Axis | Albion Street | 68m | 18 floors | On Hold [Archive]

Architecty

February 21st, 2007, 04:50 PM

Not 100% about this one. I really liked some of the design elements of the previous design, the continuous stacking back and the differentiation of the core with changes in material (although was worried as to what said material might have been). This one looks heavier on the site being wider and only staggering at the very bottom (although I still like the effect of this, it should continue at least a couple of floors further up the building). Seems that old square meterage greed has kicked in. That having been said it does sit very nicely on the skyline, and relates very well to Beetham; just a shame that very interesting form has been so flattened out, and it ends up a bit bland as a result.

Screen wise, getting very sick of their spread, no matter how biggest bestest everest it is. I think they are quite intrusive, and just look plain tacky/ugly. All of them look so tacked on and parasitic; this one could at least define part of the structure instead of just gashing through the glass façade. When there isn’t a place you can go in the city centre without being bombarded by advertising trying to grab 2 seconds attention away from the next doing the same thing, I think welcoming their proliferation in urban life will be lamented.

macc

February 21st, 2007, 05:32 PM

When there isn’t a place you can go in the city centre without being bombarded by advertising trying to grab 2 seconds attention away from the next doing the same thing, I think welcoming their proliferation in urban life will be lamented.

Like the same way windmills will be, I reckon. But at the minute they look groovy and attracts attention, which helps draw people towards it. If it is visible from Piccadilly gardens that would be a huge plus.

That said my preference slightly sways me towards having the screen on the south side, rather than the north.

Conferences are corporate and the Bridgewater hall and neighbouring hotels are classy. While I like the screens I think they are neither corporate, nor classy.

Worst is the view from St Peter's square, where it will completely detract from the Midland hotel, the library and Peter house yet the screen may still be significantly obscured by tram cables. I think if it gets refused the proximity to the Midland could be the main reason.

If its on the south side the trams/trains will not see it, but from memory it seems they'll pass so close to the screen on the north side that they will not get a good view anyway.

I'd rather see it as an impressive gateway entrance for those driving up the parkway and a land mark to loom over the future central spine developments than a garish view hogging spectre that lowers the tone of the conference area.

Architecty

February 21st, 2007, 06:46 PM

Windmills do the same thing all the time, they aren’t flashing and jumping around trying to get you to gaze at them, windmill owners/designers couldn’t give a shit if you are watching and if anything would quite happily make them invisible if it meant more could be built. Screens are infinitely more damaging, and they are proliferating with a lot less debate than much better justified wind schemes. I wouldn’t mind so much if there was any integration into the architecture (clever changing/lit/coloured facades that are for modern ornamentation are perfectly acceptable), but this is just going to look like an ugly banner add bolted to the side.

I would be doubly against it being on the south side, bearing down and utterly dominating the junction. I think the south elevation is really rather good and the thing that makes me want this building built, next to Beeth on the skyline it genuinely will add to a gateway effect. At least the screen is facing the arse end of the Gmex and Bridgewater, not being invasive into offices/flats/drivers/pedestrians as it would on the south ele.

b4mmy

February 21st, 2007, 07:08 PM

interesting debate going on about this ad board. To answer a few questions... the board isn't just stuck on its integral to the structure as far as I know. Also the idea has backing at a high level as it will also be used for public information as well as ads. The ad shown here is a lot more extreme than the ones envisaged for true application.

Aside from all that the technology is fantastic, and to have something that is potentially iconic is another important step for Manchester... in a good way, because it adds to, rather than duplicates the existing urban fabric.

For my part I am as excited about this as I was about Beetham, and the fact that it faces commercial Manchester as opposed to residential Manchester underlines how appropriate it actually is.

So there.

The Longford

February 21st, 2007, 07:30 PM

Whether you like it or not this is the future.
I say embrace it!

If you look at photographs of Piccadilly in the 50s it was covered in neon ads. This is nothing new despite what i just said two lines ago!

This is what the future looks like - believe me - ive been there.

http://www.cyberpunkreview.com/images/brazil46.jpg

scproductions

February 21st, 2007, 07:46 PM

Personally, i dont find big screens to be tacky if they have been done tastefully.

Having been to New York's Times Square, you can't help but be overwhelmed by the impressive billboards and flashy animations it has. It doesnt look tacky, it looks classy. Clusters of these screens is nothing but amazing.

http://www.simonho.org/images/USA/NY_TimesSquareNight.jpg

BeardedGenius

February 21st, 2007, 08:40 PM

macc

February 21st, 2007, 10:37 PM

The ad shown here is a lot more extreme than the ones envisaged for true application.

Yes, I had a post..er..post thought about my last message and the screen's effect on a conference/corporate styled area: The screen will only be as brash (or not) as the ads are.

Times sqaure looks quality but I'd rather not see giant coke bottles prancing around the background of the Midland but an appropriate ad/animation I would certainly have no problems with. Doesn't work like that in real life though does it? It may as well display 'Show me the money!' in font size 1 million!

Which brings me on to...

If I have to get planning permission to stick a few bricks on the house how regulated would the adverts for this baby be? Do we need to start a Big-ass-tvs-on-the-street-and-their-poxy-adverts-regulation-commitee?

Either way, which, side, whatever, the whole thing sounds pretty shit hot to me and all very cutting edge.

I imagine it working similar to the Adverts on the windows of the metrolink, only inverted, with the LEDs where the circular holes are. the spaces between would be leave the glass partially transpartent but only from close up.

edit: mind you its not covering the whole side is it, so there will be a solid wall behind it. Much cheaper but not so cutting edge, but who cares? Its still great.

jrb

February 21st, 2007, 11:26 PM

Wonder if we'll ever see Deangate Locks South on tuther side of the road?

Imagine. :) (Beetham, DLS, and Alliance) What a wasted opportunity the Hacienda site was. I bet the developers are kicking themselves now.

http://www.askdevelopments.com/images/viewprojects/whitworth8.jpg

http://www.askdevelopments.com/images/viewprojects/whitworth5.jpg

http://www.askdevelopments.com/projects/?view=whitworthstreet

BeardedGenius

February 21st, 2007, 11:32 PM

jrb

February 21st, 2007, 11:53 PM

Never heard of this - has it been submitted?

Not yet Beard. It's been floating about in Cyberspace for a year or two.
No movement by Ask on it yet as far as we know. (unless somebody knows different of course)

PS. Can't you get rid of Taggart. Otherwise I'm walking off the Forum.

BeardedGenius

February 21st, 2007, 11:58 PM

PS. Can't you get rid of Taggart. Otherwise I'm walking off the Forum.

Haha! I think I'm going to have to - he's started to freak me out!

Architecty

February 22nd, 2007, 12:07 PM

When the screens went up on the Printworks I was excited about living in the future, and then they were always broken and became a scar on an entertaining façade (I am not for a second suggesting that other screens are going to be permanently off). Then the BBC screen went up, and I really enjoyed it being there for a couple of years, but the way everyone blankly stares at it and all the landscaping forces you to look at it has started to feel creepy. The artsy/public stuff they show on it tends to be ignored or look crap, its when Neighbours is on that you get the biggest day to day crowd! Then we had the Gateway tower, which as an object I love, was desperate for it to be cleaned up and switched on; and then as soon as it was I resent its presence every time I walk by. At Piccadilly Plaza again I was keen on the idea, and now its actually on it utterly spoils the otherwise great refurbishment and has a disturbing ability to catch my attention while further cheapening the gardens; and it does that because it looks like an afterthought and a cash in, not an integral architectural element.

My point is I have been as “pro screens” as anyone, but I now think the idea is far more appealing than the reality. The references to Time Sq et al are fine, a melee of different ads, neon, and screens is always impressive; but that’s not we are getting. Manchester is heading straight for the one on every street corner approach, with none of the wow but a far more insidious feel. Even Rusholme’s neon is impressive, but that’s because building coherent exciting streetscapes is about cohesive similarities; one curry house will all the neon of the curry mile on it and none on the others would look over blown and out of place. Of course the technology of a very big screen will be impressive, but you have to think of the value of it when the technology is old and utterly banal; which with imaging technology is not very long at all.

The building on its own is obviously fantastic, very sleek and starts to cobble together a bit of clustering, fills an awkward site, and yes most importantly big amounts of office. I just don’t like the screen, sorry about that!

b4mmy

February 22nd, 2007, 12:39 PM

fair do's archie... good points well made.

The Longford

February 22nd, 2007, 12:56 PM

Damn you and your sensible articulation!
Why couldnt you have just said they were shit and you dont like them - as is the way round these parts.
It saves lots of time and creates an environment half wits feel at home in.

BeardedGenius

February 22nd, 2007, 01:01 PM

In fairness I still feel at home here.

b4mmy

February 22nd, 2007, 01:08 PM

Isaac Newell

February 22nd, 2007, 01:37 PM

Provincials do find neon and video screens very exciting for some reason.

Personally I think they're old hat.

highriser

February 22nd, 2007, 02:20 PM

Issac , you can be a patronising git ,, provincials my arse

The Longford

February 22nd, 2007, 03:46 PM

Provincials do find neon and video screens very exciting for some reason.

Personally I think they're old hat.

"Look at the pretty,shiny things Edward"

http://www.thejim.iofm.net/jpgs/accuse.jpg

Gherkin

February 22nd, 2007, 03:58 PM

This building was featured in the Manchester Evening Standard that I found on the train earlier. It had a few pics and more info, if anyone has still got a copy...

BeardedGenius

February 22nd, 2007, 04:08 PM

Locals amazed and mesmerised by big flashing images...

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/5889/chuckleshufflebx9.gifhttp://img247.imageshack.us/img247/5889/chuckleshufflebx9.gif
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/5889/chuckleshufflebx9.gifhttp://img247.imageshack.us/img247/5889/chuckleshufflebx9.gif

Isaac Newell

February 22nd, 2007, 04:13 PM

I'm the exception. I'm a provincial and I find flashing lights tired and dated.

That stuff in Tokyo, they only do it for the foreigners, the locals aren't looking.

Mr-Manchester

February 22nd, 2007, 04:34 PM

I'm the exception. I'm a provincial and I find flashing lights tired and dated.

That stuff in Tokyo, they only do it for the foreigners, the locals aren't looking.

That stuff for Alliance Tower, we are only doing it for the southerners who come up here for work , us Mancs aren't looking.:lol:

Isaac Newell

February 22nd, 2007, 05:21 PM

That stuff for Alliance Tower, we are only doing it for the southerners who come up here for work , us Mancs aren't looking.:lol:

People from Altringham ? :)

Manc Guy

February 22nd, 2007, 05:40 PM

its Altrincham. Dur.

Isaac Newell

February 22nd, 2007, 05:54 PM

I've always known it as Altringham. Mind you I'm a Lancastrian so Cheshire's a bit of a mystery to me.

andysimo123

February 22nd, 2007, 05:57 PM

its Altrincham. Dur.

you tell him

Mr-Manchester

February 22nd, 2007, 06:42 PM

People from Altringham ? :)

The cheek of it, I'm from Sale -Manchester M33:banana:

Isaac Newell

February 22nd, 2007, 11:46 PM

The cheek of it, I'm from Sale -Manchester M33:banana:

Does that mean you're impressed by neon and big video screens :)

Cherguevara

February 23rd, 2007, 01:44 AM

The people of Sale and Altrincham aren't impressed by anything except blazers, home furnishings and themselves.

And I speak as a man of Timperley.

andysimo123

February 23rd, 2007, 01:46 AM

Am from Sale. Not much impresses me.

Isaac Newell

February 23rd, 2007, 10:24 AM

Am from Sale. Not much impresses me.

Not even the M60 widening, the second most exiting thing to happen to Sale after the renaming of the M63 to M60.

markydeedrop

February 23rd, 2007, 07:23 PM

http://www.egi.co.uk/webpics/cmspics/35755.JPG

A 50m-high video-wall will form part of the funding plans for a 17-storey office scheme in Manchester.

David Russell's Property Alliance Group has submitted plans for a 90,000 sq ft office scheme, which includes an array of full-height LED screens one of the largest in the world.

Provisionally known as Albion Lock, the HKR-designed development on Albion Street will incorporate advertising revenue from the "Blade Runner-esque" facade as part of its funding arrangement.

jrb

March 2nd, 2007, 11:46 PM

Taken from this weeks EGI(WHSmiths)

Bit blurred.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture331.jpg

Mr-Manchester

March 3rd, 2007, 02:01 PM

Not even the M60 widening, the second most exiting thing to happen to Sale after the renaming of the M63 to M60.

There's plenty of excitement on the last tram from Bury to Sale on a Friday night, I love those north Manchester girls:master:

gothicform

March 5th, 2007, 07:18 PM

straight from HKR. thanks to bampot for pointing me in the right direction :)

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5182LandAllianceTower_pic1.jpg

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5182LandAllianceTower_pic2.jpg

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5182LandAllianceTower_pic3.jpg

highriser

March 5th, 2007, 07:39 PM

Cheers for them Goth ,,, this looks a great development ,, how tall be it be ?

Caiman

March 5th, 2007, 07:48 PM

I really like it... I hope it goes ahead.

andysimo123

March 5th, 2007, 08:21 PM

chompo44

March 5th, 2007, 09:14 PM

What do we reckon? because I reckon its the best building planned in Manchester. It looks stunning. You see the new Greengate towers and then you see this. It doesn't have to be tall to look good because the quality of work is miles better.

i reckon it looks great too. it will stick out in that location, but i like that.
the southern gateway becomes just that with the likes of this arriving. do we like the renders? they look pretty well made, i like the reflection of gmex when viewed from peter square. not posted for a while but had to comment on this one

chompo44

March 5th, 2007, 09:20 PM

The Longford

March 5th, 2007, 09:31 PM

just google earthed it, how the hell are they going to build it, it looks like the footprint fills the site, they have no room for cabins or a lay down area for materials, is this possible, there are no immediate areas of land that they can use either

Could they fit one of these bad boys on the canal perhaps?:lol:

http://www.thici.com/images/facilities/nagato1.jpg

havaska

March 5th, 2007, 09:34 PM

I like it apart from the ground level interaction, but other then that it gets a thumbs up from me.

chompo44

March 5th, 2007, 09:34 PM

you just had to post the biggest bad boy you could find :) , but you might have a point, a pontoon could be used, although i think the locks might get in the way, and the waterways are really difficult to get closures on those boat people are worse than the bloody ramblers :lol:

andysimo123

March 5th, 2007, 09:44 PM

just google earthed it, how the hell are they going to build it, it looks like the footprint fills the site, they have no room for cabins or a lay down area for materials, is this possible, there are no immediate areas of land that they can use either

These builders can put anything anywhere but this is a small site. I think we'll see popular builder like one of the big boys getting the job and because they have other projects in the city and they might store equipment and them cabins at another site close to it.

Northbeach

March 5th, 2007, 09:45 PM

I calculate that Louis Vuitton model's breast is at least 1 storey high. Quite something.

'Town' always seemed to fall away at the edge when looking at that direction from Peter's Square - this will help remedy that.

andysimo123

March 5th, 2007, 09:48 PM

chompo44

March 5th, 2007, 09:54 PM

These builders can put anything anywhere but this is a small site. I think we'll see popular builder like one of the big boys getting the job and because they have other projects in the city and they might store equipment and them cabins at another site close to it.

true, but where can they lift materials from with the crane, straight from the truck on the road, not ideal, very dangerous, and i don't think i have seen the like before, but seriously and back to jordans breast, she better bring another book out in time for the turning on of this screen....2 stories? :lol:

andysimo123

March 5th, 2007, 11:01 PM

I've seen many sites take stuff straight from the road. If its something major they'll deliver stuff at night, store it and use it when its needed.

Jordan... 3 or 4 floors.

Architecty

March 5th, 2007, 11:51 PM

just google earthed it, how the hell are they going to build it, it looks like the footprint fills the site, they have no room for cabins or a lay down area for materials, is this possible, there are no immediate areas of land that they can use either

true, but where can they lift materials from with the crane, straight from the truck on the road, not ideal, very dangerous, and i don't think i have seen the like before

Cranes can be placed in the footprint of the building and the structure goes up around the tower, with a hole being left around the crane that can simply be closed off after the tower is dismantled or used as a service riser in the finished building. Is more work and more expensive, but pretty common. You also don’t tend to keep large quantities of materials handing around on a site, so there isn’t a huge need for storage.

Site offices can be inside the part finished structure once some headway is made; and I’m sure the Gmex car park would rent them a few spaces immediately the other side of the tram track, the crane could even pick up from there. From the supports (which I adore, fantastic to see that level of structural expression) it looks to be concrete anyway, so the crane would literally be loading a hopper strait from trucks. Anyway I think you would be surprised how much could be fitted into a small blocked off section of the road (which after all is only serving the car park, not exactly a major thoroughfare) without impeding traffic.

Very nice building, great site to see such a prominent office block on this site; especially love the structure at the base, but such a shame about the screen.

Architecty

March 6th, 2007, 12:06 AM

Actually the more I look at these rather lovely renders the more I like the building. Making a feature of concealing the services in that “crown” structure is a really fantastic move; especially cantilevering over the roof terrace to give a sense of lightness. As already said I adore the expression of the supporting structure at the base, the fenestration looks great, and fills such a vital site. Never in my wildest dreams would such a competent structure (and an office building at that) have been proposed for the site.

The more I get enthused by it as a building, the more the screen annoys me. It cheapens that key elevation back into town so epically, that it really makes me furious. I won’t bang on repeating what I have previously said about the screen; but I just think it is such a crying shame.

SleepyOne

March 6th, 2007, 12:26 AM

Personally I see the screen as a modern equivalent of the outsize signage that they used to plaster building facades with in days gone by:

http://www.images.manchester.gov.uk/web/objects/common/webmedia.php?irn=8270&size=400x292

http://www.images.manchester.gov.uk/web/objects/common/webmedia.php?irn=72663&size=400x353

All contributes to look and feel of a vibrant, thriving commercial centre. Don't think there is anything inherently bad about the idea.

jrb

March 6th, 2007, 01:41 AM

GShutty

March 6th, 2007, 09:28 AM

A top class design and a top class building. Another fantastic addition to the city centre.

It's a shame Stephenson Bell's Windmill Street tower never saw the light of day.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v254/markdavies/windmillst.gif

http://www.stephenson-bell.com/77303.jpg

You say that, but when this 17/18 design, has been replaced by a 27 storey tower!............... I'll find the right thread!

flange

March 6th, 2007, 11:34 AM

Architects tipping top hat

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/9817/hkrys8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

A NEW landmark, which architects say will look like a `glowing top hat', will soon greet visitors to Manchester.

The Manchester office of HKR Architects has submitted plans for an 18-storey office block at Albion Street, part of the southern gateway to Manchester city centre.

The development by David Russell's Property Alliance Group will total 70,000 sq ft.

HKR says the 4,500 sq ft top floor executive suite will sit at a jaunty angle, overhanging the building on three sides.

Above it will be an illuminated plant room giving the building a `glowing top hat' effect.

The building will also include a 50-metre high moving-image LED scheme, thought to be the largest in the world. The screen will be an opportunity for advertising of the kind seen in Far Eastern cities.

When completed the scheme, it will be the tallest single core and escape stair office block in the UK.

Landmark

Jon Matthews, director at HKR said: "This is truly a landmark building with unique internal and external features. It is wonderful to see Manchester's skyline continuing to evolve in such an exciting way in the 21st century."

Nick Pentith, director of Property Alliance Group, said: "Development sites are becoming more challenging through lack of supply. Albion Street is one such site and will be a stunning addition to this area of Manchester, complementing the rich and varied architectural styles of the Deansgate Locks and Whitworth Street corridor."

The development, on one of the main arterial routes into central Manchester, will make the striking building one of the most viewed in the city. Office space at the scheme will overlook the Bridgewater Canal.

In the 12 months since HKR opened the doors of its Manchester office it has grown to a team of over 20 and a turnover in excess of £1.4m.

Phil Doyle and Jon Matthews, both formerly from Sheppard Robson Archiects, are directors of HKR Manchester.

The `glowing top hat' office suite is an attempt to repeat Property Alliance's success at their King Street development.

Last year private bank Investec signed up for the 1,900 sq ft ninth floor paying a record £34.60 per sq ft on a 10-year lease.

The price was said to reflect the unique `floating cube' Property Alliance had built at the top of the former Norwich Union house building.

skymann

March 6th, 2007, 02:34 PM

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5182LandAllianceTower_pic3.jpg

I can see the political parties making good use of this for their many upcoming conferences at Manchester Central Convention Centre (yuk - what was up with GMEX??)

BeardedGenius

March 6th, 2007, 02:46 PM

So will the screen mean they'll be people with windowless offices?

skit_uk

March 6th, 2007, 02:49 PM

It's prob where the lift shaft (service core) will go

The Longford

March 6th, 2007, 03:33 PM

So will the screen mean they'll be people with windowless offices?

Isnt the point of it that its made up of tiny LEDs that make the the glass opaque (good word - write that down!) from the inside but you can see through it. Like them funny adverts you get on the side of buses.

BeardedGenius

March 6th, 2007, 03:40 PM

Isnt the point of it that its made up of tiny LEDs that make the the glass opaque (good word - write that down!) from the inside but you can see through it. Like them funny adverts you get on the side of buses.

That's what I thought/hoped for, but the renders look like a solid/stuck on screen. Mind you, I suppose its hard to show any form of opacity in a render!

Architecty

March 6th, 2007, 05:31 PM

I can see the political parties making good use of this for their many upcoming conferences at Manchester Central Convention Centre (yuk - what was up with GMEX??)

Ugh what a horrible thought, or during any election; just provides horrible opportunities to ram stuff down our throats. I agree GMEX made a fine name and perfect sense even if all the other councils don’t own it anymore. Its also just going to end up being MCCC which is going to get confused by hacks with Manchester city council abv. As MCC!

It always gets on my nerves that both the Manchester school of architecture and the Manchester society or architects use MSA, just crazy when they are so interrelated.

It's prob where the lift shaft (service core) will go

And toilets/stores/kitchens

Isnt the point of it that its made up of tiny LEDs that make the the glass opaque (good word - write that down!) from the inside but you can see through it. Like them funny adverts you get on the side of buses.

I really hate those things on buses too! God save us if they do become common place on buildings; for one they will further the spread of extremely bland generic glass boxes as the surface for screen gets maximised.

That's what I thought/hoped for, but the renders look like a solid/stuck on screen. Mind you, I suppose its hard to show any form of opacity in a render!

Id presumed it was a normal-ish external screen; the glass on the render is transparent, you can basically switch that effect on for any material and make it as opaque as you wish.

Personally I see the screen as a modern equivalent of the outsize signage that they used to plaster building facades with in days gone by:

All contributes to look and feel of a vibrant, thriving commercial centre. Don't think there is anything inherently bad about the idea.

Like I’ve said, I have been excited by the prospects of the spread of screens, but then always been very disappointed, and now pretty disgusted by the results. This screen obviously has wow factor, but one day it will just be another huge screen in a saturated urban environment. Especially when the technology gets so cheap and advanced that any piece of glass could be a screen externally, we will be so bombarded by ads and images trying to fight for attention and brain space. It’s a massively slippery slope, and one that could be very hard to undo once it becomes the norm. My favourite thing to do on a nice day is just to wander around the city, taking it all in, I’d much rather not have to battle screens on ever possible piece of building.

Does it really not ring any alarm bells in your head of dystopian sci-fi? big screens banging out the propaganda in 1984 and Blade Runner, or incessant adverts in Minority report. Even the few we have are already feeling insidious to me. Make no mistake, this certainly wont lead to better buildings; why bother with good design when everyone’s staring at the images flashing out of every surface?

Northbeach

March 6th, 2007, 10:01 PM

Isn't the bbc screen being replaced with one you can acutally see the picture ' HD Ready' for example?
I'm with you a little on this one Archi...I'd prefer an area grotesequely saturated with them rather than ad hoc here and there (and on fine buildings too). Whitworth Street/Oxford Road junction (using the Cornerhouse...actually isn't one planned as part of the redevelopment...? and the Palace) our very own Shibuya/Times square. In fact, knock that Food Hall Court Bridge down in the Arndale...open up Market street then add them there. Voila...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/Shibuya_tokyo.jpg/800px-Shibuya_tokyo.jpg

jrb

April 17th, 2007, 09:00 PM

It always pays to check the MEN planning application listings.(Tuesday) Would have missed this otherwise. :cry:

Full planning application below renders.

Isn't she beautiful. :)

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

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/a1copy.jpg

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can't wait. :) (below)

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

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=JDEE59BC90000

mikeboss

April 17th, 2007, 09:07 PM

That does look very nice and sleek, how tall is it in meters? and what is that yellow thing? send us the like that looks huge cheers

jrb

April 17th, 2007, 09:15 PM

Re-post so it's not missed on the previous thread.

Agreed Mike.

It always pays to check the MEN planning application listings.(Tuesday) Would have missed this otherwise. :cry:

Full planning application below renders.

Isn't she beautiful. :)

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

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/a1copy.jpg

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can't wait. :) (below)

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

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=JDEE59BC90000

TheGrand

April 17th, 2007, 09:15 PM

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

Whats this yellow and red thing business

Accura4Matalan

April 17th, 2007, 09:45 PM

Woah! Superb visuals there! Thanks again jrb :) Interesting that they have put the Beetham office block in there. I would of thought that'd be a no-goer by now.

jrb

April 17th, 2007, 10:52 PM

Woah! Superb visuals there! Thanks again jrb :) Interesting that they have put the Beetham office block in there. I would of thought that'd be a no-goer by now.

I'm sure excavation/building work is still going on behind the hoardings of the proposed office site next to Beetham. Workmen are still coming in and out of the entrance to that site. Could be wrong though.

The Longford

April 17th, 2007, 11:07 PM

Saw the detailed application for this today. The heritage nazis were generally quite positive but pissed all over the screen.
This will go through i suspect.

Chogmook

April 17th, 2007, 11:58 PM

I knew the Whitworth St building was taller than 20 storeys, you could tell by the way you could count 25 storeys, yet you still couldn't see the top!! :lol:

Mez

April 18th, 2007, 12:20 AM

Wow. Think of this view with the ASK development in it! And then think of the view 100m back with Central Spine to your right, and Owen st to your left!

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

jrb

May 2nd, 2007, 11:18 PM

Today.

Just passing and would you believe it.

Fortunately I had my camera.

Taylor Woodrow and Heyrod staff in the yellow jackets.

Any clues?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture021.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture023.jpg

b4mmy

May 2nd, 2007, 11:35 PM

For the record, can I just let you boys know that this is called Albion Lock.... and its 18 floors. There.

kids

May 3rd, 2007, 12:01 AM

There's quite a large hobo house on that plot if i remember rightly,maybe more like a hobo hostel. Hope they find a new location before the social classes take over. Cheers b4mmy.

kids

May 3rd, 2007, 12:04 AM

For the record, can I just let you boys know that this is called Albion Lock.... and its 18 floors. There.

Maybe we should change the name of the thread then...heard anything of your modship?

b4mmy

May 3rd, 2007, 12:08 AM

Maybe we should change the name of the thread then...heard anything of your modship?

i reckon you gave me a bum steer there.. otherwise I would have sorted this one out good and proper I tell thee... ;)

The Longford

May 3rd, 2007, 12:11 AM

Those dudes with the digger are part of an archeology team (sp?). Just making sure there is nothing good there before they get started. Heritage nazis insisted on an excavation in return for approval.

I just made all of that up but it sounded convincing didnt it?

b4mmy

May 3rd, 2007, 12:14 AM

they are chucking a few undesireable scum chavs down there before the concrete goes in...

The Longford

May 3rd, 2007, 12:15 AM

they are chucking a few undesireable scum chavs down there before the concrete goes in...

...they will probably shove a few troublesome heritage nazis in there aswell.
"If you like the fucking canal so much then get in there you beardy twat!"

kids

May 3rd, 2007, 12:17 AM

i reckon you gave me a bum steer there.. otherwise I would have sorted this one out good and proper I tell thee... ;)

Oops, sorry fella. Well, as far as i can tell christopher is beyond giving a shit, and stuff. So - if i were you, or me in fact, i'd contact gothicform and ask him whats what. It might be the case that Chris'll have to speak Gothicform about it?..in case i'm making what he said up..in which case i'll speak to him. But i think its worth contacting him (gothicform) first, yeh.

b4mmy

May 3rd, 2007, 12:21 AM

Oops, sorry fella. Well, as far as i can tell christopher is beyond giving a shit, and stuff. So - if i were you, or me in fact, i'd contact gothicform and ask him whats what. It might be the case that Chris'll have to speak Gothicform about it?..in case i'm making what he said up..in which case i'll speak to him. But i think its worth contacting him (gothicform) first, yeh.

i did all that, james wasn't that impressed....

kids

May 3rd, 2007, 12:25 AM

i did all that, james wasn't that impressed....

Oh, lol, ok. I guess there ain't much we can do then! :dunno:

Was he not impressed with the idea, or my involvement?

b4mmy

May 3rd, 2007, 12:31 AM

...

kids

May 3rd, 2007, 12:50 AM

B4mmy - pm coming your way.

highriser

May 3rd, 2007, 11:10 PM

looking forward to this one starting ,, its not approved yet is it ?

jrb

May 26th, 2007, 11:55 AM

http://www.propertyweek.com/Pictures/316xAny/g/u/r/Property_Alliance_1_CMYK.jpg

Allied advance
18.05.07

AAn 18-storey tower is among Manchester-based Alliance Property Group’s plans for a £200m portfolio expansion.

By Paul Unger

Advertisement
Property Alliance Group is preparing to rapidly expand its diverse portfolio with a war chest of £200m at its disposal. The surplus capital comprises £40m due to return to the Manchester-based business in the coming months from completed developments and £160m from borrowing.

Unfortunately for property agents, this is unlikely to mean juicy instructions and fees because Alliance founder and chairman David Russell and his team of directors tend to find their purchases off market.

‘We are still concentrated on industrial, which accounts for 85% of our stock,’ Russell says. ‘The markets are too heated, with people paying too much for property and yields are too low. We are looking more at off-market stuff, for instance approaching old, established companies and doing joint ventures with them involving their property portfolios.’

Alliance typically contacts a large company with growing or retracting industrial property needs and sees how it can help. Its previous business in this area has ranged from sourcing sites for depots in Scotland to acquiring a redundant factory in St Helens.

Director of industrial development Lee Charnley says: ‘Our market presence and the relationships we have mean we probably do more off-market deals than any of our contemporaries.

‘When a company is vacating buildings because it wants to consolidate, we speak to the parent company and let it inform the staff and handle the redundancies without offending anyone by putting up for sale signs.’

Conversely, adds Russell, a large distributor might ‘want to grow the business without using agents, because they’re not aggressive and creative enough – but our guys are creative.

We find out where the company wants to be and find them a site, show them the costs and our profit and make the process very open.’

Russell declined to discuss the projects it is selling as they are at ‘a fairly sensitive stage’.

‘Over the next six to nine months we’ve got a lot of money coming back into the business from schemes that have been developed.

‘We’re trying to buy more sites and development opportunities as well as industrial and office property – whatever takes our fancy.’

Russell earned his first fortune in the kitchen business, building up his Farouche company before selling it for around £12m, aged 29. He was attracted by the security of bricks and mortar, and moved from investing to developing as he got a taste for the property industry.

In the last decade he merged with Nick Pentith’s eponymous company, which largely concentrates on construction.

Alliance’s contract arm, Russells Construction, is run by David’s nephews, Gareth and Andy Russell. More than half of its order book is for third-party clients and the company is due to turn over £40m this year.

50 projects on the books

The Alliance portfolio has a net asset value of £240m and produces an annual rental income of £11m. Of the 50 projects on the books, more than 20 are under construction, including retail warehousing in Widnes and Chorley, and industrial developments in Runcorn, Bury, Sheffield and Warrington.

The company is awaiting a planning decision on a 190,000 sq ft out-of-town office project on a 10 acre site at Trafford Park.

However, Alliance’s city centre offices have earned the most accolades lately. Manchester City Council is considering eye-catching plans for the 18-storey Albion Tower on the banks of the Bridgewater Canal next to Deansgate Locks.

Albion will feature a 50 metre-high video advertising screen and part of the building will cantilever over the canal.

Albion will stand a short distance from the mighty Beetham Tower and Alliance director of office development Dominic Pozzoni believes the prospect of another skyscraper will boost this sometimes neglected end of Manchester city centre.

‘Beetham Tower stands proud and there is nothing else there to complement it,’ Pozzoni says. ‘Albion is 18 storeys, not 47 like Beetham, but it starts to create more of a massing. With Ask’s plans for Central Spine nearby it should make for a much better gateway into the city.’

Albion, designed by HKR Architects, will contain 90,000 sq ft gross of offices, or 75,000 sq ft net. Pending planning consent, construction is scheduled to start in July and will takes 18 months.

Alliance can already boast the record rent achieved for Manchester for the penthouse suite at Pinnacle, let to Investec Bank at £34.50/sq ft. Another scheme, Freetrade Exchange, established a new high rent for Peter Street, at £21/sq ft.

With the company’s £200m spending plan, the Manchester city centre office market and all sectors beyond had better get used to seeing a lot more of the Alliance name.

b4mmy

June 2nd, 2007, 02:23 AM

A rare post by me these days because it's become utter bobbins, recently typified by Master Longexplanation's totally unnecessary defence of his good humour but....

This building is now called Axis.

Cheers :)

Architecty

June 2nd, 2007, 05:09 PM

Lovely stuff, excited to watch this getting built on that tiny slip of a site. Should be really impressive from really early on, esp with those great V supports at the bottom.

b4mmy

June 11th, 2007, 03:14 PM

In the ground in August folks :)

crazymanc1

June 11th, 2007, 03:45 PM

How tall is this, in meters? :)

Mez

June 11th, 2007, 04:03 PM

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=860

70m ish

Cherguevara

June 11th, 2007, 08:46 PM

This building is now called Axis.

Can I be the first to suggest that this is possibly not in the best taste. Maybe it's just me, but the first thing I thought of was Nazis.

Maybe if they go for a very friendly font on the billboards no one will notice.

b4mmy

June 11th, 2007, 08:51 PM

Can I be the first to suggest that this is possibly not in the best taste. Maybe it's just me, but the first thing I thought of was Nazis.

Maybe if they go for a very friendly font on the billboards no one will notice.

erm.... I don't think you are gonna like the logo. Try not to do the word/image association thing... there's no malice intended... it's not like they named the building Adolf

The Longford

June 11th, 2007, 09:03 PM

The Longford

June 11th, 2007, 09:22 PM

erm.... I don't think you are gonna like the logo.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f85/garybaldy/Picture2-3.png

Cherguevara

June 11th, 2007, 09:32 PM

I cackled more at that than someone who hasn't been removed from the Big Brother house should.

Norb

June 11th, 2007, 10:19 PM

I however felt that a more authentic German blackletter typeface would have been in order, and I'm not normally one for style over content...

skit_uk

June 11th, 2007, 10:21 PM

LMAO at Longy :lol: :lol: :lol:

Isaac Newell

June 11th, 2007, 10:32 PM

http://hendrix.free.fr/disco/axis-g.jpg

nerd

June 12th, 2007, 03:16 AM

Perhaps because of it location opposite the Hac it was named in honour of Joy Division, New Order, A Certain Ratio and The Durritti Column which of course only have nazi connotations by coincedence and the members of each group were blissfully unaware of the relevance!

"The Durutti Column" were named from a Situationist misquotation of "The Durruti Column" - very much anarchists, and not in the least nazi.

Farsight

June 12th, 2007, 02:29 PM

Come on guys, it's not Nazi, it's tidy.

http://www.propertyweek.com/Pictures/316xAny/g/u/r/Property_Alliance_1_CMYK.jpg

Cherguevara

June 12th, 2007, 11:42 PM

It's got a jaunty cap and those bits at the bottom are giving a heil hitler salute.

It's evil I tell you.

The Longford

June 13th, 2007, 10:21 AM

"The Durutti Column" were named from a Situationist misquotation of "The Durruti Column" - very much anarchists, and not in the least nazi.

Oh! Piss off nerd you bloody know it all! :hilarious
Trust you to find one the many chinks in my armour. Ive got a reputation as an intellectual heavyweight to keep up and you come along and make me look stupid.
Stop now our i'll get my mate b4nny to ban you!

BeardedGenius

June 13th, 2007, 10:54 AM

Trust you to find one the many chinks in my armour.

So now you're racist as well as homophobic? BAN HIM!!!!

The Longford

June 13th, 2007, 11:00 AM

So now you're racist as well as homophobic? BAN HIM!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d0nNS_zjds

BeardedGenius

June 13th, 2007, 11:07 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d0nNS_zjds

:lol:

jrb

June 13th, 2007, 10:37 PM

Just to confirm what B4mmy told us. From PW.

13.06.07

Property Alliance Group has received planning permission for its office tower in Manchester city centre.

Today Manchester City Council approved the 18-storey waterside ‘Axis’ tower in the Great Bridgewater next to Barbirolli Square. It comprises 75,000 sq ft of office space and one of the largest video advertising walls in the world.

The development, designed by HKR architects, will begin in August this year. WHR Property Consultants and Erinaceous are letting agents.

Caiman

June 14th, 2007, 04:32 PM

Fantastic, can't wait to see this one start rising. Plenty coming up over the next near to get my camera out for.

gothicform

June 14th, 2007, 05:01 PM

sod, i knew i should have written about it yesterday but i was waiting for the dvd lol

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/966AxisSetForSpeculativeStart_pic1.jpg

Caiman

June 14th, 2007, 05:06 PM

Wow...

gothicform

June 14th, 2007, 05:14 PM

and floorplates -
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/966AxisSetForSpeculativeStart_pic2.jpg

interior space
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5182Axis_pic6.jpg

congrats to bammy by the way. nice work on the vid :)

highriser

June 14th, 2007, 06:16 PM

I only put the first pic up in the main development thread a couple of days ago for Beetham :)

Before
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/464216886_51d343b90f_b.jpg

After
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/966AxisSetForSpeculativeStart_pic1.jpg

This will be a great addition to that area , bring it on .

b4mmy

June 14th, 2007, 06:48 PM

...people often say it, but look how different beetham looks in those pics, same light - different direction. :)

markydeedrop

June 17th, 2007, 12:58 AM

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/075-1.jpg

vertigosufferer

June 18th, 2007, 11:37 AM

That render looks awesome, it could almost be Beetham's little brother :)

Ambitious Amoeba

June 18th, 2007, 09:28 PM

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u180/markydeedroppics/075-1.jpg

Isn't that billboard written in the IN Salford font? Ohh the irony.

(Ohh what a "DIN")

flange

June 19th, 2007, 07:11 PM

Invasion of the Axis

AN 18-storey office tower with a massive video wall is to be built in the shadow of the city's Bridgewater Hall concert venue.

Property Alliance Group, the developer controlled by Manchester property magnate David Russell, has won approval from city planners for the new 75,000 sq ft block.

Work on site at the Axis scheme is due to begin in August.

Designed by HKR architects and to be built by Russells Construction, the fully-glazed 75,000 sq ft tower will offer 360 degree panoramic views of the city centre from each floor, and the top floor has been designed as a series of fully managed meeting rooms.

There will also be a 51 metre high video wall available for use by advertisers, the building occupiers and the city council.

The tower will stand in the Bridgewater area of the city on a waterside location close to Barbirolli Square, Manchester Central convention centre, the Bridgewater Hall and Beetham Tower.

Property Alliance director Nick Pentith said: "Axis is an exciting venture, both for the city and for us as a company.

Innovative

"It's our most innovative project yet and our second in the Bridgewater area, which is an established and exciting office location with existing occupiers including Eversheds, Price Waterhouse Cooper and Addleshaw Goddard."

Joint agents, WHR Property Consultants and Erinaceous, believe the location and specification of the building are key selling points for Axis.

Michael Hawkins, at WHR Property Consultants, said: "There are major plans for the Bridgewater area, and Axis will be a highly prominent office building standing alongside the Hilton Tower.

"It will no doubt attract many high-profile businesses to the area and add to the existing established business activity."

The office tower plan wins approval as property experts predict that Manchester's office rents will continue to rise.

The city's prime office rents are forecast to hit the £30 mark by the end of 2007, and yields are on par with the City of London, say surveyors Knight Frank.

David Russell has grown Property Alliance into one of the region's busiest developers, with a portfolio value of £240m and rental income of £11m a year.

Property Alliance Group's portfolio is predominantly industrial, with 85 per cent of its sites supplied as workspace in the north west region.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1009/1009540_invasion_of_the_axis.html

jamiemartinr2

June 19th, 2007, 09:13 PM

good news, glad this project is actually moving forward unlike others in manc. cant wait to see this rise up next to beetham. thanks for the article flange.

jrb

July 6th, 2007, 09:16 PM

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

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

:drool:

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

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

http://www.arplus.com/MIPIM/entries/exhibitor_146.html

ferge

July 7th, 2007, 12:47 AM

why have they got rid of the red strips?! they should incorporate them back into the design, spice up the skyline a bit with some red

Manc Guy

July 7th, 2007, 03:13 AM

why have they got rid of the red strips?! they should incorporate them back into the design, spice up the skyline a bit with some red

nah it looked naff! Really looking forward to this one...

Mackem

August 19th, 2007, 05:26 PM

Any sign of progress on this one ?

Due to start this month, or perhaps the builders are still on holiday ??

highriser

August 21st, 2007, 08:25 PM

This should be about to start soon , bloody hope so i really like this one :)

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/966AxisSetForSpeculativeStart_pic1.jpg

jcg

August 21st, 2007, 09:01 PM

the site on Sat 18th
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88/jcg/PICT2543.jpg

kids

August 22nd, 2007, 12:32 AM

I'm quite pleased with all the commercial developments going up round here, certainly adds more diversity to the area beyond the nightlife/straight village atmosphere. It'll definitely feel more 'central' here in the near future.

monkey_rat

August 22nd, 2007, 08:25 PM

um, where is the building going to go, in that tiny triangle of land?? or do they plan to shut the road off and build there?

ferge

August 23rd, 2007, 11:34 AM

Hopefully this could become a precendent for new high rise developments in the city in terms of the size of land available to build on, such a small strip of land for a substantial build, be good to think that loads of small pockets of land could harbour potential tall buildings (ie, such as chancery or the proposed windmill tower opposite GNT).

flange

October 17th, 2007, 09:24 PM

Build us up

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/4849/axisgk2.jpg

Jonathan Schofield meets HKR’s Phil Doyle and Jon Matthews: an occasional column on Manchester architects

Architects and designers think of themselves as the funky creatives of the industrial world, a micrometer screw-gauge measurement away from being artists. A artistic temperament is the only explanation for HKR architect, Jon Matthews’ shirt – pictured here. Or it might just say something about the ebullient character of him and his colleague and buddy Phil Doyle.

Oldham-born Doyle and Bolton-born Matthews are Manchester’s architectural double-act: down to earth, funny and yet very serious about their work. Their path to running the thirty strong Manchester office of Irish-owned HKR revolves around alcohol.

“We drank about ten pints of Landlord bitter down at Sam’s Chophouse, one night,” says Matthews. “We knew we had our own ideas and during that drunken occasion we decided to follow that up and set up on our own. Then, out of the blue an opportunity came through friends of friends who’d started HKR in Dublin and they asked us if we wanted to create a business in Manchester. Of course we did.”

“Before that we’d worked in London before coming back to work for Sheppard Robson in Manchester,” says Doyle. “I’d interviewed Jon for a job there. Within thirty seconds it was like we’d been together for years...professionally speaking of course. It was only a matter of time before we went on our own.”

So what are they working on?

Chancery Place

“Chancery Place, off King Street, will be the first building we complete,” says Doyle. “It’s an office building and unusually for an office there is quite a bit of architecture in there. I was quite taken aback the other night because somebody said it was going to be Manchester’s gherkin.”

For ‘quite a bit of architecture in there’ read quality product, not cheapest option bilge. It’s pleasant to see people thinking big – as long as it comes off. Manchester will wait and judge upon delivery. But the sleek design as pictured looks promising even if there are concerns about the scale of the building on this tightly packed site.

Axis

Two other buildings which will also make a big impression on the Manchester street-scene are Axis, on the empty corner site at the end of Deansgate Locks, and The Hive. Axis will complete the view down Lower Mosley Street from St Peter’s Square, whilst Hive will inject life back into Lever Street. The latter’s going to be especially interesting.

The Hive

“The Hive is an office development in the Northern Quarter with Argent as the developer,” says Matthews. “It’s going to be the most energy efficient speculative office block in the North. We’re trying to strip back the mystique of what that means and design simple, low-tech buildings which use significantly less energy than typical office buildings. The Hive is aimed at the creative industries with flexible units and lower rents than buildings in the central hub of the city. With that in mind we really wanted to plug it into the context of the city, its history and its present. Partly we’ll do this through artworks – one of which will be the largest piece of public art in Manchester on a building.”

And away from their own buildings what do they think are the best new structures in the city? For Matthews it’s, “the recently completed Civil Justice Centre: the best building I’ve seen in years. Staggering.”

For Doyle: “I’m going to pick two. The first would be Urbis, it might not work on the inside, but outside it’s a fantastic jewel. The second is North City Library by Walker Simpson in Harpurhey, which is both good looking and works well.”

Time will tell whether any of HKR’s new buildings will be on the favourite lists of other Manchester architects. Doyle and Matthews seem determined that that will be the case. By combining originality with flair, and a taste for real ale, they might be on to something.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.com/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwImNw7lIlc6IHqjNwB6IA&realname=Build_us_up

cottonopolis

October 17th, 2007, 09:27 PM

Never mind...

URBANISER

October 18th, 2007, 12:55 PM

I thought this was starting in August....b4mmy?

iTunes

October 18th, 2007, 01:29 PM

yeah that's what Alliance said in their PR though....

SteChol

December 5th, 2007, 03:03 PM

yeah that's what Alliance said in their PR though....

Walked past today and still nothing seems to be happening.
This is one of my faves, any news anyone?

b4mmy

December 5th, 2007, 03:54 PM

mmm... maybe it'll start moving when Chancery Place has completed it's infrastructure build...

Architecty

December 6th, 2007, 12:01 AM

On balance if nothing else starts next year I really hope its this (yes more so that any of the big boys, and despite my screen concerns). It will just be so interesting to watch being built on that tiny awkward site, and will make the most astounding impact on the approach to the city from the south. Fingers crossed.

ferge

December 6th, 2007, 01:05 AM

it will certainly bring a new dimension to Beetham n make up 4 not having the office block.. I'm typing this from bed on my iPod touch LOL I never need to leave my bed again!

Comdot

December 6th, 2007, 03:00 AM

lol.

there are plenty of high rise planned right around here...

jrb

December 6th, 2007, 08:02 PM

Took some interesting pictures today, just by chance. I'll upload them later when I can find my mobile phone cable. (packed away with the rest of our possesions/moving)

Here's a clue. :banana: (hope I'm not getting too excited)

jrb

December 6th, 2007, 09:55 PM

This morning. Nothing to get to excitied about, but it was a nice surprise to see a digger onsite again.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture4214.jpg

This afternoon. Returning to my car and a HGV with crane arm was parked up unloading steel tubes. (Thanks)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture4222.jpg

Actual site. Workers, tubes and ground test piling drills on site.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture4223.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture4224.jpg

Crispy Duck

December 6th, 2007, 10:11 PM

:banana:

crazymanc1

December 6th, 2007, 10:19 PM

Comdot

December 7th, 2007, 04:06 AM

haha seriously this is silly, that site is so small its hilarious. So we can presume that this has started? i really dont understand how there going to build it, and they obvioulsy cant have basement parking (can they?), where are all the future office wrokers going to park? thanks for the pics jerb, this is VERY good news though :banana:

that site always cracked me up too! you could barely fit a 3 bed detached on it.

but: :banana:

parking? well, you've got metrolink and two train stations on your doorstep.

Architecty

December 7th, 2007, 10:55 AM

Lovely stuff, cheers JRB.

All these dancing soft fruits are making me feel dizzy

Comdot

December 7th, 2007, 01:47 PM

more importantly, just how do they all dance in unison??

Jinkies!

December 7th, 2007, 02:11 PM

Practice and a sense of rhythm.

Hubert_M1

December 7th, 2007, 05:43 PM

The site today. I guess these are just test drills?

Seems like the foundations are going to be very close to the canal, which floods onto the towpath regularly on the other side of the lock by the Hacienda car park...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2181/2092706653_4c4338201a_b.jpg

Comdot

December 7th, 2007, 06:58 PM

im sure they'll hit solid rock in no time at all

Mancunian Monkey

December 8th, 2007, 02:20 AM

Great to see this one progressing - I think it's the one I'm most looking forward to. :)

jrb

December 8th, 2007, 10:30 AM

For those who know. Where will the crane go? Can't go on the site, (to small) can't go behind, alongside or in front. (roads. pavements, pedestrians, etc)

highriser

December 8th, 2007, 10:46 AM

the site on Sat 18th
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y88/jcg/PICT2543.jpg

I was thnking about the size of the site , surely they must be building on that little slip where the car is ?

jrb

December 8th, 2007, 12:02 PM

I was thnking about the size of the site , surely they must be building on that little slip where the car is ?

Can't H. Thats the access to and from the car parks and drop off points for the GMEX exhibitors.

Local Lad

December 8th, 2007, 02:53 PM

When you look on Google earth this site looks quite tidy. Already concreted? What was here before?

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/Geeves8612/Albionstreet.jpg

They could always put it on that traffic island? although that does not
seem very safe.

Architecty

December 8th, 2007, 03:12 PM

The show flats for the Hac were in a temporary building on the site, the current Google Earth for Manc is about three years old. It was quite a nice little structure for a temp wood shed.

GShutty

December 8th, 2007, 03:13 PM

When you look on Google earth this site looks quite tidy. Already concreted? What was here before?

The show apartment/marketing suite was there for a period. It would be my guess that this image was taken at that time. The area was decked over and as you can see (assuming i'm thinking along the right lines), a canopy/tent was erected next to the Sugar Lounge.

Architecty

December 8th, 2007, 03:25 PM

For those who know. Where will the crane go? Can't go on the site, (to small) can't go behind, alongside or in front. (roads. pavements, pedestrians, etc)
I obviously don’t know the actual answer, but cranes can be built inside the volume of a building, with the floors leave a hole around it as it rises, the void can then be used as services or as the lift shaft (for example). They also will probably hoard off the pavement and maybe a slip of the road get a little site compound next to it, could even go there; cranes don’t really take up that much space. The road is quite wide at this junction, to take over a small part of it (maybe slightly reconfiguring the junction) wouldn’t be impossible.

jrb

December 8th, 2007, 03:41 PM

I obviously don’t know the actual answer, but cranes can be built inside the volume of a building, with the floors leave a hole around it as it rises, the void can then be used as services or as the lift shaft (for example). They also will probably hoard off the pavement and maybe a slip of the road get a little site compound next to it, could even go there; cranes don’t really take up that much space. The road is quite wide at this junction, to take over a small part of it (maybe slightly reconfiguring the junction) wouldn’t be impossible.

Thanks Archie. It's going to be a a difficult and interesting build.

flange

January 4th, 2008, 07:52 PM

Great news, there's a cabin now in place at Axis tower (end of Deansgate Locks) and the frame is now starting to appear on top of the former BT/ Grand Island building. Also Origin is very busy (West developments near Canal Street). The basement parking crater is really taking shape.

Happy New Year Manchester! :cheers:

It looks like there are two cabins as when i went past this morning one was in place and another one was on the trailer ready to be unloaded off, they were placed on half of the road that goes up to the car park at the back of GMEX, so looks like maybe half off the road will be closed off for the construction process maybe.

Comdot

January 4th, 2008, 09:01 PM

if this is the sort of space considered as a plot, then there's tons round there. just look at that jeep garage. you can see it in local lad's post when it was a car park ^^

i wonder if in 20 years time there will be an avenue of buildings on top of the railyway viaduct where the deansgate tram stop is. some seriously funky stuff could be done with that setting!! i'm tempted to get my 3d software out and have a play.

Comdot

January 4th, 2008, 09:06 PM

oh and there's albion wharf over the road of course http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=5252 ...i love how they are so desperate to build up that area that they are even planning to put a pub on a raft to move it to get an extra 4 metres!! hahahaa :P http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=980

man med

January 7th, 2008, 11:45 PM

Digger on site

Chogmook

January 7th, 2008, 11:48 PM

Nice one MM, 2008 has barely awoken and already one of our reasonably major projects is underway!

highriser

January 8th, 2008, 12:05 AM

Nice one MM, 2008 has barely awoken and already one of our reasonably major projects is underway!

i'll have a mooch on that side of town on me dinner hour and get some pics . I really like this one hope it actually as started .

Comdot

January 8th, 2008, 01:07 AM

Nice one MM, 2008 has barely awoken and already one of our reasonably major projects is underway!

'reasonably' ?

Chogmook

January 8th, 2008, 10:26 AM

Compared to Picc Tower, Canopus and Chapel Wharf, which I'd say are the major projects obviously! Oh, and Media City of course ;)

Irwell

January 8th, 2008, 07:22 PM

Strangely this is one of my favourite schemes in town as it seems to relate well to Beetham. Nice to see it starting.

andysimo123

January 8th, 2008, 08:13 PM

For those who know. Where will the crane go? Can't go on the site, (to small) can't go behind, alongside or in front. (roads. pavements, pedestrians, etc)

One option could be the canal.

Architecty

January 8th, 2008, 08:28 PM

Its not that big of a deal, you can stick a crane almost anywhere.

http://parked.pcap.com/strato2.jpg

Comdot

January 8th, 2008, 08:28 PM

is 1 new york street's crane in the centre of where the building will be (it is already erect and green btw)? aren't they using the whole plot and no adjacent land (as with axis)?

Comdot

January 8th, 2008, 08:32 PM

woohoo cool pic. isn't that i las vegas and wasn't the glass all blown up in some film (it will come to me, in time)?

andysimo123

January 8th, 2008, 08:46 PM

Its not that big of a deal, you can stick a crane almost anywhere.

http://parked.pcap.com/strato2.jpg

True and I've also seen alot of cranes in the lift shafts.

SleepyOne

January 8th, 2008, 09:14 PM

Article and images from e-architect

Axis Tower Manchester

HKR Architects: Axis, Albion Street, Manchester

Scheme description:
£17 million, 18 storey, 70,000 sq ft commercial office building for Property Alliance Group in the southern gateway to Manchester city centre.

Award-winning Albion Street is the most complex site in Manchester with restricted covenants from Bauer Millett; party-wall awards on four sides; oversailing agreements with Manchester City Council and British Waterways; and a complex interface with GMPTE. Within that context HKR has increased the nett-lettable area by 50% from the previous scheme.

The proposed development, on one of the main arterial routes into Manchester, will make the striking building one of the most viewed in the city, providing prime Grade A office space on all 18 levels and stunning 360 degree panoramic views. The ground and lower floors will provide further office space through a façade that addresses the Bridgewater canal, and incorporates a double height mezzanine. Providing 4,500 sq ft of nett-lettable area per floor, the design overhangs the site on three sides. The top floor executive suite, with external space provides spectacular viewing areas, and, with an illuminated plant room above, will give the building a glowing ‘top hat’ effect. A unique feature of the development will be a moving image LED screen – the largest of its kind in the world – which will offer extensive commercial opportunities. When completed the scheme, at over 18 floors, will be the tallest single core and escape stair office block in the UK.

Contractor: Russell Construction

Completion: 2008