As the deleted threads have not been restored yet - thought I would post some updated photos as some people won't have seen in a while...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05383.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05385.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05388.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05389.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05390.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05401.jpg

Some good shots there, cheers for that.

A couple of piccies I took whilst in town...

The cladding is really looking good...
http://eb.cx/q2/2005-08-20/cjc-cladding.jpg


It's hard to tell from photos just how huge the place is, but that building in front needs to go.
http://eb.cx/q2/2005-08-20/cjc-front.jpg

that black cladding is different to what the viel is attached to. Looks like we will see the first glass cladding next week then.

Making a big impression on skyline.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v692/skit_uk/skyscraper/cjc.jpg

I do love these photo's, we're not a bit geeky for liking construction photo's are we?

^ Not at all!!!

Any chance of someone posting a rendering here? I wanna know if those diagonal struts at the end of each floor are a temporary/permanent thing

I don't think it's geeky I think it's exciting to see something being completed bit by bit and an area being improved.

I'm going to try and reserve judgement for now but I really dont like this building at the moment and I feel that its that kind of 'wacky' design that will grab attention for now but everyone will hate in 10-15 years.

/puts on flame proof jacket!

^ Not at all!!!

Any chance of someone posting a rendering here? I wanna know if those diagonal struts at the end of each floor are a temporary/permanent thing

Temporary

I'm going to try and reserve judgement for now but I really dont like this building at the moment and I feel that its that kind of 'wacky' design that will grab attention for now but everyone will hate in 10-15 years.

/puts on flame proof jacket!
I know what you mean, I commented a couple of months ago that some people might say ....'er I'am not so sure now' during its construction.I have thought this myself. Up till now its looked messy but I can see it all coming out in the wash now.I think the finished product will be an excellent building. Have paitience!

Geeky? Naw. It's inspirational seeing creation in the making. Makes you feel part of 21st century progress that makes the world a better place. Thanks for all the photos fellas, it's coming on a treat. Lookin Good.

This is a render from the Allied London web site:

http://www.allied-london-properties.com/images/gallery/spinning_11.jpg

And this is what we could've had:

http://www.prsarchitects.com/images/manchester/04.jpg

the core nearest john dalton street has been painted black on one side :dunno:

could it not be part of the...er, adhesive process of adding the blue stuff :S

It's maybe waterproofing, kids. The two smaller cores are basically on the outside of the building. I think they'll be clad with something black or dark grey.

CJC today,the core are now getting cover in some black stuff,looking great

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/ANTEATPETE/tuesday29aug002.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/ANTEATPETE/tuesday29aug001.jpg

CJC's big ass on the skyline from Salford

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/ANTEATPETE/6september006.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/P9060052copy.jpg
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/149CivilJusticeCentre_pic38.jpg

Gonna be class.

Indeed!

First glass is on the 'fingers'. Hugely disappointing, way too many seperate pieces of glass in my opinion qand half of them are broken and boarded up already. Infact, if anyone is thinking of goin to take photo, dont bother, seriously. I hope it gets better, it cant get worse. I just hope the cladding of the cores is top notch.

The glass that's going in at the moment is most likely an inner skin, They should be putting an outer skin of glass that would be continuous. I think they have to do this sort of system to pass building regulations regarding energy efficency. You'll notice that most other entirley glass clad buildings actually have a double layer of glass.

CJC on Saturday:
http://www.eb.cx/img/ssc/manchester/2005-09-03/cjc-1.jpg

http://www.eb.cx/img/ssc/manchester/2005-09-03/cjc-2.jpg

http://www.eb.cx/img/ssc/manchester/2005-09-03/cjc-3.jpg

^ The 'keys' look very impressive from below.

The small bit of glass thats gone on the Quay Street side of the building is very underwhelming. It's just clear glass. Nothing.
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/149CivilJusticeCentre_pic39.jpg
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/149CivilJusticeCentre_pic41.jpg
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/149CivilJusticeCentre_pic42.jpg

..edited

Great pics as usual Caw. Anyone know whats happening with Manchester House? Please let it be destroyed..

Manchester House to be demolished as part of the overall plan. Looks like any replacement will be same floor area but 2 to 3 rtimes higher. Can't come too soon.

Which is Manchester House?

Here a clue! Look closely. Quite a nice building really. There's a couple of others around there that aren't so good, like the low boring flat faced concrete one and the other lowish concrete one with the funny windows. Sorry I can't remember their names as I speak. Neither are in this shot.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/149CivilJusticeCentre_pic41.jpg

Wow. Thanks Sparks for posting this picture on the Beetham thread. I can see CJC looking absolutely massive next to Albert Bridge house.

http://www.webbaviation.co.uk/manchester/manchester-aerial-m9999.jpg

How bis is the CJC has it reached full height yet?

I think it's 80m and yes it's more or less fully built. It's only 15 or 16 storeys, but each one is so high the overall building is about the size of a 25 storey apartment block and it's gobsmackingly wide.

See below. The building on its left shrouded in green scaffolding is 17 storeys high, and the grey building further left is 26 storeys high.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v692/skit_uk/skyscraper/cjc.jpg

Some photos from yesterday. An alarm was going off on the site, and all the workmen were crowded on Bridge Street.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/P9120047copy.jpg

The glass
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/P9120048copy.jpg

From the Lowry
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/P9120041copy.jpg

That clutter around the base of Alber Bridge House desperately needs to go (from an aesthetic point of view). Id like to think there is some kind of strategy in place to make the most of the river front and open up walkways and potentially spectacular viewpoints such as this but I bet there isn't.

CJC will be a jewel that as a city we should strive to show off rather than surround and obscure with shit development.

So is it going to be petty traffic crimes tried at the bottom and murders at the top?

Jake, I think the clue is in the name. I'm no lawyer but I'm pretty sure murder is a criminal matter these days.

Sleepy. There is a clear vision to open up the Salford side of the river set out in the recently published Central Salford Regeneration Framework (http://www.centralsalford.com/site/Resources/Final-Doc-17-08-05.pdf). In 10 years time we should beable to walk from the beach to the quays without leaving the waters edge. Sadly there is no such strategy on the other side of the water.

As you know I no great fan of the idea of buying up privately owned land to create new squares or grassy areas or whatever. I think just only exception I would make to this rule is the wedge of carpark that blocks access to Trinity bridge. Just a few square meters here could make a huge difference.

This whole beach idea is just stupid, its a novelty and a tacky one at that, the money should be put more seriously into riverside developments instead of cheapness like this.

Does anyone know what the building is when you go on the road towards CJC that is being built its quite a tall building near the DSS offices??? never seen a render for this building and i pass it every day and its bugging me

The Bayley, 13 storey residential, cheap looking.
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1163TheBayley_pic3.jpg

ahh thats it cheers caw

Well in 30 years when its had it, atleast they can knock it down and build something better.

Couple of shots of CJC this afternoon

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/ANTEATPETE/20sept004.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/ANTEATPETE/20sept002.jpg

That's a pretty imposing building! Almost Blade Runner, I guess it'll look lighter once fully cladded but still pretty imposing.

lol maybe it was purposely designed to be imposing to scare the shit out of the scallies going there to get their ASBO's!

I wish it was a magistrates or crown court. Then any one of us could legally walk into the building to watch some cases and take some photos of the view.

Though you wouldn't be allowed a camera inside anyway. :rant:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/P9220026copy.jpg

Like the GN Warehouse Sq/open space not far off from wonderous (has it a name?), Motor Street 'square' facing this lot has a very promising future.
It's a right freakin bulk looking down on you - ever more so when manchester house is reibuilt.

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/ewm/19/lg/21.jpg

25 September 2005

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05492.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05493.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05494.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05495.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05496.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05497.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05499.jpg

It sure is one mad building!

It's very butch isn't it? Those protuding things looks like a huge fist punching out Crime. Very Judge Dread.

Not sure if that's a good thing or not, wait till it's finnished before making "judgment"

Hmmm...still not convinced about this building, it doesnt seem to know whether its a quality mid rise or a stunted 'scraper

Civil Justice Centre

Height - 80m
Floor Count - 17
Usage - Courts
Architect - Denton Corker Marshall
Developer - Allied London

Notes:

It will be the second largest courthouse in the uk.

It is a part of Allied Londons Spinningfields masterplan.

Pictures:

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/149CivilJusticeCentre_pic1.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/3216/490cjc.jpg

Impact:

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/149CivilJusticeCentre_pic20.jpg

Most recent construction photos:

25 September 2005

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05492.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05493.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05494.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05495.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05496.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05497.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y60/ManchesterImages/Civil%20Justice%20Centre/DSC05499.jpg

I have no doubts this will be an iconic building!

After listening to the architect at the Allied London open day and seeing various renderings, I know this building will be MAGNIFICENT! :)

I'm really interested to see how this will turn out. I remember seeing the rendering ages ago before it had started and thinking wow. If it can come out as good as the render then it's certainly worth a 9/10.

9/10

Very strange - but somehow interesting.

Nice building but I think it might make too much of a wall effect. I'm not sure what I should give this...

i know what you mean about a wall effect,

1999 (before spinningfields)

http://www.aidan.co.uk/lg/ManSkylineSeVwPan99.jpg

now

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/810ManchesterPanoramafromSalford_pic1.jpg

but it's an amazingly designed building, really, really imposing walking next to it 9/10

The building is looking great already.

Daft question, but what sort of cases will be held there? I presume criminal issues will still be dealt with by the old crown court and magistrates court.

i think it's just divorces etc, if it were magistrates we'd be able to go up there and av a look at the view.

I am reserving judgement untill it's finished. It looks a beast in real life espiecially on bridge st. Confidence is high that this will be a stunner.

i think it's just divorces etc, if it were magistrates we'd be able to go up there and av a look at the view.

Family cases like divorces are only one part of the civil court. It could be all sorts.

If I punched you in the face, you could have me done in either the criminal or the civil courts.

its a bit mad looking but for a court its a brilliant building 9.

If I punched you in the face, you could have me done in either the criminal or the civil courts.

well that's nice to know? have a good tuesday.

As I said, I'm pretty sure it's designed that way to scare the shit out of the scallies going there to get their ASBOs

And we judge (huh-huh!) how? It's not even been built! this is rate a scraper, not rate a computer generated Image.

So, which is the biggest Courthouse then?

So, which is the biggest Courthouse then?

I would expect the high courts in London?

And we judge (huh-huh!) how? It's not even been built! this is rate a scraper, not rate a computer generated Image.

yeh, that's what i thought, but wjfow2002 is doing the same for all the London projects.

interesting building 8/10

Doesnt look as tall as it is, but I like it.


I voted a 9....I think.

I like the coulour of this, shape is interesting. 7/10

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/ANTEATPETE/2october025.jpg

Hi
This building is instantly regognisable beautifuly designed and amazingly modern. Manchester's ambition to be Britain's second city is reflected upon this. But we all know Birmingham is the "TRUE" second city of Britains that's why it is. I will rate this 9/10. For its beauty and authenticity and I quite like the shape also.
Usherling

"But we all know Birmingham is the "TRUE" second city of Britains that's why it is"

yes, but not relevant here no?

Latest press release and images from the Denton Corker Marshall website. This page is getting a little picture heavy - apologies for those with slow connections (like me!).

05 October 2005

Manchester courts progress

The distinctive ‘fingers’ that characterise Denton Corker Marshall’s new law courts building in Manchester can be seen in the latest site photographs. The fingers, housing around 50 courtrooms, create a unique profile for the Civil Justice Centre. Also visible is the building’s external cladding which forms an environmental ‘skin’. The centre is an exemplar in energy efficiency with a BREEM ‘excellent’ rating.


http://www.dentoncorkermarshall.com/resources.ashx/NewsChildDataImages/32/fileName/BD318B5338139C759B825268030B7267/20050924_Site%20General%2002_SS.jpg



http://www.dentoncorkermarshall.com/resources.ashx/NewsChildDataImages/33/fileName/1CB40B3A50B0865C046E844C04E60EA1/20050924_Site%20General%2001_SS.jpg

^^ Some of those trees on Bridge Street in the foreground need removing IMO. Trees in the wrong location in cities can really detract from the quality of the environment - particularly where you have impressive, landmark buildings such as CJC.

Nice, it would amost be worth committing a crime, just to see the insides of it. ;)

Nice, it would amost be worth committing a crime, just to see the insides of it. ;)
I tried bribing a construction worker. No such luck. :(

Try bribing a Police office next time, maybe that'll get you arrested.

Try bribing a Police office next time, maybe that'll get you arrested.
More than sucking cock in a public place? :tongue2:

Possibly, George.

^^ Some of those trees on Bridge Street in the foreground need removing IMO. Trees in the wrong location in cities can really detract from the quality of the environment - particularly where you have impressive, landmark buildings such as CJC.
You have to be taking the piss SleepyOne. I'm certainly not a tree-hugger but cities like Manchester should definitely not be uprooting mature/semi-mature trees because they may partially obscure the street-level view of a building.
Asamatterofact I do believe M/cr is actually planting more trees in the centre. The best cities in the world always seem to have lots of tree-lined streets and boulevards. There can never be too many trees, regardless of their location. I will take it you were merely 'havin a laff' and I will say no more on this matter.....

The trees on the Lancs between the Height and Pendleton are a right annoyance when you want to take in a good view of the city centre/north manc vista. Block the view they do. Maybe not chop them down, but trim them at least. Unless this is a council plot to force drivers to look at the road and not be dazzled by North Manc/Salford's beauty.

:lol:

By the way - I don't know if anyone has pointed this out before but this is a CIVIL Justice Centre rather than a CRIMINAL Justice Centre. This means things like divorce, bankrupcy and the like.
The criminal stuff ie 'arrestable offences' will go through the Magistrates and Crown Courts as now.
Cheers

Yes it's been mentioned several times.

But of course some offences are hybrids - a good example being if I punched you in the face. You could sue me in the civil court and have me locked up(or given a slap on the wrist!) in the magistrates.

er yes - I suppose the civil route might be a bit more effective - perhaps hence the big fuck-off CJC as opposed to the slightly boring, slap on the wrist, new Magistrates Court nearby. :)

From the Denton Corker website,,official height is 81m :)


Denton Corker Marshall’s new UK court building reaches key construction milestone

The 15 storey Manchester Civil Justice Centre designed by architects Denton Corker Marshall will be ‘topped out’ today in the presence of the Presiding Judge for the Northern Circuit and Denton Corker Marshall’s London Director, Stephen Quinlan. Signifying the placement of the highest structural element, the structure now rises to its full 81 metres.

Denton Corker Marshall’s London Director Stephen Quinlan commented,
“This marks an exciting stage in the construction process because for the first time the building's final shape can be seen. The sculptural form of the Civil Justice Centre's exterior demonstrates how this will be unlike any other court building before it. Although there is still a long way to go, the structural body already promises that this court complex will become a distinctive and important urban marker for the city.”

Scheduled for completion early 2007, the Manchester Civil Justice Centre is the largest court complex to be built in Britain since the historic Courts of Justice in London. Providing accommodation of around 34,000 sq m, the building will house a total of 47 courtrooms for Technical, Family, County, Civil and High Court proceedings. In addition, there will be 4 tribunal courts, 75 consultation rooms, and office and support space.

The building will be an exemplar in sustainable design, employing advanced ESD principles with its unique environmental veil.

Looking huge today
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/PA170333copy.jpg

Makes ABH look tiny...

Makes ABH look tiny...

Yeah it does. It's also appearing very nicely on the BBC North West News, behind our beloved Gordon.

Wish they could expand that shot to include the tallest bit of Gt Northern

Chris you've been on a lot of roofs today. Your real name isn't Peter Parker is it?? :)

Chris you've been on a lot of roofs today. Your real name isn't Peter Parker is it?? :)
I recon hes got a helicopter but he just wont show us the aerial photos.;) :jk:

I recon hes got a helicopter but he just wont show us the aerial photos.;) :jk:

Andy, either that or he's got friends in high places. (bad joke I know).
:ohno:

I don't know what you're all on about. These students are well known for getting high. :ohno:

I don't know what you're all on about. These students are well known for getting high. :ohno:

Nice one EB. Funny that. :hahaha:

Taken tonight just before I was offered a construction job on the Spinningfileds site!(honest!) :laugh:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture067.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture068.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture069.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture070.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture071.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture072.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0755.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0766.jpg

Another huge crane is going on the other side of the building it was fun watching it go up today at work very interesting watching them build it right underneath us!

That last picture is particularly stunning, jrb. I can only wish that this building has the setting it deserves in years to come i.e. by getting rid or improvement to poor buildings such as the Crown Court and the lower rise clutter surrounding Albert Bridge House.

Sounds good.

Photobucket bandwidth exceeded, doh, can't see jrb's pics.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/PB010015copy.jpg

Good clash. That car park looks decent too, for a car park that is.......

Like Beetham tower this is another building where you only appreciate the scale when you see it live.Great pics as ever folks. I know its a cliche to say but this will be a stunner, it already looks amazing comming into Victoria on the train.

I certainly hope it will be a stunner. I am always in awe of this building when I see it in the flesh but in the back of my mind I can't help but think that they'll slip up with the cladding.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/caw1234/PB010015copy.jpg

Good clash. That car park looks decent too, for a car park that is.......

Anyone else notice the ghost in 1 Hardman Boulevard :shocked: ?

Spooky

haha thats my floor i work on! its a cutout of george clooney!

I wondered what that was.

Any chance of some photos of the views Ozzy? :yes:

Sure but im off to Aus on sunday but i will definately get some when im back i have panoramic views of beetham, CJC GN Tower Ground zero fuck me why have i never taken any pics before??

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y57/caw123/PB110056copy.jpg

Today.

WOW! Has to be one of the most imposing pics I´ve seen of CJC.

HAve you got any pics of the Bayley just to your left there CAW? Would like to see how this has turned out.

Doh, I was so fixated on CJC I didn't even notice I was stood beneath the Bayley. It looks a bit strange right now, can't tell what is cladding and what is temporary covering.

"can't tell what is cladding and what is temporary covering"

This doesn´t sound too promising.. I have been worried about this one..

Fantastic Chris.

pity about the street litter. bloody pointless posts are in the way

Taken Friday!

Note the glass is now in place behind the cladding!(3rd pic) Looks great!

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

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

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

Looks a bit better with the glass in.

CJC one year ago!
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/149CivilJusticeCentre_pic6.jpg

The bayley is clad with browny/cream bricks...

I like the CJC. But I have to say it ain't quite wowing me like Beetham and GN tower.

I think when more of the cladding goes up the 'wow' factor will certainly increase. We were wowed by Beethams size and GN's cladding, at the minute CJC doesn't really have any of those.

Some photos from webb aviation showing the enormity of CJC
http://www.webbaviation.co.uk/gallery/d/1529-1/_MG_9326.jpg
http://www.webbaviation.co.uk/gallery/d/1493-1/_MG_9309.jpg

Anything that makes ABH look small is massive. ABH itself is a big building.

see next page

Ok. Enough is enough. This thread has been neglected for long enough. Some of the latest shots with thanks to jrb and Caw......

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture311.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture307.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture315.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture316.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y57/caw123/PC090009copy.jpg






What on earth is that strange looking coloured cladding in the last shot??? Caw - did it look temporary or permanent? Is it going to be overclad with glass or is that the final layer?

Can't see that being permanent.
But you never know..... :no:

whats being built to the left of the civic justice center??? there seems to be a crane there...

very impressive cluster of mid/ high rises

firstly I hope that those coloured panles are temporary and secondly: this building isnt living up to the promise of the renderings: it looks heavy and clumpy.

whats being built to the left of the civic justice center??? there seems to be a crane there...

very impressive cluster of mid/ high rises

lots of high density office blocks bob. a very tall one too.

http://img332.imageshack.us/img332/702/costco1313qh.jpghttp://img173.imageshack.us/img173/8426/costco111uc.jpg

Oh I dont know. I would be happy if there is some colour on this building. Most of Spinningfields is glass clad buildings - it would be good to have some variety. Looking at those little fixures and the overhanging horizontal struts it does look like there will be some sort of buffer and a projecting layer of glass going over the top, maybe.

This is probably one of the most intruiging buildings around. Its very difficult to tell exaclty how good it will turn out to be. Its a very complex building. Viewed from either of its thin ends it makes for an incredibly imposing sight. View side on it loses some of its drama by virtue of being so wide.

Wait until its complete. Im positive it'll live up to expectations.

I quite like the design of the CJC - it's an interesting design, and didn't expect it to look as tall as what they pics are currently showing.

this is starting to look like a very interesting building, thanks for the pics everyone

This building is getting worse and worse. Looks truley aweful at the moment. I really hope it improves

I must admit I am getting a bit worried at the moment.The side facing the Irwell I can see turning out like the render which is good,but the side with the metal grill panels on just looks bloody awful at the moment.Just hope it all comes together in the wash.

There will be a glass cladding over the colored panels on the end. I think the colored bit's will look fantastic when they are covered over in glass. I mean look at the colors used, they go with the grey perfectly. :cheers:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y57/caw123/PC090009copy.jpg

Aye, I remember these patterns (a la Jarvis Piccadilly) from the renders.
Does look a little like temporary plywood though - something you would later use a base for floor tiling for example.
Aussie building though - no worries.

http://www.spinningfields-manchester.com/images/spinningfields/spinning_buildings_cjc_01.jpgp

Aussie building??

Taken Friday, Next to the city centre ring road Salford.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture274.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture265.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture259.jpg

Hmm I loved the renders of this but at the moment I'm a little dissapointed by the cladding. Hopefully when it's all complete it will turn out better than the renders.

As I was going into work yesterday, they were loading big glass panels onto the site - so I'd expect to see more cladding on the Salford facing side soon.
I don't think the grey cladding is too bad - it's certainly different which I think is a good thing. Would have liked a colour other than grey though.

Nice bit of colour.

IMHO: Colour is in! Told y'all the Arndale was ahead of its time!

You seem to have a taste for 'Vomit' colours.

Are you calling the mighty CJC vomit, boy?

Hehe, boy. That's precious.

Those colours resemble wallpaper from 1962. Not a fashionable year for wallpaper.

This building is awesome! I love the way manchester is happy to be daring with regards to its architecture, once polished this building will be fantastic! I remember all the idiots talking crap about Swiss Re when they were playing around with the crown.. where are they now?

Where is the grey cladding on the renders ffs>?

Where is the grey cladding on the renders ffs>?

Nowhere Manc Guy.

That wasn't the original idea for the cladding. The original idea was a thin meshed stainless steel, but the developers/architects decided it would weather to quickly, so they changed it to the current cladding.

I see it:
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/149CivilJusticeCentre_pic34.jpg

I see it:

Tell me where you see the artists representation of 'dark grey' metal cladding chris? Dark Grey?...You cant...

Tell me where you see the artists representation of 'dark grey' metal cladding chris? Dark Grey?...You cant...

Nowhere Manc Guy.

That wasn't the original idea for the cladding. The original idea was a thin meshed stainless steel, but the developers/architects decided it would weather to quickly, so they changed it to the current 'dark gray' metal cladding.

:cry: n/t! :wave:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/NeilPicko/100_4446.jpg

This building is awesome! I love the way manchester is happy to be daring with regards to its architecture, once polished this building will be fantastic! I remember all the idiots talking crap about Swiss Re when they were playing around with the crown.. where are they now?

I agree. This building will reveal its class as it nears completion. There are a number of different cladding treatments - its not worth passing judgement at this stage. Personally Im looking forward to the glass overcladding of the "fingers" particularly as it would appear they also serve to alter the structural form of the fingers, being hung on an overhanging frame rather than directly onto the steelwork that we see at the moment.

Any ideas what the black cladding and the lighter grey cladding to the lift cores and the base of the building will be?

where was swiss re's dark crown on most of the renders? it wasnt there.... i have high hopes for this building.

Well I know this building is dividing oppinion with forumers, but it's got a fan in me, and there's something with the height that can only be appreciated when your there standing infront of it. Deceptively, tall. I love it. :)

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/vertigoscraper/CJC/DSCF0053.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/vertigoscraper/CJC/DSCF0054.jpg

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/vertigoscraper/CJC/DSCF0052.jpg

I love this building too, it look so vast, despite not being especially tall. I think it's just because its so wide.

It looks very ominious to me, for some reason, like it belongs in Judge Dredd's Mega-City. "You're doing 10 to 20 in the CJC, perp scum."

I'm sure when its finished we'll nearly all love it and be glad of its presence.. Its just probably because its so different a building to the norm, that its construction technique is a little different.. meaning its harder to know what to expect. At the moment its most likely having a bad puberty in its development, lol..

It'll be interesting to see what the nickname for this (nice) brute will be.

I think the Filing Cabinet has been touted a few times already.

Ah well, we'll see eh.....

Can somebody get some pics of the Irwell facing side? Driving past today, there looks like some of the grey panelling has gone on (quite substantially too) above the extended ultra large 'window box'.

I reckon the side facing the Irwell will look the best. It's a huge structure, the pictures don't really capture it's size. Deffo one to be seen in the flesh.

After seeing it in the flesh I can definately vouch for its imposing nature. However at the minute it does give off the appearance of being a load of school mobiles stuck on top of one another. Obviously that will change when the cladding goes on, but I'm still in two minds about this one.

Some random shots of CJC today

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/ANTEATPETE/27dec012.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/ANTEATPETE/27dec011.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/ANTEATPETE/27dec010.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/ANTEATPETE/27dec009.jpg

Those white tile-like things going up on the concrete part? is that the final facade for that part or is it just something for it to go over do we know??

It's such a hard building to grasp without seeing it in for yourself.. was meant be in Manc today but didnt :( boo!

Ferge im sure that not the final material on the core's,,it looked like so kind of padding, i rekon the next month or so we'll start seeing this baby bloom .

They're not white tiles. That's just the covering(protection).

Unless they're white underneath that is.

Checked the renders. And there won't be any white tiles, they're all charcoal grey/black.

I always thought (hoped) that the cores were granite style cladding cos that would be classy. The white tiles are the final ones and the white is a cover. Look closely and you can see it peeling off on the pics.

Images will be uploaded tomorrow.

Got me a camera for Christmas! So I just had to go out and take some snaps.
Apologies for the white balance and exposure on some of them - i was playing round with all the settings.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c119/Latic12/P1010040.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c119/Latic12/P1010033.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c119/Latic12/P1010029.jpg

All were taken on Tuesday.

Not a bad little photographer are we?? :D Good pics, you seem have a good eye for getting unorthadox viewpoints and frame pics well with other buildings.. Like the style.

I'm just annoyed with my mates for not wanting to have a day out in Manc.. I really wanted get up there (would of gone on me own today but I fell asleep after I got in from work and had breakfast, lol :( ) Looks like I may not get up to Manc now for a while :'(

Thanks ferge - you're too kind!

Can somebody get some pics of the Irwell facing side? Driving past today, there looks like some of the grey panelling has gone on (quite substantially too) above the extended ultra large 'window box'.

Last two pics dgnr8.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture169.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture174.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture170.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture171.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture172.jpg

Oooh, fanks. Bit early to judge yet.

Today
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/ferge1985/IMAG0586.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/ferge1985/IMAG0566.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/ferge1985/IMAG0595.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/ferge1985/IMAG0570.jpg

Nice pics ferge ;) some interesting angles there.

Wont be long before this building starts getting the WOW factor,,once the cladding on the "finger's" starts going on ,i have no doubt's what so ever it will be stunning,, it look awwsome in the flesh.

A few quick pics of CJC taken today, on a grey, rainy, Manchester day!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/DSC00143.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/DSC00141.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/DSC00139.jpg

Look at all those lovely, lovely cranes ;)

Looking really great. The coloured cladding to the fingers really works well.

I hope that when the projecting glass overcladding goes on that it will extend some way above the top most finger. I really feel that the uppermost element should be taller than the fingers below it so as to properly crown the building. This building is all about its height - the highest of the projecting courtrooms should therefore be the most imposing and commanding of the lot. Its something that the original render featured more so than the modified version and it just looked... right.

I'm not keen on the way these metal screens stick up with daylight behind them at the top. I hope it doesn't stay that way. Yes, a "crown" always looks "right" on top of a building. It's like seeing a person with a head of hair or a hat, rather than somebody with their skull chopped off above their eyes like a boiled egg. Kinda.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v224/ferge1985/IMAG0586.jpg

In comparision to the gunk in the foreground Farsight, I think she already looks fantastic.

I don't hate it or anything weasty, it's just that I don't find myself enthusing like with Beetham or GN tower. Talking of which, I like Manchester House on the left. People slag it off, but I reckon it's a bit like GN tower, claddingwise.

Coming down isn't it? Manchester House I mean.

I'm not sure. And with all the other stuff going up I don't mind anyhow.

It's going to be this twin towered thingy with a park on the top.

http://img332.imageshack.us/img332/702/costco1313qh.jpghttp://img173.imageshack.us/img173/8426/costco111uc.jpg

You really must excuse me - I haven't had a great deal of time to frequent the forums recently, but WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!

Has everyone else seen that before? I take it that's 1 Hardman Sq to the centre right of the picture? Is that actually what it will look like or is it just for the purpose of massing?

More details please!

See the Hardman Square thread. Which is down the forum somewhere.

The CJC looks much better in real life than the renders show. I really like it and hopefully it will spur the neighbours on to clean up their buildings (once all the dirty construction work is complete of course) as they are looking a bit drab.

It is a very interesting building, and a building that makes people stop in the street and study it is good in my book :)

I like it too Biosonic. I was just being a bit twitchy about them metal sunshields.

Weasty: Yes of course, Manchester House, thanks. Duh. Brain into gear.
Priscilla: It does look a bit naff doesn't it. I hope it evolves somewhat.

Priscilla: It does look a bit naff doesn't it. I hope it evolves somewhat.

I must say that my immediate reaction wasn't exactly favourable, but I don't think I could say that I ever disliked it.

Actually, having considered it more, it has quite grown on me. Like JRB is keen to point out though, it will almost certainly be subject to a fair bit of "fine tuning".

Also, I don't think those images properly illustrate how the final product will appear. Many people's objections seem to involve the disjointed nature of the top of the building, but it is clear on those pictures that the two "gaps" at the top have some kind of glass/other translucent cladding across them. I don't think that the "transparent effect" would be so noticable in real life.

Apologies, just realised that was technically in the wrong thread.

CJC today , cant wait for this one finish.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/ANTEATPETE/100_0578.jpg

CJC today , cant wait for this one finish.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/ANTEATPETE/100_0578.jpg

Great pic H!.......... :)

Really shows the differences between the fingers!

It's quite a stark experience in the flesh this one. Usually you get the concrete (sshh) cores followed the floors then the cladding (of variable quality); this one is a right complex beast. Ugly as sin for the best part - the coloured panels appear to be painted and tacked mdf???
Aside from the concern over the panelling though, I reckon this will be a gem of a building once complete. The post production will take care of all that (see king kong).
Ugly viscera maketh beautiful women...though they also make Debbie Daniels you could argue.

only 7...i dont like zafira

Euroclad are cladding CJC!

http://www.euroclad.com/uploads/LINEAR%20Facades.pdf

Ps. No1 can't be far off now?

I wish they'd get a move on with final cladding, the closer this project gets to completion (although still a long way off) the more concerned I get about it. Normally by this stage of a build the 'ugly' stage has passed and we're all admiring how the buildings coming together. I'm sure it'll look great in the end, but it really is making us wait to see that beauty isn't it!

You complaining again? Jeez, some people are never satisfied. That is the final cladding.

:)

I must admit when seen from Lincoln Square and Deansgate this building is highly unimpressive especially the battleship grey.

But get up close and the view changes, those overhangs look great and the view from the Mark Addy looks great.

I think this is a building that will benefit a lot by being illuminated from the inside. I think the grey cladding will look less imposing with some light coming through it.

I gues it would still look pretty grim during the day though.

Let's wait and see.

Glass panels on the sides of the fingers.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture02711.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture029.jpg

metal cladding nearing the top.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture031.jpg

The core is starting to rise above the hoardings.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture028.jpg

This picture doesn't do the building any 'JUSTICE' what so ever!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture033.jpg

I don't complain a lot do I!

I know the ugly grey stuff is final cladding but I'm sure there is other cladding to go on elsewhere, if not it looks like I won't be a fan of this building...

Picture taken from my car today.

Note: The grey cladding is now going across the upper sections of CJC.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture028888.jpg

CJC has a lot of grey on it, so much so it could look really drab. Hope it works out in the end though, just have to wait and see.

This is really pushin its luck aint it? lol... That upper grey cladding looks cheap from that photo, I hope it aint gonna get worse.. cos the more they put on, the more worrying a reality it is... :S

Its gonna be an interesting building no mistake about that, will probably be a bit of an icon when its all finished and functioning

There isn't any grey cladding in the same areas on the renders. It's all black. so, I doubt it's grey cladding. . .

True, the render promised black cladding however it looks distinctly grey on jrb's photograph. Im not sure I like what I see.

I always assumed the cladding was a sort of a very dark blue granite effect on this part. This building is certainly keeping everyone sweating.

There isn't any grey cladding in the same areas on the renders. It's all black. so, I doubt it's grey cladding. . .
its hopefully just insulation that goes on before the final rendering

I hope it isn't grey. Grey is dead, boring, a non-colour. I mean, can you imagine living in a house where every room is grey?

Also, wouldn't grey make it invisible to aircraft for 364 days of the year with the manchester sky as a backdrop.

It doesn't look like cladding to me, more like insulation.

You can see both the cladding and lagging on the closeup from JRB's pic. The cladding is grey but I suspect that it is micro-etched Stainless steel

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/149CivilJusticeCentre_pic1.jpg

Cladding looks a lot darker in the renders.

I hope it's not light grey.

CJC closeups taken Friday
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y57/caw123/P1200037copy.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y57/caw123/P1200038copy.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y57/caw123/P1200046copy.jpg

christ Caw, thanks for them, Ive never seen a building that looks so bloody complicated, im sure it will be a goody once finished

This is gonna be one big mofo court building. Will it be for civil trials for just the Manchester region or will it serve a larger area?
I think the end result will look very 'business-like'.

Maybe the first case heard there will be litigation involving the architects versus the builders ;)

^^ lol

christ Caw, thanks for them, Ive never seen a building that looks so bloody complicated, im sure it will be a goody once finished

Isn't it just. Saw this up close yesterday (the cladding is quite a light grey) - the side facing the Mark Addy is a bloody fruit basket - the scaffolding sections make it look like a 30 storey building whilst the 'fingers/drawers' suggest an 8 storey, presenting a visually confusing beast.
I sincerely believe this will be an incredible and international looking building when complete.

I walk past this building every day to work and it will look stunning once finished me belives especialy when the glass is all on give it chance people it's no where near finished yet!!

Grey outer cladding it is then.

Note the dark horizontal stripes acorss the actual cladding, which are also visible on the original render.

Also note the glass windows that were'nt on the original render. whether they will serve any purpose apart from being illuminated and breaking up the grey cladding is anyone's guess?

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/709/490cjc_bmp.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y57/caw123/P1200037copy.jpg

There's a 'blade' thingy at the top of the western side of this building.
Let's see now....first slopey roofs....now blades....there's some sort of a pattern forming in this town methinks.... ;)

This has probably been discussed already and i've missed it, but has the building behind CJC in the last render always been there? I always thought that particular court was staying (the white stone one)? I did myself have a theory at the back of my mind though that once CJC was finished, the afforementioned court would look both dated and dwarfed and that a replacement may be announced at a later date.

Cheers.

More cladding shots.

On closer inspection the cladding is more of a metalic grey, instead of just grey.(if you know what I mean?) It does look very nice.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0900.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0899.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0888.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture09333.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture09222.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0777.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0766.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0755.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0733.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0722.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0744.jpg

CJC today - looking menacing- grrrr!

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f85/garybaldy/IM000192.jpg

oooh its finally starting to live up to the immense promise of the renders.

This thread has been fairly quiet compared to the GN tower thread. I for one was a little worried about the grey, and felt a little subdued. But I like this.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f85/garybaldy/IM000192.jpg

I like it too, Mr Sight. That 'grey' cladding looks metallic in that pic. Could end look up better than the renders. Who would've thought eh.

It's certainly very unique - wife absolutely hates it.

Think she may only say that as I always drag her over to it to take pictures when we're in town.

Patience is needed with CJC. I think this will turn out one amazing structure. Unlike anything else I can think of in the UK. It will be iconic.

Let's hope we start seeing it on telly. I'd like to see it all finished in the last episode of Life on Mars. Bang, he gets hit by a car and wakes up in front of that.

^^ then the camera rises and Beetham's sitting in the background :)

And the year is 2036. Sets the scene for series 2!

Taken Friday.

I honestly can't wait until CJC is finished. It's awesome! :)



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0499.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/bsc5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0500.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/bsc4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0477.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/bsc3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0466.jpg

Taken from Salford Central Platform.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/bsc2.jpg

Note Beetham in the background.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/bsc1.jpg

I walked past this building on Friday and noticed that they seem to be attaching the rigging (??) to support the glass skin on the fingers at the Hardman Square end.

Once they start attaching the glass we should get a proper feel of how this building is going to look.

Great pics. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/Picture0466.jpg
I love this one, reminds me of some scenes in Blue Sky...anyone seen it...?

Nice pics, but definatley a building that looks better in the flesh when your standing not too far from it. ;)

nice pics jrb, this is a serious building, never seen a building look so complex

Lookin good. Thanks for the pics jrb, I can't wait to stand outside this one.

Lookin good. Thanks for the pics jrb, I can't wait to stand outside this one.

It's such a futuristic bldg and when fully clad will be fantastic. Actually far more overpowering up cose that Beetham, just because of the mass of the things and its complexity. The architects are Australian I think; can't remember their name, but wish they were designing 1 Hardman Sq

Lookin good. Thanks for the pics jrb, I can't wait to stand outside this one.
As long as you're not stood outside as a defendant, waiting for your lawyer to show up......;)

It's such a futuristic bldg and when fully clad will be fantastic. Actually far more overpowering up cose that Beetham, just because of the mass of the things and its complexity. The architects are Australian I think; can't remember their name, but wish they were designing 1 Hardman Sq

Architects.....Denton Corker Marshall , Engineers...Connell Mott MacDonald

went past this building about an hour ago, the grey looked quite a bit darker in the flesh :cheers:

its a great shape but its to grey, most of those pics are from the salford side which hopefuly will have a nice glazed look to it so that shud be good but teh side facing town (the one that most pplwill see is hidious!!!! reminds me of the piccadilly hotel!

not nice

I was sceptical that this building actually did look better in the flesh, but once you get up close to it it really does look amazing. Its very hard to appreciate how gravity defying the 'fingers' actually look in photos. Good to see them finally getting some glass cladding on them aswell.

A bit more on the cladding.

Euroclad has been chosen by Josef Gartner to supply facade infil panels for the prominent new Civil Justice Centre in Manchester. In a contract worth more than GBP400,000, Euroclad's Facades Division will manufacture nearly 8,000 panels for Josef Gartner to complete the stunning design. At a cost of GBP160m, the new court complex will house 47 courtrooms, four tribunal courts, 75 consultation rooms, as well as office and administration space.

http://www.euroclad.com/uploads/mcjc.jpg

Designed by Denton Corker Marshall, the building will be a striking addition to the cityscape.

The facade comprises panels of Alpolic/fr composite material, in a variety of greens and greys, as well as other types of panel.

Over the space of three months, Euroclad Alpolic/fr panels will be sent to Germany to form entire wall sections to be installed complete on site.

Nick Jenkins, Operations Manager for Euroclad, comments: 'The award of this contract is the culmination of 18 months of preparatory work, where our product and manufacturing capabilities have all been scrutinised to ensure consistent quality and on-time delivery'.

Not sure which part of the cladding this refers to. I assume the large grey sections we are seeing erected at the moment. Apolic/fr sounds like some sort of plastic to me. Does anyone have any experience of this product that they could share?

I'm still not at all convinced by this grey panelling. If our prestigous new civil court building ends up looking plasticy I will not be impressed! I hope they have not cut corners with the cladding.

:bleep: :bleep: :bleep: :bleep:

Alpolic is a trade name - the fr refers to fire resistant/ retardant.
They have a poxy website but it does have a huge project gallery with lots of nice buildings from around the world but with no sign of the CJC funnily enough.

http://www.alpolic.com/main/introduction/index.html

http://www.alpolic.com/main/alpolic_fr/image/05/image_main05.gif
"Composition Detail of ALPOLIC®/fr"

Thanks Longford. So its basically aluminium composite sheeting. Wonder why the renders always made it seem like a darker coloured cladding which in my view lends the building more of a look of solidity and permanence. I find black also looks simply smarter than ubiquitous, 'overcast' grey.

I wonder if this material is a cheaper option than what they were oginally going to use? I hope not.

Echoing other comments Sleepy you should take a view in the flesh (that doesn't mean naked btw :) ). This grey cladding it not the unfortunately ubiquitous gun metal nonsense we are becoming accustomed to (the fringe/crown on bog standard apartments blocks and the bridge business next to the Lowry hotel) but something altogether more special...I like it anyhow.

It looks good in some pics, and pretty average in others. I like it when it looks reflective. . .but I've not popped into Town for a couple of few weeks, reckon it's best seen in the flesh. Not sure what to think, if I'm honest.

http://www.alpolic.com/main/introduction/main01.html

http://www.alpolic.com/main/introduction/image/A_01.jpg

edit: Oh sorry, Longford's already done it.

http://www.alpolic.com/main/alpolic_fr/image/05/image_main05.gif
"Composition Detail of ALPOLIC®/fr"

Thanks Longford. So its basically aluminium composite sheeting. Wonder why the renders always made it seem like a darker coloured cladding which in my view lends the building more of a look of solidity and permanence. I find black also looks simply smarter than ubiquitous, 'overcast' grey.

I wonder if this material is a cheaper option than what they were oginally going to use? I hope not.

That looks like KingSpan used on warehouses!

More like a CGL rainscreen panel than a kingspan. Kingspan is cheap and nasty.