AXIS Tower Manchester – some said it couldn’t be built

Many people wondered how it could be possible to get such a tall building on what looked like a scrap of wasteland opposite the iconic Haçienda. But after years of planning and preparation, this has been achieved with Axis.

A feat of engineering, the 28-storey luxury apartment block has been brought forward by Property Alliance Group (PAG). Currently the seventh tallest tower in Manchester, it now stands proudly on the corner of Albion Street and Whitworth Street, and due to high demand for high quality city centre living, there are only twelve apartments available.

Manchester’s best kept residential building, one you need to get inside to appreciate the space and the views.​

Springing from a tiny triangular site, Axis stands on a constrained 761 sq metre wedge-shaped footprint on the bank of the Rochdale Canal.  Thanks to a series of concrete raking columns, the building cantilevers over the canal enabling it to increase its footprint from 300 sqm on the bank to 500 sqm on the upper floors by transferring the load down to the foundations. Designed to appear as if they ‘clasp’ the building above, the columns provide an impressive reception entrance as well as structurally supporting the building from the second floor right up to the roof.

Overlooking the Rochdale Canal, the Metrolink tramlines and the main road, residents benefit from uninterrupted 360 ° views across the city, out to the peaks, the quays and beyond.

Its location, at the centre of so many transportation links, inspired the name AXIS. It potentially has the best-uninterrupted views in Manchester.

Access to the building is via a new bridge over the canal, leading to an impressive 4m high reception space from where the 24/7 concierge service will be based.

The middle of the tower contains the main residential area, sandwiched between two metal clad planes facing the Rochdale Canal and Trafford Street. 

Designed by Jon Matthews Architects and built by Russells Construction, the building cantilevers out on raking concrete columns. These columns transfer the load down to the foundations enable the building to increase its footprint from the 300 sqm ground floor reception on the bank of the Rochdale Canal, to 500 sqm on each upper floor. 

The building is instantly recognisable thanks to it’s exterior cladding made up of 2,200 angular metallic black, silver and bronze dichromatic panels, which also holds the city centre’s largest electronic billboard facing out towards St Peter’s Square. As well as subtly changing in colour depending on the light outside, the building maintains its neatness from the outside. Many apartments inside tall glass boxes allow people to look up and see the likes of laundry or parked bikes on display, but AXIS, from Property Alliance Group, offers more external privacy. Residents can see out, but it’s much harder to be overlooked. The cladding supports extensive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer dual aspect views across the city and allow natural light into each room – it also offers more wall space for the likes of artwork or shelving. 

But what’s AXIS like on the inside? Many towers claim to have the best views of the city centre but it’s quite something to be so central and look down on the great architecture of the city, such as the magnificent arches of Manchester Central or the neat symmetry of Great Northern Warehouse. It’s also surprisingly meditative watching the slow glide of the trams weaving their way through the city from above and the sunlight glittering off the canal below from your own sanctuary in the clouds. Windows are equipped with an electric opening panel to allow natural air and the white noise background buzz of the city into each apartment. Homes on the east side of the building have views over the canal and full-height sliding doors allowing air to freely circulate.

AXIS has been designed to incorporate a mixture of 1 bed (500+ sqft), 2 bed (700+ sqft) and 3-bed (1000+ sqft) apartments, including Manchester’s largest lateral penthouse – each with its own unique features including Jack and Jill bathrooms which can be accessed by two separate doors. Tenant comfort is a priority and that’s reflected in the scheme’s clever design, which maximises the use of space in each apartment. There are quite a few different apartment variations, which work well for all kinds of requirements.

Alex Russell, managing director of Property Alliance Group said: “We have had a fantastic response from those that have seen inside Axis and the quality of the interior design, features and specification. It’s a building that continues to surprise people, especially in terms of the amount of space that’s been created.”

Alliance City Living has been established to carry out the day-to-day management of AXIS, along with schemes in Alliance’s wider residential portfolio including Manhattan, off New York Street, Uptown on the banks of Manchester’s River Irwell, which will begin to take shape from spring this year, and Oxygen in Albion Street which is due to be completed in 2021. 

Set up as the exclusive in-house property management and lettings arm of Property Alliance Group, they are responsible for the operation and management of the group’s residential portfolio of luxury of city centre developments.

The properties they manage are located in some of the UK’s most exciting neighbourhoods, giving you easy access to transport links, leisure facilities and business hubs.

Alliance City Living are not just there for management queries – if you are new to the city or neighbourhood, you can rely on them to tell you about all the best spots in town.

They will also act as the link between residents and the landlord of each property so you can trust them to look after your best interests. Renting residents are treated as more than just a tenant, more like a neighbour and friend, so they want to help however they can; whether you need a restaurant recommendation or help fixing a leaky tap.

If you’re interested in booking a viewing of one of the remaining available apartments at Axis visit here, or email hello@alliancecityliving.com