The construction boom seems unstoppable and the number is increasing every year.

It began to transform rapidly in the early 21st century from a post industrial city in decline to a futuristic city of soaring glass towers. In the 1800s, Manchester’s skyline was distinctive for its chimneys and mills yet, as these manufacturing industries went into decline, they became redundant and many were demolished.

Things started to change with the CIS Tower in 1962, designed for the Co-operative Insurance Society. At 118 metres, it was the tallest building in the UK at the time. Built in the international style, it is now a Grade 2 listed building which has stood the test of time and is now revered by enthusiasts of modernist architecture.

Renovated in 2004 with integrated PV panels, it became a flagship of green energy and was the largest commercial solar facade in Europe. 

Another first for Manchester! 

Yet the optimism of the 1960’s faded away and there were few significant high rise developments through the 80’s and 90’s. 

However in 2006, the 47 storey Beetham Tower (architects Simpson Haugh), signalled a new phase and it felt like a gold rush, as cranes and building sites became a permanent fixture of the city. 

Coincidentally, we are involved with a Simpson Haugh project in Leeds too.

Fast forward to 2023 and Manchester is looking like a city of the future with 20 skyscrapers and many more to come. Deansgate Square South Tower is the highest at over 200 metres, yet another gargantuan tower: The Lighthouse, which will exceed this, is on the way. Manchester’s many brownfield sites, on sandstone, are ideal for high rise buildings. It’s no wonder that it has the largest number in the UK, outside London.     

The population of the city centre has exploded from around 400 in the 80s, to over 60 thousand today, so there is a huge and growing demand for homes. Heaton Park could feel like Central Park in New York as the skyscrapers continue their relentless takeover of the city. 

Unlike London, where there are restrictions based on historic views and sight lines which can’t be disrupted, planners in Manchester have fewer barriers, which has resulted in a remarkable era of construction and exciting times for companies such as Veritas Surveying Manchester. 

Not that it’s all plain sailing though.

As in many construction projects there have been problems, for example with cladding, as no-one wants another Grenfell tragedy. In addition, there is a debate about whether Manchester’s towers negatively impact upon their surroundings. For example, the new towers proposed in the Shudehill area of the city would result in the destruction of some historic, Victorian buildings. 

Is this a step too far? 

Manchester should aspire to Manhattan, not just for its skyscrapers, but for its vibrant mix of both old and new buildings. Heritage groups, such as SAVE, believe that Manchester’s rich heritage is under threat by the sheer amount of tower applications going forward. Perhaps the laissez-faire approach to construction needs a rethink. Born in the industrial revolution, Manchester has a unique history and spirit which could be integrated within the newly, rising city which glitters at night with a thousand lights. It’s certainly an improvement on the dark, satanic mills though.