A hotel will now be included in what is set to become Manchester's tallest building - with developers Salboy committed to maintaining its towering stature despite the changes to their plans. Last year, Salboy revealed proposals for Viadux 2a, a monumental 76-storey skyscraper housing 780 apartments, positioned next to the Manchester Central convention centre.
Initially planned as the second solely residential structure in a trio, it was part of a larger project including the operational 40-storey Viadux 1 and the smaller 23-storey Viadux 2b block, which is intended to offer 133 affordable homes.
Salboy has now altered its blueprint for Viadux 2a. Despite retaining its 76-storey height, which would surpass the 200-metre Deansgate South Tower by 41 metres as the city's highest edifice, the new design incorporates a hotel instead of the previously proposed retail space on Albion Street.
Consequently, both residents and hotel guests will utilise a common entrance.
Salboy's managing director, Simon Ismail, shed light on the rationale behind the modification: "Our vision is to create a destination where people can live, visit and enjoy, combining high-quality homes, amenities and vibrant public spaces.", reports .
He further commented on the addition of the hotel, stating, "The addition of the hotel will not only elevate the development but also support Manchester's growing tourism and visitor economy."
Ismail concluded by emphasising the project's accessibility and its contribution to the city's continuous growth and transformation: "This mixed-use development will be easily accessible by public transport and ensure that the benefits of the development extend across the city, contributing to Manchester's ongoing growth and transformation."
The exact number of hotel rooms remains unconfirmed, as does any potential change in the number of apartments within Viadux 2a. However, developers have assured that Viadux 2b, the entirely affordable housing block, will not be impacted by these changes.
The proposed enhancements to public spaces, including a green area on Great Bridgewater Street, are still set to go ahead, along with the establishment of a new public restaurant on the same street.
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