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.”
Axis Tower
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.
