours since they were taken over but it does make you concerned.
      “The worst-case scenario for us is them keeping our side as it is, but demolishing the student flats next to the stand to make the ground bigger.
      “That would mean the ground would almost be in our back garden.”
      One resident, who has lived in the stone terrace for over a decade, said nobody knows what the future holds.
      Wishing to remain anonymous, he said: “Nobody has told us anything about what might happen to Leazes Terrace.
      “People have asked about what we think of the new proposed development but no one has informed us as residents which isn’t helpful.
      “The building has been here longer than the football club and it’s a listed building.
      “Even if the company bought us out, I don’t know if they could demolish the building.”
      The section of student accommodation was sold to a Middle Eastern group which sparked rumours among some Newcastle supporters that the residents could be bought out given the club’s ownership links to Saudi Arabia.
      The homeowner added: “The whole thing makes you wonder if discussions are going on behind your back because we haven’t heard anything from the club or the council.
      “Most people like living here and I think it’s a lovely terrace.
      “Newcastle hasn’t got many buildings like this so as a resident of the city it would be a huge shame if something happened to it.
      “I believe the football club have got some sort of investment in the student side of the building but we just don’t know.
      “It’s a lovely place to live and we don’t get any trouble with the football matches so we don’t want to be moved.”
      Andy Cliff, 32, who works in IT, said: “The only plan I was aware of was a bridge going across from the stadium to another building.
      “I have no idea about plans to affect Leazes Terrace but it would be concerning if the building was at risk.
      “But I would be surprised if that was be possible due to the nature of the building and its historic value.
      “I don’t take any notice of when the football is on so I’m not in the loop with their plans but as a resident I’ve not heard anything.
      “It’s a great location to live and it’s so close to the city centre and it would be slightly worrying but I don’t think it will get to that point.”
      Another woman, who’s lived on the row for over 20 years, said: “As far as I’m aware the building is a Grade-I listed building so I don’t think they can do anything.
      “They tried many years ago but an elderly woman fought it and she won.
      “I love living here so if someone wanted to offer me zillions of pounds over the asking price then brilliant, but I think that is very unlikely.
      “I’m a Newcastle United supporter myself so I’m not against extending the stadium but I’m not worried about the future of these homes.
      “I would be concerned if expanding the stadium blocked out our natural light but deep down I don’t think they can really move us.”
      A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: “The debate about the future of St James Park has gone on for many years – all the way back to the days of Sir John Hall when there was talk about it moving to the protected Leazes Park.
      “The club own the Strawberry Place site, but we have not been formally approached by them about any plans for expansion.
      “They have said publicly they are committed to St James Park, and without doubt its location in the heart of the city centre is one of its greatest strengths, close to hotels, public transport and easy to access.
      “In planning terms, it is a challenging site – close to a conservation area and listed buildings on one side and a Metro station and tunnels on the other.
      Read more on The Sun
      “That said, the city council would like to see the club remain where it is because culturally and socially it is the beating heart of the city, and we will support the club as much as we can.”
      The Sun Online has contacted Newcastle United for comment.
      Leazes Terrace is a Grade-I listed buildingCredit: NNP
      The club is hoping to expand the ground, which has left residents worried about the futureCredit: NNP More

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      Cheating ex-Prem star Shane Duffy, 31, snogs mystery woman on night out – while dressed as Dorothy from Wizard of Oz

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      FORMER Prem star Shane Duffy snogged a mystery woman on a night out — while dressed as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.The ex-Everton, Blackburn and Brighton defender, 31, is dating Wag Danielle Mitchinson.
      Republic of Ireland star Shane Duffy was seen kissing a mystery woman while dressed as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz
      He was wearing the blue gingham dress with tights and heels as the Winter Wonderland extravaganza in Hyde Park
      But there was no sign of her as Shane — in wig and costume — repeatedly kissed and cuddled his dark-haired companion at the Winter Wonderland extravaganza in Hyde Park, central London.
      One onlooker said: “Shane had gone to such effort to look like the Wizard of Oz character and was very fetching in tights and heels.
      “But he might have had some explaining to do when he got home.”
      Danielle, who has two kids from her time with former Manchester United player Chris Eagles, recently moved to Norwich after Shane joined the Canaries last summer.
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      The Republic of Ireland star, who has also played for Celtic, has had a turbulent love life.
      In 2017, he was at the centre of a bust-up after a picture of him naked in a woman’s bed was put online and seen by his then-girlfriend.
      And he was linked to Katie Price after she reportedly took one of her children to watch him play football.
      Shane’s current girlfriend is Danielle Mitchinson, who has two kids with former Man Utd player Chris EaglesCredit: Supplied
      The Republic of Ireland star has had a turbulent love life, with other incidents cropping up in his pastCredit: Getty
      Judy Garland as Dorothy in the iconic 1939 flickCredit: MGM More

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      Jack Grealish had his own Peri-Peri sauce at private Nando’s bash – named ‘Super Jack’s Sauce’

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      JACK Grealish revealed he even had his own Peri-Peri sauce at his private Nando’s bash.We told this week how the England ace hired out his favourite eaterie for pals including former Aston Villa teammate John McGinn.
      Jack Grealish had his own Nando’s sauceCredit: Facebook
      This week, the Man City ace hired out Nando’sCredit: Alamy
      And Nando’s produced a special itemised menu, with footie-themed headings including ‘kick off’, ‘reach to tackle’, ‘full time’ and ‘off-sides’.
      Listed were the £100million man’s favourite grub – including chicken thighs and a garlic churrasco burger.
      But the Manchester City star also showed off snaps of ‘Super Jack’s Sauce’, a unique version of the restaurant’s popular Peri Peri condiment.
      After posting the cheeky menu card on Instagram, Three Lions and Arsenal player Bukayo Saka commented online: “Lemme get one of them sauces.”
      READ MORE ON JACK GREALISH
      Jack, famed for his low socks and massive calves, has often told of his love of Nando’s.
      And he happily posed for snaps outside the restaurant.
      Frustrated diners locked out of their favourite food venue, in Shirley, near Birmingham, had their spirits raised when guests including Jack and his Scottish pal McGinn stopped to pose for snaps.
      Jack, 28, admitted he “does eat a lot of bad stuff”, as Erling revealed his mate loves nothing more than “Nando’s, McDonald’s and pizza”.
      Most read in Football
      The wing wizard, who signed for treble winners City from Villa in 2021, joked: “He’s just made me sound like the fattest footballer in the Prem!”
      Nando’s was contacted for comment. More

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      Harry Kane uses AI app to help read his kids bedtime stories in German after move to Bayern Munich

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      HARRY Kane is reading his children bedtime stories in German — with the help of an AI chatbot.The England captain has been using Google Bard to help his family adjust to life at Bayern Munich.
      Harry Kane is reading his children bedtime stories in German — with the help of an AI chatbotCredit: Getty
      Harry has scored 21 times in his first 16 games since moving from SpursCredit: PA
      The £100million goal ace, who has four children with wife Kate, also turns to the app for translation tips for post-match ­interviews and to cook local delicacies.
      Last night he said: “I recognise how the potential of AI can help me in all sorts of ways with my move to Germany and to get my kids settled in.
      “Bard even suggested some new goal celebrations.
      “We’ll have to see if I use them on the pitch…!”
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      Harry, 30, has already scored 21 times in his first 16 games since moving from Spurs.
      He has filmed a video as part of his partnership with the app.
      And a press release explained: “Bard uncovers Harry’s most commonly used post-match interview phrases and translates them into German to use after his next matches.”
      A source added: “Harry was already using tech to help him adjust to a new culture, so the team-up is perfect.
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      “He has really thrown himself into the German way of life.” More

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      Nando’s closes restaurant for Jack Grealish — and even made him his own menu

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      JACK Grealish took over a Nando’s – and the restaurant even made him a personalised menu.The England and Manchester City ace received special treatment as he met up with pals including his former Aston Villa teammate John McGinn.
      Nando’s closed a restaurant for Jack Grealish — and even made him his own menuCredit: EPA
      Managers even cooked up a special menu for the Man City ace – titled ‘Grealish’s Festive Grub’
      Nando’s bosses closed their eaterie to make way for the high-profile guests – leaving hungry locals baffled.
      And chicken chain managers even cooked up a special menu for one of their favourite customers – titled ‘Grealish’s Festive Grub’.
      Jack’s special itemised card looked like the standard Nando’s menu but had footie-themed headings including ‘kick off’, ‘reach to tackle’, ‘full time’ and ‘off-sides’.
      And listed were the £100million man’s favourite grub – including chicken thighs and a garlic churrasco burger
      READ MORE ON JACK GREALISH
      Invited guests to the Christmas knees-up couldn’t resist sharing snaps on social media.
      One picture showed the table groaning with huge platters of chips and chunky grilled halloumi with chilli jam.
      Bottles of Portuguese lager Sagres were seen scattered around the food, alongside orange juice and a pineapple and mango drink.
      Three Lions favourite Jack, famed for his low socks and massive calves, has often told of his love of Nando’s.
      Most read in Football
      And he happily posed for snaps outside the restaurant yesterday.
      Frustrated diners locked out of their favourite food venue, in Shirley, near Birmingham, had their spirits raised when guests including Jack and his Scottish pal McGinn stopped to pose for snaps.
      Jack, in a white t-shirt and white zipped top, happily smiled for the camera.
      Meanwhile the 29-year-old Villa man posed in a black jumper and blue anorak after Monday night’s bash.
      Last month Jack and his City and Norwegian striker pal Erling Haaland revealed each other’s favourite grub.
      The England ace said the goal machine – famed for an unusual diet consisting of cow’s heart and liver – also likes focaccia bread and his own pasta, which has a creamy tomato sauce.
      Jack, 28, admitted he “does eat a lot of bad stuff”, as Erling revealed his mate loves nothing more than “Nando’s, McDonald’s and pizza”.
      The wing wizard, who signed for treble winners City from Villa in 2021, joked: “He’s just made me sound like the fattest footballer in the Prem!”
      Nando’s was contacted for comment. More

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      Tyson Fury’s next big fight is against the tax man – after the champ & his dad John are accused of dodging massive bill

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      BOXER Tyson Fury faces a new fight — over an £82,000 council tax bill.Cheshire East Council claims the heavyweight champ, 35, his dad John, 59, and brother Shane, 32, owe the sum for property adjoining their £1million mansion in Styal.
      Cheshire East Council claims Tyson Fury, his dad John and brother Shane owe an £82,000 council tax bill
      The trio allegedly owe the sum for property adjoining their £1million mansion in StyalCredit: CHRIS NEILL
      Tyson, dubbed The Gypsy King, is 6ft 9inCredit: The Times
      Magistrates are today set to issue a legal order demanding they pay up.
      If the three still fail to cough up, they could face “enforcement action” — meaning an unlucky bailiff could have the unenviable task of reclaiming assets from the boxing family.
      Married dad-of-seven Tyson dubbed The Gypsy King, is 6ft 9in.
      John is a 6ft 3in ex-pro boxer and bare-knuckle fighter, who once went to jail for gouging a man’s eye out.
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      Shane is a former superheavyweight amateur boxer.
      Tyson also has other boxing brothers, including Love Island star Tommy, 24.
      The council tax demand relates to land used for caravans and motorhomes adjoining the family’s £1million mansion in Styal, Cheshire.
      Court documents claim the Furys — jointly worth more than £134million — have failed to cough up £82,166.85 to Cheshire East Council.
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      Land Registry papers show Tyson, Shane and John as the owners of the home and the land.
      John lives at the gated property, while Tyson is in Morecambe, Lancs.
      Barrister Sarah Robson, a fixed costs specialist at Alpha Court Chambers, said: “Often, the first time people realise a liability order has been granted is when bailiffs are sent round.
      “Cases are often sent to magistrates in batches of hundreds and sometimes thousands, and they are rubber stamped without real scrutiny.”
      It is not thought that the Furys will attend court today. Tyson’s representative declined to comment.
      From left, Shane, Tyson, brother Young and dad JohnCredit: Instagram
      If the three fail to cough up, they could face ‘enforcement action’Credit: Instagram/@parisfury1 More