Axis Tower

Infobox Skyscraper
building_name = Axis, Manchester


caption = Axis Tower with LCD Screen
location = Manchester, England
coordinates = coord|53|28|52|N|2|15|09|W|type:landmark
status = Under Construction
constructed = 2007-2010
use = Office
roof = 68 m
floor_count = 18
cost = £17m
architect = HKR
contractor = Russell Construction
developer = Property Alliance Group

Axis is a grade A office building currently under construction in Manchester, England. One side of the building will feature Europe's largest LCD screen.

The building will be located on Albion Street near to the existing Beetham Tower. The development which is costing £17m will house over convert|70000|sqft|m2|abbr=on of office space. The developer, Property Alliance Group, have started a speculative construction programme due to complete in late 2009.

The scheme has been designed by HKR Architects to stand on Albion Street inbetween the Beetham Tower and Manchester Central (formerly G-Mex) with other projects such as Bridgewater Hall close by.

Accommodation

At 18 floors tall and with over 7,000 square metres of space within, it will be one of the largest speculative office developments of its kind in the city. With extensive floor to ceiling glass curtain walling and slender rectangular floor-plates designed to maximise daylight penetration of the offices, the scheme promises occupants 360 degree views of the city centre and individual floors of 430 square meters. This translates into between 30 and 50 workers per level and a maximum working population for the entire building of around 900 people. On the top floor will be a large roof terrace open to office occupants.

Features

Perhaps the most strinking feature will be a 51 metre by 15 meter LCD screen, capable of displaying a wide variety of campaigns for the council, building occupiers and other advertisers.

Axis also sets another record of sorts for a tall building in the UK, that of the tallest single core and escape stair office block in the country, something of a rarity in today's world obsessed with health and safety driven buildings with multiple cores.

Main contractor, Russells Construction, commenced work on site in Spring 2008 and a practical completion date towards the end of 2009 is anticipated.

ee also

*List of tallest buildings and structures in Manchester

References

* [http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=albionlock-manchester-unitedkingdom Axis - Emporis entry]
* [http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=5182 Axis - Skyscrapernews.com entry]