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PLANS have been revealed for a 28-storey slim glass tower of apartments on a prominent corner site close to Deansgate Locks and Manchester Central.
"A resident or visitor will experience a real sense of arrival at Axis unlike any other in Manchester."
This sliver of a site at the junction of Albion Street and Whitworth Street West was originally earmarked for offices, but a dearth of high quality homes in the city centre prompted the developer, Property Alliance Group, to change tack.
The tower, designed by 5plus Architects, will now house 172 one, two and three bedroom high specification apartments with the top floor split into two mega pads.
PAG chairman David Russell is pretty bullish: “Great new buildings have never just happened. They are conceived, designed, developed and built by people of commitment and vision.
“Our team has created a statement building that will stand proud in the Manchester skyline. The quality and design detail of the building’s external façade and interior is high on our agenda; a resident or visitor will experience a real sense of arrival at Axis unlike any other in Manchester and the two penthouse apartments will provide the pinnacle in luxury living.”
Fair play to them for aiming high and the quality of the detail looks impressive.
5plus director Jon Matthews said: “It’s a unique site that required a unique and dramatic response and we are fortunate to be working with a developer who shares our vision and ambition to deliver Manchester's best residential building."
It’s going to make quite a statement, not just the shimmering bronze and glass finish but also the LED screen on the side of the building that faces the city. The original office scheme boasted one its entire height but this is more modest and when not in use will be programmed to disappear into the building's façade.
There's no doubt that a new development of high quality, high-end apartments for sale is needed. Stephen Hogg, director of regional residential at JLL and appointed agent said: “The residential market is buoyant at the moment with demand far outstripping supply. Axis will be one of the first developments to take shape in a series of new planning applications recently submitted.
“Axis’ iconic design and superior specification and finish will set it apart in Manchester’s current residential offering and the reservations already taken on the scheme are testament to the demand for quality developments from both owner-occupiers as well as domestic and international investors.”
If planning is granted this autumn construction would commence immediately with the first residents moving in from autumn 2016.
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'A dearth of high quality homes'? I take it Urban Splash aren't involved!
Some might argue 'great buildings' on this site, are more about reacting to market demand and Far East investor pre-sales, rather than any 'vision' thing. 75,000 sq ft, 18-storey office tower anyone? Nope, the market neither.
Don't think it matters mate. It's a handsome looking tower - bring it on!
Becoming like the 60s when they built characterless buildings. They're knocking those down now....
Great design, potentially a very noisy site though with roads, the bars / clubs and the metro
Well, people should think very carefully before buying in such a location... else they will start to moan that city centre living is just all too much for them... ;)
Looks great - bang opposite the wonderfully named Home too ;-)
I hope it doesn't have a flat roof...
Why?
www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/…/Timber-Wharf-Part-Five-The-Good-News-Urban-Splash…
But there are hundreds of buildings with a flat roof that have no problem. It is about the workmanship and materials, ever heard of a tiled or slate roof leaking? So have I. By the way, it would look ridiculous if it had a slate hipped roof, or a pitched roof with gables.
Yet another unimaginative block of flats that will be unaffordable to the many.
Good.
I just hope the people in the flats don't complain about the late night bars below...
I doubt the windows will open enough to let the noise in.
Probably will everybody who lives in the city moans about the noise!
Always good to read about new developments in our ward on ManCon... Once again a developer who hasn't bothered to engage local residents or councillors in their plans. We'll be looking at this carefully and fully consulting residents during the planning process. If the developer would like to fill us in before then do ask them to get in touch.
This has been doing the rounds for weeks, Kevin. You really should keep up.
...and bearing in mind there was an announcement about Axis in the presence of Sir Richard Leese, he might be wondering why it's come as such a surprise to yourself.
Nice of you to engage local residents before proposing a 500,000 square foot development at Oxford Road station, effectively sealing the date of the Cornerhouse building, Kev.
Some developers consult councillors and residents prior to formally submitting the plans to the planning process. Axis disappointingly hasn't done this so far; the Oxford Road / Cornerhouse project is nowhere near that stage yet. Allied London is, to date, setting new standards in its early-stage Granada site conversations.
What's there to engage? It's a great building. Let's get on with it!
What's it got to do with 'local residents?' The nearest ones live in Beetham Tower or the Hacienda. Are they going to protest at a large residential block going up?!
Is it just me or has Beetham being airbrushed out of this pic? Surely it would still be visible above or to the side? lol Seriously though this looks good!!
I like this.It is totally superior to the hideous specimen on the site of the old Harry Ramsden chippy. That is embarrassing for a city with aspirations to be amongst the coolest in Europe. Of course Axis may not look like this when it is finished. What on earth is that monstrosity near the Midland all about the one on the old Scottish assurance site. When are we going to start building tall again. So lacking in ambition these days Manchester. The original plan for this site was a Beetham clone which would have worked better than a building more suited to Watford high street. Think big!We are an iconic city not a third rate backwater.
Who are you talking to?
It looks terrific from St Peter's Square. I am not enamoured by the First street architecture as yet. This is a missed opportunity for such a large site. Hopefully when finished it will look better. It seems very ad hoc. The buildings near Chorlton mill are naff too. The overhead railway should be the window to Manchester and the stunning buildings on Whitworth street are not enhanced by the rubbish thrown up around them. That student tower is nasty.
wow,, ,remarkable