LAST year’s Chamber of Commerce Property Awards threw up The Space Youth Intervention Centre in Ancoats as the best new building of 2012.
This year’s offerings could throw up a similarly quirky winner with the new Air Traffic Control Tower at Manchester Airport amongst more traditional contenders.
It triumphed over heavyweights like the Co-op HQ and Chethams new school of music much to the delight of many ManCon readers who then took up the chance of a tour with its designer Maurice Shapiro.
This year’s offerings could throw up a similarly quirky winner with the new Air Traffic Control Tower at Manchester Airport amongst more traditional contenders.
According to Mike Gibson, Chair of the Chamber’s Property and Construction Committee, the finalists were chosen for their innovation and the Tower is up against ITV's new Coronation Street production centre at MediaCityUK; the Pavilion at Lancashire County Cricket Club and Number One Riverside in Rochdale.
Gibson said: “This competition celebrates the innovative buildings that are constructed in our region each year, and showcases the successful collaborations that take place between talented project teams in our industry and their clients.
“The final four buildings each, in their own way, make a significant contribution to our city region in terms of construction and development.”
The winner will be announced by Sir Howard Bernstein at a dinner next Thursday.
Personally I am rooting for the Tower.
