Axis Tower has Changed (and for the better).

Old Design.

On May 24 new plans for Deansgate’s Axis Tower were officially released – and the plan has changed significantly. Axis was originally designed as a 68m (18 floor) all-glass neomodern office block; it was both inoffensive and seemly, and most in Manchester’s architectural community welcomed the proposal with open arms. The new plans are, however, much bolder and more ambitious. Axis will now be a 26 story tower (somewhere in the 75-90m range), and the all-glass look of the original design has been discarded in favour of darker patterned cladding.

The new design is certainly a more controversial one. Where it was difficult to object to the original proposal, Axis now has a number of features that will raise eyebrows and prompt objections. In the first place, it's going to be tall. If Axis does top-out at around 85m, it will drastically alter the cityscape around Deansgate. The Deansgate-Castlefield area will feel very dense, and the drive up the A56 into the city will be quite a visual experience (particularly when First Street is complete).

New Design.

For some, the dark cladding could feel oppressive. This is no longer merely an elegant filler, designed to complement Beetham: Axis is its own entity, and its colouring reflects this – we just need to hope that the developers learn from the mistakes of 17 New Wakefield Street and invest in high-quality materials for the exterior. Due to Axis’ proximity to Beetham and First Street, it has to look good.

The single controversial aspect of the original design has remained part of the proposal - this is, of course, the giant LCD advertising screen. This will be one of those things that you either love or hate, but whatever your opinion is now, its likely that you’ll eventually get used to it. But enough from me, you can see the full brochure including floor plans and renders here: Axis Tower Brochure; Floor Plans.