Manchester is on the verge of welcoming a new record-breaking skyscraper that will not just change the skyline but will also see the streets around it reshaped. Viadux 2 project is expected to receive the green light next week after planning officers recommended that councillors grant approval for what would be the city's tallest tower.
The development includes two significant towers between Lower Moseley Street and Manchester Central convention hall. Dubbed Viadux 2a, the principal tower will stand at an impressive 246 metres with 76 storeys, housing hundreds of apartments as well as a five-star hotel endorsed by Hollywood's Robert De Niro.
Viadux 2's sheer size necessitates adjustments to its surroundings. As part of the plans, Albion Street will be 'realigned to improve the streetscape and pedestrian environment', as stated in a council planning document.
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The report adds: "The entrance to plot 2a would be on Albion Street with a dedicated layby. A new undercroft would address the constrained pedestrian space between the street edge and the viaduct. This would wrap around and below the Metrolink viaduct and guide pedestrians to the entrance and open up the view into the viaduct from the street level."
Originally, the Viadux 2a tower was planned to rise to 241 metres featuring 782 apartments. However, last year, developer Salboy revised the interior design of the structure, leading to the inclusion of 452 flats and a 160-bedroom hotel. That means slightly increasing the height by 4.65 metres but maintaining the same 76-storey stature.
The hotel operator for the new development has been confirmed as Nobu, which is part-owned by Hollywood A-lister Robert De Niro. Fred Done, founder of Salboy and gambling empire Betfred, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating the plans are "about bringing this level of class to Manchester and celebrating what it means for the city."
The development's companion structure, Viadux 2b, will stand at a more modest height of 23 storeys and will house all the affordable housing units within the project. With its 133 affordable shared ownership apartments, it will account for 23pc of the total housing in Viadux 2.
Both buildings will offer flats with one, two, and three bedrooms, and all residents will have access to shared amenities.
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Despite facing opposition from local residents, with one criticising the Viadux as "another horrible looking skyscraper in Manchester," approval for the project is expected to go ahead.
"Locals are being outpriced by foreign investors who are buying these monstrosities and raising rent to disgusting levels," one objection in the council's report said.
Another resident questioned the need for another towering building: "Do we need another 75 storey sky rise? Where will it end, hundreds of extra residents, hundreds of cars, no extra NHS dentist, hospitals doctors, no larger roads.
"Existing residents [will] get 2-3 years more of noise pollution, construction dirt, traffic congestion and damage and blockage to local roads."
While Manchester Central has also lodged an objection, the council has also received four letters supporting the development.
The approval for both towers is anticipated at Manchester council's planning committee meeting, scheduled for 2pm on Thursday, April 10.