The last thread quickly reached a whopping 847 posts and tailed way off topic so it's time for a fresh one. (Actually supposed to close them after 500...)

A couple of photos of the plaza taken the other day
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/P2150007copy.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/P2150012copy.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/P2150008copy.jpg

Renders of the final product
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/164CityTower_pic16.jpg

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/164CityTower_pic14.jpg

Recladding of the Jarvis Hotel is not part of this renovation is it? Seems pointless tidying the entire podium up only to have that heap of shit sat on top of it.

Saw Roger Stephenson today - he tells me that despite what i have said in previous posts - the painting of the gables and the insertion of the oriel windows is not the next job. Sorting out the mall is the main priority and then sorting out the 'rear' (whats that street called?) with a refurb of the spiral ramp and tidying up of the ground level aspects etc. Then i think refurbing the old radio station offices (which has the biggest open office floor space in manchester apparently - its huge!) is next. I think initial works on the gables will overlap these works but i dont think its a priority. Roger was very excited about the windows because they will enable groovy lighting inside to shine outwards and bathe the whole of the gables.

Mr Longford - Not sure who Roger Stephenson is, I presume he works for the developer, but is there any chance you can get some pics of inside City Tower please?
I'd like to see what the inside of this building looks like, offices an all.
And by the way, is Key 103 still based in there?
I can remember back in the 80's where the DJ's of Picaddilly Radio were displayed on the side of the plaza, down Portland Street. Mike Sweeny, Phil Wood etc.

RS is the architect.

Key 103 moved to Castlefield years ago.

Sorry ive got a new playstation game so im very distracted. Will try to get some pics but only 14th floor has been done so far i think (Bruntwoods own offices - try their website)

Sorry ive got a new playstation game so im very distracted. Will try to get some pics but only 14th floor has been done so far i think (Bruntwoods own offices - try their website)

Cheers for that. There's some good stuff on the bruntwood site. I'm surprised how much stuff they own. How come you know the architect?

I can't imagine Manchester without the Plaza, I think it will be a vast improvement when complete.

How come you know the architect?


I'm an architect groupie!

Is everyone aware that scaffolding has been erected on the NNW facing side of Sunley tower?

Started about 10 days ago.

There is a strip of brown near the top under the City Tower logo, will that be painted black or reclad or something, looks a mess.

I don't think the Jarvis hotel can ever look half-way decent, even after a re-cladding. The whole shape of it is ugly, not just it's dirty external walls.

It's like Godzilla drank a million pints of concrete then vomited it up all over the place and it solidified into that...that...thing! Sunley Tower looks a lot better with it's new cladding, but Jarvis will always be a big ugly lump. Only a 200-metre statue of a nude Germaine Greer would look less attractive than that.

I know someone who actually stayed in the Jarvis once, they said it was like a Salvation Army hostel, albeit with fewer tramps wanking in the corridoor.

I was actually in the Jarvis last night for a Ball and it was very nice. I can't really fault it inside, it's spacious, has an unconfusing layout and had an ok decor. It's just like any normal hotel.

I also heard somewhere that the chain Jarvis Hotels are sixty something percent owned by McDonalds. Anyone know if this is true?

Are they doing anything to this?

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/P2150008copy.jpg

There is a strip of brown near the top under the City Tower logo, will that be painted black or reclad or something, looks a mess.

Looks like it'll be painted white (like the sides) on that render. I reckon it'd look better black though..

I think the brown near the top of City Tower is concrete, like the sides. Is it my imagination are are there fewer dishes on top?

I reckon the Jarvis hotel could look OK all buffed up, but they'd have to do something significant with the roofline and that low level bit that sticks out. Anybody know what all that scaffolding is for? Sure is a lot of it. It makes me think something is cracking up.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/P2150007copy.jpg

It reminds me of that bus station/centre in Cumbernauld

Is everyone aware that scaffolding has been erected on the NNW facing side of Sunley tower?


Saw this today as I drove past, the side facing onto Piccadilly Gardens, there was a couple of runners at each edge like what was used on the glazed sides and scaffolding/framework around the centre of the tower. Although it goes against the info Longford was told that the Oriel windows aren'y scheduled till later on it looks to me like they may be starting soon.

Yes these are temporary structures to allow for the oriel window and gable works. I think this is going to be a quite a drawn out part of the renovations but it does look like they are starting soon doesnt it? But Roger Stephenson assures me the windows and repainting of the gables is the last job they will do. What does he know though eh?

Architects hey!!

Is there currently a car park on the roof? As shown in the final render.

Yeah there is, think its mainly used by the hotel.

Yes.

http://www.webbaviation.co.uk/gallery/d/1621-1/CRW_8660+_1_.jpg

Yes.

http://www.webbaviation.co.uk/gallery/d/1621-1/CRW_8660+_1_.jpg


So there is! Youd have no idea from street level, must be a load of ramps at the back I suppose.

When i was talking to roger stephenson he was getting very excited about the ramp and what they are going to do with it. It is a very groovy feature and quite important so they are going to do it up and light it all nice and pretty. I used deliver cars up there quite alot before bernard house was replaced and it was great fun bombing around the spiral ramp and then tearing around the podium.
Amazing aerial pic - a bit of sex wee has just come out looking at it!

ewww, TMI thanks

Someone was moaning about the band of unclad concrete near the top - so i had a few words and got it sorted!

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f85/garybaldy/citysouth.jpg

have you coloured it in or is that how it is now?

What they really need to do is totally re-build the top.

What they really need to do is totally re-build the top.


Your names not Andy Simm is it?

Your names not Andy Simm is it?
Nope

So Are youy actually going to be able to walk through from the Gardens to York Street when they finish?

I was sat under the plaza the other day and I think I'm leaning back to the this can possibly be salvaged camp. You'd have to rip out everything from underneath it and maybe put in something to fill the gap but I can see the big slab like balancing bit looking quite pretty one day, floating above an expanded and bus free public space.

Short of demolishing the rest of the plaza Im glad to hear they are at least doing something to enhance that spiral ramp. The Plaza's street level aspect from anywhere to the west is horrendous - even worse than its aspect from the Gardens. Where you would want to see a continuous vista from Princess Street through to the gardens you are instead faced with this big dark barrier with the feeling that everything is happening 20 metres above you... Not unlike staring at the rusting hull of a cruise ship laid up in a dry dock somewhere. The new arcade will improve this aspect marginally but annoyingly it doesn't (can't?) align with any of the surrounding streets although it does beat a path directly to the front door of the old Telephone Exchange on York St (co-incidentally also owned by Bruntwood - hmmmmmm!).

Another think that I dislike about the building (to add to a long list) - and again is something which can never be addressed by cosmetic changes - is how it serves to 'shrink' Piccadilly Gardens. The space itself is really, really big. Its vast! It has been physically shrunk, of course, by the presence of so many roads and tram tracks. But psycologically it is shrunk by being fronted by the Plaza. By virtue of consisting of 3 or 4 monolithic slab elements, the building does not lend the space any kind of small-scale intimacy and detail which would help to give an impression of its size.

Short of demolishing the rest of the plaza Im glad to hear they are at least doing something to enhance that spiral ramp. The Plaza's street level aspect from anywhere to the west is horrendous - even worse than its aspect from the Gardens. Where you would want to see a continuous vista from Princess Street through to the gardens you are instead faced with this big dark barrier with the feeling that everything is happening 20 metres above you... Not unlike staring at the rusting hull of a cruise ship laid up in a dry dock somewhere. The new arcade will improve this aspect marginally but annoyingly it doesn't (can't?) align with any of the surrounding streets although it does beat a path directly to the front door of the old Telephone Exchange on York St (co-incidentally also owned by Bruntwood - hmmmmmm!).

Another think that I dislike about the building (to add to a long list) - and again is something which can never be addressed by cosmetic changes - is how it serves to 'shrink' Piccadilly Gardens. The space itself is really, really big. Its vast! It has been physically shrunk, of course, by the presence of so many roads and tram tracks. But psycologically it is shrunk by being fronted by the Plaza. By virtue of consisting of 3 or 4 monolithic slab elements, the building does not lend the space any kind of small-scale intimacy and detail which would help to give an impression of its size.

Fully agree with you there Sleepy, as for the gardens, the "Berlin Wall" makes it feel even smaller and hemmed in.

Longford, is that a genuine picture?

SleepyOne: You can see on the picture just how little space is given over to gardens. The recent makeover did the shrinking. Manchester City Council don't own the Plaza and can't do much with it, but they could relocate the bus station. Then your small scale intimacy could be achieved by extending the gardens right up to the Plaza with cobbles and coffee shops. Maybe a statue or two, giving it that St. Anne's square feel. It's really achievable, and could be very nice.

http://www.webbaviation.co.uk/gallery/d/1621-1/CRW_8660+_1_.jpg

Farsight: could be achieved by extending the gardens right up to the Plaza with cobbles

Cobbles? Careful Farsight you're bordering on heresy... I mean heritage. Haha! :jk:

It would be good as you suggest, but my thoughts are that the bus stop is there to stay. I think the concrete wall was purposely placed there as a permanant fixture to hide the bus stop- suggesting that it too will be a long-term fixture.

Not heresy, GShutty. I like old stone. For example I think that Berlin Wall would look a lot better covered in rock. Maybe with some plants in front and some ivy creeping up it. Perhaps a little water?

I think a mixture of old and new looks best, it's all a matter of balance, but "heritage" tends to be a one sided thing that doesn't have balance by its very nature.

[QUOTE=Farsight]Not heresy, GShutty. I like old stone. For example I think that Berlin Wall would look a lot better covered in rock. Maybe with some plants in front and some ivy creeping up it. Perhaps a little water?

I have to agree, though i can't see the ivy thing happening. I always thought some sort of 'wall of fame' could decorate the concrete nicely. Brass plaques, highlighting Manchester firsts, or famous Mancunians and their acheivements.

So, what about all the concrete left over?

:) LoL! Just kidding.

Someone was moaning about the band of unclad concrete near the top - so i had a few words and got it sorted!

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f85/garybaldy/citysouth.jpg

Not moaning pal, just pointing out as it would look crap as a half hearted job wouldnt it?

Agreed! Only having a laugh FSR :wink2:

Longford, is that a genuine unadulterated picture of City Tower?

Longford, is that a genuine unadulterated picture of City Tower?

Do you honestly think i would sit here and spend half an hour on photoshop just to impress you geeks?
No - i spotted them doing it yesterday (on the north elevation anyway - i suppose they will do the other side soon)

No.

Thanks.

I was keen to know because it's a slight variation from the render.

Agreed! Only having a laugh FSR :wink2:

No worries ;)

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/P2280030copy.jpg

Vertical tracks being constructed up the 'Hulme underpass' side of the building. Expect some Keim™ Paint and oriels soon.

Couple more
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/P2280035copy.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/P2280049copy.jpg

Oooh, lookin' kewl. I'm looking forward to seeing what colour they paint it, I bet they had to spend a lot at B&Q...I'll get my coat.

B&Q? I have it on good authority they have cleaned Wilkinson's out of all their Magnolia Matt Vinyl cos it was Buy One Get One Free.

Keim Paint. Stone in a can:

http://www.deslinc.com/keim_paint_characteristics.htm

http://www.deslinc.com/images/keimpaintsthumb.gif

Keim Paint. Stone in a can:

http://www.deslinc.com/keim_paint_characteristics.htm

http://www.deslinc.com/images/keimpaintsthumb.gif

Do you know about this sort of thing farsight?
They did some tests at the base of the south gable last summer - it is going to be bright white i gather.

Do I know about this sort of thing?

No.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/P3020008copy.jpg

I really hope they clear all that clutter on the roof. I think the plan was to remove the dishes and have the sticky up bit lit up. Was there also to large poles on the original plan as well.

I really hope they clear all that clutter on the roof. I think the plan was to remove the dishes and have the sticky up bit lit up. Was there also to large poles on the original plan as well.

They cant move many of the dishes cos we would all be without phone signals! The plan is to conceal them behind a large oval fence (i have described it quite badly before as a vertical running track!)
Yes there was a plan to put two 'devils horns' (me and my great descriptions again) on either side of the communications bundle. Dont know if it will come to owt though.

:lol: Nice descriptions. I think i know what you mean. I take it the Devils horns won't serve any purpose other than making it's offical hight taller :)

:lol: Nice descriptions. I think i know what you mean. I take it the Devils horns won't serve any purpose other than making it's offical hight taller :)

No they do! If you look you can see two small temporary vertical masts and i think they will serve to replace them. I suppose the 'horns will be quite substantial and will house antennas and dishes inside the hollow of the mast.

The spires in the render are just the existing spires aren't they, but slightly exagerated/elborated on?

From what i remember the two new masts were a lot taller and both the same height, the current ones are different hights. I think they are totaly new.
But then some renders show them and others don't

Pipe dream: all these dishes and aeriels ought to be on a dedicated tower... with a skybar and revolving restaurant on top. Aaaaah.

the renderings without the mess on top look much better, although i suppose those dishes will have to go somewhere otherwise no phone coverage for half of us! anyone remember until about 15 years ago when it had the "NEC" neon adverts on the side? everyone knew it as the NEC building. having said that i bet very few ever knew it was called sunley tower even these days. no mistaking it now though, it looks soooooo much better

just to clear something up,

the dishes on top of city tower are not used to communicate directly with mobile phones. they are long range communications dishes which probably carry phone calls, landline and mobile as well as internet traffic and other stuff. the reason that there is so many up there is because many are obsolete and its too expensive to remove them.

the transmitters that send and recive our mobile phone signals are much more common and closer to the ground. they are the grey/white tall pannels mounted on the roofs of buildings like the ones in the centre of caw's latest picture

Some commercial radio stations have gear up there too.

this weekend 17th - 19th march

work ready to commence on the sides...

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/9011/dscf00508on.jpg

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8413/dscf00479gc.jpg

During the Commonwealth games in 2002, the whole of the side was covered by a huge yellow advert for the games, looked very striking. I would like to see something similar, but as a previous post mentioned, put things that made manchester famous on it instead, rolls meeting royce, first computer and so on.

Do the sides not already have details based on circuit boards? Seems the architect actually thought of that Cromwell.

It's just that you cannot really see them in that beige/brown colour.

Perhaps the repaint will make them more visible?

what colour are the sides going to be?

^^white-ish

They should have stuck cladding or solar panels on the gables of this tower.

They should have stuck cladding or solar panels on the gables of this tower.

that was the original plan i think but then it was decided not to cover the original curtain walling for heritage and or cost reasons.

to be honest i think we should keep some remanents of 60's architecture, the good parts obviosly

During the Commonwealth games in 2002, the whole of the side was covered by a huge yellow advert for the games, looked very striking. I would like to see something similar, but as a previous post mentioned, put things that made manchester famous on it instead, rolls meeting royce, first computer and so on.
I think the white painted sides would look best during the day but one thing I think would be ultra cool would be some sort of projection onto the white walls at night!

The gables do not have 'circuit board' diagrams on them.

They are in fact Mayan Hieroglyphics as there was a Mexican on the design team.

Roughly translated (read vertically), it signifies Original Modern.

Thanks for that amazing bit of new research Sir Nicky Platt- things are all starting to make sense now! Thats where the name obiviously came from as well (adopts comedy mexican accent - picc a deely plaza - ariba ariba!)
Andrew - changing colour washes will be projected from inside the oriel spine up the side of the gable at night. It will look really pretty!

What happeing to the hotel refurbishment - does anybody know ?
The portland street bar is closed with a notioce in the window stating "closed due to refurbishment of the piccadilly hotel". The scaffolding to support the work has been in place for some time, but I've not seen any planning permission for the refurbsihment!! however would they need it- for instatnce if they are just changing the windows out etc.

Its just remedial work to make sure it doesnt start to look any worse than it already does. There seems to be no long term commitment to a wholescale refurb at the moment.

city tower - terrible (even with white-ish sides)

hotel - terrible

bus station - terrible

Well thank you for that weighty considered opinion. Now Fuck Off.

I've grown quite fond of the City tower. I've found it very useful in the past when I've been lost in the city. I just look up, spot the tower and walk towards it if I need to get back on a bus.

Well thank you for that weighty considered opinion. Now Fuck Off.

Chill your boots son

Why does anything slightly negative get jumped on?

I contribute with positive posts about things which I think are positive and do the same with things which I think are negative.

It is my opinion that all of the aforementioned things are terrible, and therefore stand by my post.

In short: pipe down

Some people don't believe there should be such a thing as an opinion Timo. However theres no need to go into a thread about the city tower and blast it, especially as you're basically writing it off even with a reclad.

Maybe you should have explained your opinion a bit better, I don't see any reason for your post to have exsisted otherwise.

Some people don't believe there should be such a thing as an opinion Timo. However theres no need to go into a thread about the city tower and blast it, especially as you're basically writing it off even with a reclad.

Maybe you should have explained your opinion a bit better, I don't see any reason for your post to have exsisted otherwise.

Thanks inquisitor. Farsight could learn a lot from you, aggressive wee chap that he is.

In future I will go into more detail about stuff. I just think the whole area looks a mess basically, it could be a beautiful place but I think no matter what they do to city tower it will still look out of place and just basically terrible.

Also the hotel and bus area are a total joke, I know it won't happen but I think that the whole of that side of picc gardens should be torn down and restarted.

I will give city tower a chance with the repaint or whatever it is they are doing to it but just think that it is in the wrong area for a big building anyway unless it is a real stunner!

I'm not weighing in to the timo/farsight thing but the best debates on this forum have been when there was proper discourse and they usually end up in a grudging acceptance by both camps and we move on. When someone just wades in with 'this is shit' with no validation it tends to get peoples backs up (and for good reason imo).
You will get plenty of support for your opinion timo but not in the manner you express it.
Sorry if that sounds patronising and feel free to abuse me for being so!

Timo do you remember what it looked like before the reclad? Now that WAS horrible...come on mate you must admit it looks miles better than it did.

I'm not weighing in to the timo/farsight thing but the best debates on this forum have been when there was proper discourse and they usually end up in a grudging acceptance by both camps and we move on. When someone just wades in with 'this is shit' with no validation it tends to get peoples backs up (and for good reason imo).
You will get plenty of support for your opinion timo but not in the manner you express it.
Sorry if that sounds patronising and feel free to abuse me for being so!

understood and completely accepted

much better than a 'fuck off' i'm sure you will agree

rolybling: oh yes, it is far better than it was but it still looks a mess. maybe 'terrible' is a bit harsh but i just imagine what the area could be like...it could be amazing!

understood and completely accepted

much better than a 'fuck off' i'm sure you will agree


farsight is such a polite boy normally aswell! So unlike him. :pet:

Obviously he's just got a soft spot for the city tower.

I think both Timo and Farsight have learned a valuable lesson today and now we can all be friends again! :grouphug:

Group hug!

Yeah sorry I told you to F O timo. I just get irritated at times with subjective opinions without discourse or explanation.

ok fair enough :)

wasn't the tower called sunley tower until bruntwood bought it?

in liverpool, they've renamed 100 Old Hall Street, aka Sir John Moores Building as it was the Littlewoods HQ and monument to one of the city's finest businessman, The Plaza. I ask you.

I'd be interested to know if people thought it was fair game to call your building what you like or if there should be restraint in the name of heritage and respect?

City Tower was called Sunley after the original developer Bernard Sunley (Bernard House has already gone). When its just the ego of the developer i wouldnt be too precious but with John Moores its a bit different isnt it? There is another John moores building at the uni isnt there but even so they could made an effort to retain a link.
Moore House or something. I suppose Bruntwood feel the need to 'rebrand'. They dont have a great sense of history Bruntwood really - not their job i suppose.
I noticed the Littlewoods shop has closed aswell - all very sad - end of an era.

indeed, bought by the barclay brothers and carved up. freeholds of the shops became more valuable than the retail inside. such is property i suppose. see C&A, Owen Owen, etc.

i can understand bruntwood wanting a clean slate and branding impetus behind renaming but it gives me a bad taste.

worse still, again in liverpool, some years ago when Beetham was starting out they renamed Wilberforce House, named after the great Yorkshire abolitionist anti-slavery MP, Beetham Plaza. They said they'd reuse the name Wilberforce elsewhere. Have they? No. Will they ever? Doubt it.

Just to be arkward i still use the original names of buildings (mainly just to show off but also to wind people up).
Rodwell House or Victory House anyone? The Nelson Mandela building?
Scottish Life House? Aldine House?
They are always so obvious these new names aswell arent they? The Plaza? Beetham Tower? Portland house (wonder what street that is on?) No1 Piccadilly (wonder where that is?)

good point. what's the bloody point of all the hoo-har of changing addresses just to give it a totally bland name?

i shall ask bruntwood when i next see them. got a work meeting there in a couple of weeks.

I'm sure we only refer to Manchester's 'Beetham Tower' out of deference to the developer. When it's up and running, it will probably be known as the 'Hilton Tower' or summat, which was likely pre-agreed between the developer and it's biggest single occupant. There will be no disputing what it's name will be once the big neon signs go on each side.

I always call it the Hilton Tower outside of this forum (i just want to be 'in' with cool kids round here)

Is the Plaza gonna be white? Are they gonna do any work on the hotel, or has its form just been simplified to look less ugly for the benefit of this model?

Also, will that cool coiled ariel thing replace all those dishes up on top of the tower?

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/164CityTower_pic22.jpg

Will the Plaza be white? Are they gonna do any work on the hotel, or has it just been simplified to less less ugly for the benefit of the model?

Also, will that cool coil ariel thing replace all those dishes up on top of the tower?

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/164CityTower_pic22.jpg

Yes, No (Yes to sub clause), No (but it will conceal them).

I think.

Yes, No (Yes to sub clause), No (but it will conceal them).

I think.

So the only thing they'll be doing to the actual Plaza hotel bit is give it a white wash?

So the only thing they'll be doing to the actual Plaza hotel bit is give it a white wash?
I wasn't aware it was even getting that much, but people don't really seem too sure on that one yet.

City Tower and the Plaza is owned by Bruntwood, and they're doing it up gradually. The Jarvis Hotel isn't, and they don't feel the need to spend any dosh. I think. And I also think that when City Tower is all buffed up maybe they'll change their mind. However there's scaffolding at the bottom of Jarvis already and signs saying renovation. So. Sheesh, I don't know what the hell's going on!

City Tower and the Plaza is owned by Bruntwood, and they're doing it up gradually. The Jarvis Hotel isn't, and they don't feel the need to spend any dosh. I think.

Bruntwood bought the whole lot.

Bruntwood bought the whole lot.

Hotel on a 99 year lease - Bruntwood dont own it.

Can anyone tell me how feasible it would be to clear all the shops out from under the Jarvis and get rid of the car park and open the structure up to pedestrians? One of the main defences of the building always seems to be that it is structurally interesting, but what use is this when it's hidden behind a great concrete skirt straight out of the Rockford files. Obviously they'd have to rejigg how the hotel actually works (where the lobby is and tradesmen go) but presuming it wouldn't bring the building down it might make people better adjusted towards it if they could get inside it and see what makes it worthwhile.

Just a thought.

It's doable. If Javis was a clean lift up from the plaza it would look a whole lot better. But maybe not as a hotel, maybe as residential. That sticky-out bit containing the restaurant and lobby kills the lines. Lose it, infill the cantilever section and put a penthouse or two on top, maybe a slanty roofline, a bit of spit and polish, and bob's your knob.

Check backin two minutes. :)

Couple of renders. One already posted.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/egi10.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/edi122.jpg

There are no buses, where have they gone? And it's summer time!

There are no buses, where have they gone? And it's summer time!

And everyone is a white,middle class, young professional!
The only dogs ive seen in Piccadilly gardens are on strings.

yes I think that view, opposite the 86 bus stop would be slightly more colourful due to the amount of Africans that are usually stood there. Wonder why there's none in that render?

yes I think that view, opposite the 86 bus stop would be slightly more colourful due to the amount of Africans that are usually stood there. Wonder why there's none in that render?

We can't have those coloured's ruining a good render now.

Is york st gonna be pedestrianised?

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j270/caw12345/P3140032copy.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j270/caw12345/P3220042copy.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j270/caw12345/P3220043copy.jpg

Great pics chris. In that 1st pic, the Bernard House replacement doesnt look to bad.

It's definitely looking better. You know, the pictures and remarks above remind me that it's the little things that make all the difference. Little things like that clutter of dishes on top of City Tower. And little things like the bus station and the deadbeats who use it an excuse to hang around.

Is york st gonna be pedestrianised?

Semi -pedestrianised (if there is such a thing - i think the official description is 'restricted access').

I'm not sure I like the idea. I'm not confident that the 'mall' can encourage enough pedestrian activity on York Street.

deadbeats?

Semi -pedestrianised (if there is such a thing - i think the official description is 'restricted access').

Well you have to do it that way don't you, you always need some sort of access, you always need to get things in and out of buildings.

The way that they do it here is interesting, you have these poles that come out of the ground and when someone has the right electronic key, resident, shop owner, bar owner, whatever, they lower themseleves, let you pass, and then rise again to block off the street.

Not more bloody street furniture!? I hate it. If you can't sit on it, put rubbish in it or it doesn't stop people getting raped then what's the point? It's ugly and it gets in the way when you're trying to walk anywhere. And don't get me started on safety barriers...

Not more bloody street furniture!? I hate it. If you can't sit on it, put rubbish in it or it doesn't stop people getting raped then what's the point? It's ugly and it gets in the way when you're trying to walk anywhere. And don't get me started on safety barriers...


You said it :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: hate the stuff

Dont get me started on 'street furniture'! :rant:

Worst is when you're barred from a road 'for your own good' and then forced to walk through a dakened underpass seemingly designed to get you mugged. I just want to cross the fucking road and I'm willing to take the chance of not dying and if I do die why not do something about the drivers rather than me anyway.

Im feelin your pain Cher

The improvement in City Tower is pretty clear when you walk up King Street, the view is miles better than it was a couple of years ago. Just need to get the sides sorted out now.

qrong thread.. oops

Great piccies there - looks like 'steamy windows' on floor 22 or whatever it is.

Ready to go.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture036.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture122.jpg

At last! :D

They'd better give it a good rub-down, then at least 2 coats of primer plus 3 coats of semi-gloss that's all I have to say.

Else it won't last 5 minu...ah say it won't last 5 minutes... :blahblah:

I think you mean eggshell SMP, and I reckon an application of B&Q waterseal might be prudent before the primer meself.

I assumed Bruntwood must have awarded it's new paint contract to Glynn Webb.

Don't know how else to explain last weeks 50% drop in profits at B&Q.

Not moaning pal, just pointing out as it would look crap as a half hearted job wouldnt it?
I want to know if MANCHESTER is the second city in the uk(in population)?

no. Birmingham is (slightly), but by most other measures, Manchester probably edges it.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j270/caw12345/P3310026copy.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j270/caw12345/P3290002copy.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j270/caw12345/P3310022copy.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j270/caw12345/P3310025copy.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j270/caw12345/P3220033copy.jpg

Whats with the condensation problem on just one floor :dunno:Does anyone know if they are doing the protruding windows or the paint first?

Whats with the condensation problem on just one floor :dunno:

Drying plaster.
My neighbour was working on it until he got sacked for habitual lateness bless him.

"Ehh Jack, we'll make a fortune with that cladding!"

(Corrie line spoken by Vera Duckworth when they put cladding on their house... I never forgot it!)


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j270/caw12345/P3310026copy.jpg

I really like the concrete end wall in that shot! The lighting and shadows really accentuate the pattern. You also cannot see the dirt in that pic. It will really look great once it's painted.

Bruntwood should really clean the Bank Chambers. Its a nice building but its utterly filthy.

http://www.deslinc.com/keim_paint_characteristics.htm

http://www.deslinc.com/keim_paint_characteristics.htm

Do we know which of the "270 standard colour shades" they will be using?

;)

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j270/caw12345/P3310025copy.jpg


I notice they have still not painted that light brown strip up near the top still. It looks stupid.

Eek, I hope that's not a bucket of yeller paint at the bottom with a big stir-stick in it.... :puke:

doubt it SMP but your stir stick seems to be working fine :)

doubt it SMP but your stir stick seems to be working fine :)
Hey watch it I get that...

Hey watch it I get that...

you were meant to :)

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j159/rolybling2/P1010159.jpg

The tower looks much better now from street level with its new facade ,but on distant skyline shots I always thought the old green cladding looked better.Which is more important though.

The Street obviously. There's no use something only being pretty from a helicopter over Ardwick because how many of us ever get in one of those? Manchester's never going to be much of a skyline city anyway, it doesn't have the setting. It does however have the potential to be a 'wow look at the size of that' city.

Whats the latest with this? Any new pics of the redevelopment?

Looking forward to 'finished' result. :)

^^ There's already a thread for this ForeverRed

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=7931460#post7931460

Wheres it gone?

Wheres it gone?

its on the link in my reply

So it is doh!

Any new pics of this project anybody? :)

Havent they started painting yet?

I've got some new pictures (from Sunday), which I'll post tonight.

Didn't see any signs of painting. They're taking their time with this!

Ive said this before (and i'm sure that i'll say it again) but the painting is the last job to be done. The new windows in the gables will have to go in first.
FYI it is going to be same colour that Stephenson Bell used on their Parcel Force conversion behind Piccadilly Station.

From Sunday...work continues
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/pookey1967/plaza2304.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/pookey1967/citytor2304side.jpg

079146/FO/2006/C2

Rooftop
City Tower
Piccadilly Plaza
City

Extension of 1 no. existing telecommunications mast on the rooftop, by 6.0 metres, to replace 2 no. existing broadcasting masts

Would this increase the official height of the building?

Would this increase the official height of the building?

I don't think so. Antennae don't count, unless they are structurally part of the building like at Beetham.

I don't think so. Antennae don't count, unless they are structurally part of the building like at Beetham.
I take issue on this. Would the empire state building or beetham be any different practically without the spire/blade?

An antenna needs to be fixed down to the roof structure and thus imposes forces onto the main building in exactly the same way as a spire/blade does.

Roof height of the top occupiable floor is the only true measure IMO.

Ive said this before (and i'm sure that i'll say it again)

What mate? Run that by me again. I missed it.

Seriously, I'll reserve judgement on the colour until I see it. Suits the Parcel Force building ok, but that's not stuck bang in the middle of Piccadilly for all to see.......hmmm

I reckon it'll be pretty good at night

What mate? Run that by me again. I missed it.

Seriously, I'll reserve judgement on the colour until I see it. Suits the Parcel Force building ok, but that's not stuck bang in the middle of Piccadilly for all to see.......hmmm

I reckon it'll be pretty good at night

Everyone keeps saying "when is the painting going to start" and i keep saying "its the last job". Ho hum!

Anyway the white will provide a good backdrop to a swanky lightshow that they have planned, eminating from the new oriel windows.

Anyway the white will provide a good backdrop to a swanky lightshow that they have planned, eminating from the new oriel windows.

My long experience of lighting on Manchester buildings, tells me that they don't often work. There's usually a bulb or two out, and it takes eons of committee meetings, revised business plans, budget analysis and cost reports to replace the fuckin things. So far, the illumination of Manchester at night is SHITE, it's just one thing we do really badly. Just like fountains.

Does that sound cynical or what? :)

Probably spot on though Jonge. The Hulme arch can go months before they replace the blinkin bulbs.

I hope this lightshow doesn't resemble a disco in the local connie club.

Noticed today that the windows on the spine have been stripped back, presumably ready for replacement. No photos - sorry.

079146/FO/2006/C2

Rooftop
City Tower
Piccadilly Plaza
City

Extension of 1 no. existing telecommunications mast on the rooftop, by 6.0 metres, to replace 2 no. existing broadcasting masts

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/ct1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/ct2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/ct3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/ct4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/ct5.jpg

Not the 'devils horns' that were imagined and to me looks a bit clumsy and bit old fashioned (as in 1930s and not 1960s).
Tech-tastic drawings though - love the elevations.
One thing of note though is that the Granada mast is a reciever and not a transmitter. Thats a sign of where the Manchester/ Granada relationship stands!

Noticed today that the windows on the spine have been stripped back, presumably ready for replacement. No photos - sorry.

I'm really jittery about the refurbishment of Sunley, I've never been sure about the renders, I'm concerned about the colour of the sides, but I really want Bruntwood to make the most of what is effectively a complete eyesore. It's a horrible building, but hopefully it'll soon become an asset.

Cheers jrb, that's an amazing, thanks. Any change to the telecommunications stuff on the top will make a huge difference. By the looks of it, they might have got it right. I like the look of that.

After seeing the drawing jrb put up last night i had a look at it this morning , and they are already up ,,should'nt be long before the sides start getting painted .

Ugh. IMHO the masts and dishes really spoil the looks of City Tower. I was hoping they'd all be tidied up, and that this would be a big help in the overall makeover. I am cringingley disappointed at the prospect of all the scrap iron clutter getting worse.

079146/FO/2006/C2

Rooftop
City Tower
Piccadilly Plaza
City

Extension of 1 no. existing telecommunications mast on the rooftop, by 6.0 metres, to replace 2 no. existing broadcasting masts

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/ct1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/ct2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/ct3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/ct4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/ct5.jpg

Looks like a russian TV arieal. "уродливый"

Bruntwood have been entirely half hearted as expected. The top will still look cluttered. Way too many dishes up there.

Stick a proper mast on it.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/AlexandreOliveira/15pds.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/AlexandreOliveira/11ps.jpg

Any latest pics?

After seeing the drawing jrb put up last night i had a look at it this morning , and they are already up ,,should'nt be long before the sides start getting painted .

H, the two biggest ones that are up there now are going to be taken down and replaced with a single mast; the old ones are still there.

Oh right , cheers for clearing that mate .

FSR ,, I'll get some pics next week for you,, nothing changed with the actual tower , there working on the York St base atm

http://frank.harvard.edu/~jason/thoughts/picard.jpg
Not good enough damn it, not good enough!

Btw, if you are feeling creative, throw in a bit of Tempus for a little old lady :)

The new antenna will reach 123m(if that's of importance to anyone?)

The new antenna will reach 123m(if that's of importance to anyone?)

Mint, sounds good to me.

I've mentioned this before but never found a jpg of it.
Julie Christie walking across Piccadilly in the 1963 film Billy Liar.

http://www.reelstreets.com/billy_liar/billy_liar_19.jpg

I dont know which is more beautiful? JC or PP?

My god she is beautiful

Is it Val Kilmer? Michael York? Have a won a cup?
Is that Ian Curtis at the back?

A proper photo of Julie Christie, 1962.

http://www.danieltercero.net/archivo/julie1962.jpg

A proper photo of Julie Christie, 1962.

http://www.danieltercero.net/archivo/julie1962.jpg

Di Livio, why have you got the son out of 'Home to Roost' as your avatar?

Di Livio, why have you got the son out of 'Home to Roost' as your avatar?

Why have you got the baddie out of superman 2?

Why have you got the baddie out of superman 2?

General Zod? Kneel before me!

Shexy..... though I prefer Kirsty Wark,

God knows who my avatar is!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/ANTEATPETE/100_0887.jpg

Looks like the Oreal (spelling) windows are being installed on the south face now. 3 at the top so far. :scouserd:

i hate it when this thread gets brought back up

reminds me of one of my least favourite things about manchester

I walked thru chinatown yesterday, as I walked down the street with long legs strip club towards the picc plaza, on the corner facing the spiral car ramp there is a horrendously ugly building that seems to be empty. anyone know whats planned if anything for this shocking eye sore?

I walked thru chinatown yesterday, as I walked down the street with long legs strip club towards the picc plaza, on the corner facing the spiral car ramp there is a horrendously ugly building that seems to be empty. anyone know whats planned if anything for this shocking eye sore?
You cant mean Rutherford House because that is a great building! :)

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f85/garybaldy/geore.jpg


It is Rutherford House and its owned by Bruntwood and Stephenson Bell are converting it (very well i might add).
There is a thread about it somewhere - i think it might be on the 45 Moseley Street thread actually- showing renders and the like.

Looks like the Oreal (spelling) windows are being installed on the south face now. 3 at the top so far. :scouserd:
Any pics? About time the side renovation got started.I assume they have been having the windows made to specification but surely it doesn't take that long. I hope the sides are not painted brilliant emulsion white,but a nice shade of grey or antique cream :) ,please no black at all costs.....Portland Tower anyone.

Its going to be the same colour white as at the Bruntwood/ Stephenson Bell conversion of the Parcelforce building behind Piccadilly station. Cant be bothered to find a picture as i'm sure you all know it!

What, chasedwar, do you mean this?

http://www.cybertrn.demon.co.uk/guardian/rutherf.jpg

If the answer is yes and if you hate it, it cuts more ice if you say why rather than larding on that horrendous shocking ugly ugly ugly stuff.

Wasn't that building once a telephone exchange?

Bruntwood have started slapping the paint on around Piccadilly Plaza .

Noticed the new central transmitter is in place now, the one to replace the 2 old ones. Hopefully when they get removed (with perhaps the odd other dish etc) it may look a little less cluttered on the top, we'll see.

They have been changing haven't they, those transmitters on the roof? The whole building is altering but I don't ever remember seeing anyone actually working on it. Every now and again I notice it looks a bit different but I can't put my finger on what has changed.

Its like the stealth tactic for killing flies; you know, when you move the newspaper so slowly towards the fly it doesn't see it coming...then a protracted but firm, squish! I'll probably look up at it one day and it will have turned into disneyland.

One of the best things about this refurb could be the tunnel through to China town. Its one of our best and most established areas and this could make it so much busier. Will the exit lead straight down a china town street, or face a wall on York street?

*BUMP*
.
.
.
.
Actually, it's red aircraft warning light on top of the new antenna was on and looks snazzy!

Surely it's pinnacle is taller than CIS now?

Yeah saw that this morning on my way in to work, looks good. Also looks like the 2 old aerials have been taken down now aswell but didn't get a good look. Will try and get a pic later on whe I'm in town, will be on my phone though.

looks to me like they have been.

i noticed when in town on tuesday that all the scaffolding from the side underneath the jarvis hotle has been taken down and you can see into the offices above the shops not really that impressive of a reclad but its better then what was there originally and also all the cladding has been put around the new tv screen just waiting for the actual screen to go in now i suppose

i saw this the other day, the podium does look much better with the new windows. i still wish they would get rid of it though

So the old Sunley Tower is *cheating* now with its new antenna, is it? :no:

Jesus fucking Christ! Its Martin G!

They're doing something to the tower, not quite sure what

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a366/robinsonworld/HPIM0943.jpg

Removing the old windows and aircon units ready for the glass boxes to be installed on the sides. I think a glass lift would have been better.

Then its off to B&Q for truck loads of paint,wonder if it's get one side done,get the other done free.

Did I imagine they plan to project stuff onto the white sides at night or is that meant to actually happen?

(no projectile vomit gags from caw or longford...)

Removing the old windows and aircon units ready for the glass boxes to be installed on the sides. I think a glass lift would have been better.

what for?

One thing that City Tower is not short of is lifts.

what for?

One thing that City Tower is not short of is lifts.

:lol: I think they are even taking one out in the restoration to make some more room!

what for?

One thing that City Tower is not short of is lifts.

Take some out of the building and make a feature of them on the side. The lift ride would be a great view too. It's like saying why add more windows they already have loads! A glass lift would be more eye catching and have more of an impact on a building of that size than adding some "window boxes"

ya a glass lift probably would look better they look good anyway i mean look at the one in the arndale its really good and is even better when lit up

http://www.flickr.com/photos/eikman/283611531/ and that is in daytime

(pic not taken by me)

Take some out of the building and make a feature of them on the side. The lift ride would be a great view too. It's like saying why add more windows they already have loads! A glass lift would be more eye catching and have more of an impact on a building of that size than adding some "window boxes"

I'm no engineer (can you field this one jerv?) but i'm sure you just cant stick a lift on to the outside of a building. I would guess the mechanisms involved would have to incorporated into the frame of the building from day one and would be almost impossible to retro engineer.

It seems feasible to me, especially as the gable walls are loadbearing reinforced concrete shear walls. I think it is a good idea, if a little costly.

It seems feasible to me, especially as the gable walls are loadbearing reinforced concrete shear walls. I think it is a good idea, if a little costly.

I stand corrected.
Still a daft idea IMO (and Bruntwood's aswell it seems)

It'd look so much cooler with something like a lacquer black finish, I think these boxes are gonna make it look abit 'frilly'.

wrong thread

They built a glass lift at the side on The Place its a shitty built one in the wrong place. They can be a great feature on the right building. I agree ones in the Arndale look great flange except they are not great runners when you go up it always goes up a touch too much then drops a bit which is a bit scary the first time.

They built a glass lift at the side on The Place its a shitty built one in the wrong place. They can be a great feature on the right building. I agree ones in the Arndale look great flange except they are not great runners when you go up it always goes up a touch too much then drops a bit which is a bit scary the first time.

What’s shitty built or wrong place about it? Express lifts to the penthouse aren’t they, and on the most accessible side of the building; and soon to be slap bang in the landscaping up to Eastgate. What’s wrong about any of that?

That said I do have my doubts about how the new ends on Sunley will look with the new glass boxes as it is; let alone some hatchet job to stick lifts on the end. Why the hell are we still butchering buildings from one period to try and ‘modernise’ them; the refurbishment should have been more respectful.

You more than anyone architecty should know that architects are arrogant bastards who want to leave their mark on a project (and be seen to be earning their 10%).
If you were to refurb a building and no one notices your 'contribution' the bean counters will say "What did we pay for?" hence stick an 'intervention' here or there and the client can feel they have got their moneys worth.

the refurbishment should have been more respectful.

I think the refurb of Sunley is appropriate and respectful enough. By the same token, strategically placing explosives under it wouldn't have been entirely disrespectful either.

It's another of those wait-and-see situations. Glass boxes sound like the only feasible way to drag Sunley into the 21st century, especially at night.

it looks like all the granite or whatever it is, is in place underneath the tv screen and around the entrance lobby it has the city tower name and bruntwood logo embedded in it, it looks cool, and some boxes were on the outside where the winows used to be so i presume there were tests or something before the actual windows went in.

I walked past this today. They have removed all the windows from the sides and they are building something at the bottom which looks 2 stories tall on the side.

I walked past this today. They have removed all the windows from the sides and they are building something at the bottom which looks 2 stories tall on the side.

I think that might be the thing that has gradually moved from the top side of the building to the bottom removing windows. Although i haven't been close to the tower recently, i have to rely on the view from my kitchen window a mile away.

The LCD screen at the bottom of the tower , as just been tured on ,, i can see it from my bedroom window :)

cool is it actullay showing anything or just a colour screen or something

Not showing anything yet, just a light blue colour screen.

Caught a glimse yesterday whilst driving - down town Tokyo comes to Manc -nothing specatular - but it's that additional little piece in the puzzle.

The screen was on white when I went into work today then it showed timetime over and over as a test. Should be fully working by NYE from what I hear.

Work on the York St side has come together in the last week, looks quite good; despite my broader reservations about painting the gables the work at podium level should change peoples bad perceptions of the complex, and will certainly be good for increased foot traffic on that side.

The screen's fully functional this morning - I'll try and post a mobile pic later on today...

The screen's fully functional this morning - I'll try and post a mobile pic later on today...

Yeah it was working on saturday. Not much in the way of ads yet and none of them are animated. Look good quality though.

You think there's any chance of more of these screens next to the new one? Our own little times square? Only instead of shit loads of people from all parts of the world we'd have shit loads of buses from every operator in the north west.

Incidentally I caught the station approach screen at night, yesterday and it looks great. That stretch really needs lighting up a bit, especially outside the Malmaison. They should point floor spot lights on the trees, on the island outside the hotel.

Yeah it was working on saturday. Not much in the way of ads yet and none of them are animated. Look good quality though.

You think there's any chance of more of these screens next to the new one? Our own little times square? Only instead of shit loads of people from all parts of the world we'd have shit loads of buses from every operator in the north west.

Incidentally I caught the station approach screen at night, yesterday and it looks great. That stretch really needs lighting up a bit, especially outside the Malmaison. They should point floor spot lights on the trees, on the island outside the hotel.

Didn't I read somewhere they were thinking of projecting stuff onto the side of City tower at night? Or did I imagine that. They could do the same on the wall I suppose!!

The screen had sofa company and Oasis greatest hits adverts on this morning - nothing animated yet though...

The screen's fully functional this morning - I'll try and post a mobile pic later on today...

The Arcade looks great too. I really like how there is clear daylight from one side to the other, inviting it to be used as a through-fare and breaking up the block. It is also in-line with the hole in the (Berlin) Wall between Rice and Cafe Nero, so sits well with the street lay-out and reduces to a degree the fact that you are in the middle of probably Manchester's busiest bus stop. With the screen I feel that this area is significantly enhanced.

There are now 3 buildings with hoardings around them on York St, opposite City Tower. Did we know this? I only recall two bing mentioned. The one on the corner of Mosley St (Denton Corker) and the one behind that (refurb). The building that is more or less opposite the spiral car ramp is nowsurrounded by scaffolding. The street will be totally transformed.

As an aside, has anybody noticed the sign that sits half-way up the spiral ramp? ~"Welcome to Manchester's Meeting Point" It made me chuckle- Very 1982 Font.:lol:

Remember the last time they did that ?

project I mean.

Moby pics as promised...

http://www.startxl.be/pictures/theme/moby.jpg

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/6056/ct1eg3.jpg

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/9862/ctcd5.jpg

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/7682/ct2qi3.jpg

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6805/ct3xt8.jpg

wow is really starting to come together now, i wonder who will get 1 of the 4 stores in there as they are preety big stores if i remeber correctly, i suppose the mall part of it may be done by spring of the new yr or so

Looks pretty good does that. All we need now is huge neon Sanyo, TDK & McDonalds signs & we'll be right in there with the likes of Piccadilly Circus or Potsdamer Platz! I did like Macc's analogy re. Times Sq = loads of people, Piccadilly = loads of buses!! I know it's a logistical nightmare, but I think they should relocate Chorlton St Coach Stn somewhere to the north side of the city centre (don't know where, just somewhere..!) & divert the buses to terminate from Chorlton St instead (stops all that sh*te congestion on Mosley St). Our own 'Metrolink' may be able to put me right as to whether this is feasible or not..? Or anyone else for that matter.. If Piccadilly were to rid itself of public transport (all barr the tram), the space this would leave for (I would hope) world class development would be collossal.

Oooooh, nice.

:rock:

Taken yesterday.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture207.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture208.jpg

Some of the new windows have gone in on the gable i noticed t'other day.

At nearly midnight, workers are on the crane up the north end of the tower with lights, working on the tower. Do they never sleep?

ey skyhigh ,, where r u ? i can see them now from my window :laugh:

ey skyhigh ,, where r u ? i can see them now from my window :laugh:

I am in Collyhurst. I can see them from my kitchen window. Well, i can see the thing lit up going up and down. But a set of binoculars helps :lol: