Viadux is an exciting and challenging project that has regenerated a key site in Manchester City Centre. The site sits above an existing redundant railway viaduct which previously presented almost half a mile of inactive frontage at street level.
Developing plans for this ‘found space’ involved carefully balancing a number of significant constraints, including building over a listed viaduct (which contains a live primary substation), assessing the impact of any development on the site on the adjacent Grade II* listed former station building (now the Manchester Convention Centre Complex) finding a way to maintain a fully operable service yard on the site for the conference centre during and after construction.
The elegant composition of buildings locks the development into its immediate context. Rising from the Grade II listed former railway viaduct, the 40-storey tower is carefully positioned to relate to the adjacent Beetham Tower. The slender form frames new public realm and a landscaped pedestrian route from Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink down to street level, and into the city.
A simple palette of materials has been utilised throughout. The glazed unitised façade includes perforated aluminium panels for natural ventilation, the pattern of which was derived from he cast iron filigree of the former Manchester Central Station (now the Manchester Convention Centre Complex). Depth and texture was added to the long elevations of the tower through the introduction of bronze anodised aluminium fins which reflect the light differently at different times of day and create lightness and solidity from different viewing angles. The contrast of façade treatments between the long and short elevations adds variation and articulates the tower form when viewed from a distance. The darker and warmer material palette of the tower contrasts with Beetham Tower to create a distinct landmark in its own right, but also ties in with the palette of the historic fabric of the brick viaduct.
The tower is grounded onto the viaduct by a podium which uses densely arranged fins and perforate aluminium panels to screen the MCCC Service Yard and creates the opportunity for a high-level resident terrace above which will link Phase 1 and Phase 2.
At street level, the majestic Grade II listed arches have been transformed into characterful amenity spaces for residents, including a swimming pool and spa, a lounge, and the resident's entrance lobby, featuring an impressive aquarium with 350 fish!