History
Based on Albion Street, AXIS was originally conceived as an office development. Designed in 2007 by architect HKR, and first developed by the Property Alliance Group, it was notable for the inclusion of a high LCD video wall, which in 2008 - the time of its construction - was believed to be the largest in the world. Located close to Manchester Central Convention Complex, Manchester Central, the 18-storey building was to be tall, and was originally intended to create of Grade A office space. This was made possible by a design that enabled the building's upper floors to overhang the site.Adrian Welch / Isabelle Lomholt, "Axis Tower Manchester" E-Architect.co.uk, October 15, 2007, http://www.e-architect.co.uk/manchester/axis_tower.htm The main contractor for the project was Russell Construction and the building's design features unitised curtain walling from Wicona Projects. The construction of the building's foundations and the complexity of the site presented a civil engineering challenge. The site is subject to restricted covenants and party wall awards on all four sides, and it is located immediately beside the Bridgewater Canal. In 2009, with the piling work completed, development was put on hold in response to the global economic downturn. As a consequence, the plan to establish Axis Tower as a landmark commercial site was never realised.2012-2018
In 2012, a new developer took control of the project. The company devised a new scheme to transform the building into a residential building, and in the same year, obtained the planning permission necessary to do this. The re-design project was awarded to 5plus Architects, which was established in October 2010 after the closure of HKR. The scheme's objective was to create a 22-storey residential building comprising 136 private apartments. The project manager was Evolve 2 Consult, and the structural engineer was Capita Symonds. Arup Group Limited, Arup Group was appointed as fire engineer, and Compass Energy Consulting Engineers Ltd (Ce2) as the building services consultants. Russell Construction remained as the main contractor for the project. In May 2014, Atlas Blue Property released a document to Chinese investors signalling a changed design for the tower, drawn up by 5plus Architects. Axis Tower's use was to remain residential, but the new design was 28 storeys tall with clad sides. Construction began in January 2017 and completed in 2019.Construction progress
See also
*Viadux, adjacent mixed use development under construction *List of tallest buildings and structures in Greater ManchesterReferences
External links
{{Official website, https://alliance-investments.com/axis-tower/ Buildings and structures in Manchester Skyscrapers in Manchester Apartment buildings in England Residential buildings in Manchester