Plans unveiled for Manchester’s tallest tower at 76-storeys high

Plans set out for a huge new tower reveal it will overtake Renaker’s 71-storey Lighthouse and dwarf the Beetham Tower.

Salboy has unveiled its plans for its Viadux Phase Two project – which will stand next to the Beetham Tower at 76 storeys high, and will feature 780 apartments.

Beetham Tower claimed the title as the tallest tower in the city upon completion back in 2006, until Deansgate Square’s South Tower overtook it in 2018, holding the record ever since.

However, Renaker’s 71-storey Lighthouse project is soon set to overtake South Tower which will be a huge 213 metres tall, located in plot D near Deansgate Square and Mancunian Way.

But the newly revealed Salboy plans show that Viadux Phase Two could then overtake that, being five storeys taller than plot D – though the property developer has not released an accurate height of the proposed skyscraper just yet.

Viadux Phase Two A – its official name – will contain around 780 ‘high quality’ new apartments in the larger tower, with plans to build a 23-storey smaller tower next to it.

The smaller tower is called Phase Two B and will contain around 130 affordable new homes that the developers say ‘contribute towards the need for city centre affordable housing’. Built in two phases, the Viaduct project will provide 900 new dwellings.

Salboy’s Viadux Phase One is almost ready to open its doors to the public – which is a 40-storey block located next to the Beetham Tower containing 362 apartments.

A statement on the consultation website reads: “Phase Two follows the same design principles as Phase One, but look to increase the level of ambition further still.

“The Viadux Phase Two tower will become the focal point of this cluster of tall buildings and make a visually striking addition to Manchester’s skyline.”

Salboy’s plans have changed from the original  263,000 sq ft 15-storey tower of offices that was originally proposed – but the developer says it has shelved those ambitions.

The statement continued: “The land in between the Beetham Tower and Viadux Phase One has approval for an office building, approved as part of the Beetham Tower development, but never delivered.

“This site will be redeveloped as a new distinctive diamond shaped building, to be delivered as new affordable homes in the heart of the city centre. 

“The building will be elevated above the public realm stair and lift with new shops or cafes opening onto the viaduct. Moving east, beyond Viadux Phase One, the new 76-storey residential tower will replace the previous plans for a large office on the site.

“To complete the wider city block, we are exploring options to place a smaller retail building facing onto Albion Street to create a new edge to the city street.”

Subject to approval, Salboy hopes to start work on the tower in 2024.

A drop-in event for those wanting to look at the plans will take place on December 4th from 4pm to 7pm at 53Two, on Watson Street.