English Premier League football Stars are often criticized for their ostentatious lifestyles, but Gary Neville, the former Manchester United and England footballer, has bucked the trend by opening up one of the city's most famous landmarks -- which he owns with former teammate Ryan Giggs -- to the homeless.
The pair purchased the $2.3 million former Manchester Stock Exchange in 2013, but renovation work at the grade II-listed building is not set to start until February.
Neville, who enjoyed an illustrious playing career, winning the Champions League twice, eight Premier League trophies, three FA Cups and two League Cups, plans to turn it into a luxury boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace and private members area.
But those plans are on hold after he gave the go-ahead for a group of homeless people to move in.
"I burst into tears when Gary told me we could stay at the hotel until February," Wes Hall, a human rights and housing activist who is leading the campaign, told CNN.
"I don't think Gary realizes what he has done -- he is going to save hundreds of lives this winter.
"He's such a down to earth guy. He just wants to help people and this is absolutely wonderful. I know he's been helping the homeless community in Manchester for the past 10 years but this will allow us to really enable the community to make this into a hub."
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