Recently, the Financial Times delved into the fascinating transformation of Manchester, showcasing the rise of residential skyscrapers that cast a shadow over its 19th-century heritage (link here to article). At GIA, we take pride in our involvement with many of these towering structures, offering expertise in daylight, sunlight advice, and more. However, for us, this urban evolution is not merely a visual spectacle; it’s about shaping neighbourhoods, fostering homes, and fuelling employment opportunities. The broader positive impacts of these regeneration initiatives extend far beyond the construction of skyscrapers.
Take, for instance, the towering development at Great Jackson Street. While awaiting planning approval for a 250-meter-tall tower with 71 floors, this project has already contributed significantly to the city. It has given rise to Manchester’s first city centre school in two decades, a new doctors’ surgery, and ample green outdoor spaces – all designed to anchor families within the heart of the city.
Another noteworthy example is the Greengate Masterplan, featuring a cluster of Salford’s tallest buildings. This development is not just about erecting towers, but transforming the entire area into a vibrant neighbourhood. The plan encompasses new public spaces, parks, and commercial areas for businesses, restaurants, and bars. The region, once dominated by industrial use and surface car parks, has undergone a massive improvement. Even the railway arches are receiving a makeover, promising further regeneration, and exciting activities for the community.
Manchester’s skyline evolution is not just a play of steel and glass; it’s a symphony of transformation that echoes through the creation of communities, schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational spaces. The city is not merely growing upwards but expanding sideways, breathing life into forgotten corners and offering a blueprint for the coexistence of modernity and heritage. As skyscrapers rise, so do thriving neighbourhoods, turning Manchester’s urban skyline into a testament of progress that goes beyond the visible.
With a team that includes many born and bred Northerners, especially within our Commercial Street office in Manchester, we take great pride in witnessing this urban transformation. For us, it’s not just a professional endeavour; it’s a personal celebration of our roots as we see our city redefine itself and embrace a new era of growth and vitality. The transformation is not just about the structures that pierce the skyline; it’s a shared journey of creating a Manchester that honours its past while confidently stepping into the future. As locals, we are not just witnesses; we are active participants in the evolution of our city.
Michael Beatty is an experienced Chartered Surveyor and Head of GIA’s Manchester office. He has extensive expertise in commercial building surveying, including dilapidations, technical due diligence, and contract administration. Specialising in Rights of Light, Daylight & Sunlight, and Environmental Impact Assessments.