HKR Architects: Axis, Albion Street, Manchester


Axis Tower Manchester : dusk view

Scheme description:
£17 million, 18 storey, 70,000 sq ft commercial office building for Property Alliance Group in the southern gateway to Manchester city centre.


Axis Tower Manchester : daytime view from west

Award-winning Albion Street is the most complex site in Manchester with restricted covenants from Bauer Millett; party-wall awards on four sides; oversailing agreements with Manchester City Council and British Waterways; and a complex interface with GMPTE. Within that context HKR has increased the nett-lettable area by 50% from the previous scheme.


Axis Tower Manchester : daytime view

The proposed development, on one of the main arterial routes into Manchester, will make the striking building one of the most viewed in the city, providing prime Grade A office space on all 18 levels and stunning 360 degree panoramic views. The ground and lower floors will provide further office space through a façade that addresses the Bridgewater canal, and incorporates a double height mezzanine. Providing 4,500 sq ft of nett-lettable area per floor, the design overhangs the site on three sides. The top floor executive suite, with external space provides spectacular viewing areas, and, with an illuminated plant room above, will give the building a glowing ‘top hat’ effect. A unique feature of the development will be a moving image LED screen – the largest of its kind in the world – which will offer extensive commercial opportunities. When completed the scheme, at over 18 floors, will be the tallest single core and escape stair office block in the UK.


Axis Tower Manchester : Albion Street detail from below

Contractor: Russell Construction

Completion: 2008



Axis Manchester : HKR Architects

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Axis Tower Manchester: images/text from HKR Architects 151007

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