Tower on stilts proposed for Manchester city centre – but people worry it will ‘squash’ historic pub
A 26-storey tower built on stilts has been proposed for Manchester city centre. If it goes ahead, it will tower over the historic Briton's Protection pub.
A new 26-storey tower built on stilts has been proposed in Manchester city centre, on a small plot of land next to the Briton’s Protection pub.
The proposed site for the new tower is currently a small car park, with space for around half-a-dozen cars.
If the build goes ahead, Apex Tower will deliver 72 apartments on the corner of Albion Street and Great Bridgewater Street.
It’s very early days yet – property development company Arrowsmith is seeking feedback from members of the local community before submitting any planning applications.
But CGIs of the tower have been released, revealing that the majority of the 26-storey tower will be positioned on stilts, towering over the Briton’s Protection building, which dates back to the early 1800s.
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The majority of the tower would be built above the pub, with the help of huge columns. Credit: Arrowsmith.
The plans also include a smaller building sandwiched between the pub and the Jury’s Inn Hotel.
Arrowsmith says it would take a ‘sensitive’ approach to preserving the Grade II-listed pub and its beer garden.
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A quote on their site states: “To respect and allow the existing Briton’s protection to be seen as a stand alone building, the taller building is cut back over three storeys, so the pub is seen in its own right.
“At the upper levels the building will overhang and create newly enhanced public realm, supported by columns.”
The plot of land the proposals cover. Credit: Arrowsmith
It continued: “The Apex Tower proposals will enhance, rather than impact, the pub.”
The Manchester Central branch of CAMRA wrote: “This proposal is absolutely horrendous! We all need to raise concerns about it. Manchester already has far too many high rise, empty buildings we do not need any more.”
The Guardian’s North of England editor Helen Pidd said: “I’ve seen some awful buildings chucked up in Manchester over the last decade but allowing this monstrosity to overshadow the Briton’s Protection would rank among one of the greatest crimes against architecture and civic history (RIP the sunny beer garden).”
On Reddit, one person said: “Shocking that are squeezing a flat into what’s essentially a wide piece of pavement.”
‘Selling pics of my arse is fun’ – Kate Nash defends using OnlyFans to pay for her UK tour
Thomas Melia
London-born singer Kate Nash has released a statement addressing those who have been commenting on her selling photos of her bum online to fund her new live shows.
Nash, who’s certified her position in UK pop culture with her timeless hit ‘Foundations’, has taken to social media to explain her situation in more detail.
“Don’t be ‘sad’ I started OnlyFans to fund my tours”, the 37-year-old opens in her statement before following up with, “It’s very empowering”.
2008’s winner of Best Female Artist at the BRITs has never been shy of speaking up about issues while in the limelight. Recently, she let her drummer Maxie reveal their top surgery in front of thousands of people onstage at Glastonbury.
In 2013, Kate Nash became the global ambassador for the ‘Because I Am A Girl’ movement which is set up to address the issue of gender discrimination across the world.
She has also been open about her mental health struggles and doesn’t hide the fact she struggles with anxiety and mild OCD, the latter initiated by her extensive touring schedule in 2008.
Her currentlive shows, which she is currently in the middle of, even reinforce her current OnlyFans jolt titled the ‘Butts For Buses Tour’ – cheeky!
The star isn’t taking herself too seriously either, posting to social media in a neon pink lingerie, writing ‘Bum’s gone viral lol, goin on stage now bit busy soz xoxo’.
Many artists have spoken out about this issue including indie pop-rocker Rachel Chinouriri and breakthrough rapper Little Simz, who both cancelled their US string of live shows due to the overwhelming costs of touring.
Nash, who is performing in Manchester tonight (Tuesday, 26 November), also wrote: “My arse is shining a light on the problem”, as tour expenses are growing more and more every day.
Fair play. Anyone who sees their arse – pun very much intended – over this clearly eats too many lemons because they’re just so bitter.
The UK singer’s latest album 9 Sad Symphonies released this summer and marks the fifth studio album for the indie-pop staple, fans and concertgoers alike can expect to hear these songs among all the hits on her current setlist.
Kate Nash is performing at New Century Hall in Manchester tonight and if you’re a fan of the British noughties favourites, there are still a few tickets.
Man arrested after damaging tributes left for Manchester Arena attack victims
Emily Sergeant
A man has been arrested after causing criminal damage around the Manchester Victoria area yesterday afternoon.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received reports of a man damaging property around the AO Arena car park at around 3:40pm yesterday (24 November) – including breaking glass and a traffic cone.
Not long after this, damage was then reported to some of the tributes left for victims of the Manchester Arena attack.
Officers from GMP’s City Centre divison responded to the reports, and a 20-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and burglary.
He remains in custody for questioning at this time.
If you are visiting the @AOArena to see @DisneyOnIceUK and you see something that does not feel right. Report this to staff who are specially trained to deal with the matter.
— Manchester City Centre Police (GMP) (@GMPCityCentre) November 25, 2024
Following the arrest, the damaged items were cleaned up and the area was “respectfully tidied”, GMP confirmed, while relatives of victims of the attack have been contacted by officers regarding the nature of the incident.
GMP is now appealing to the public for information, and for any witnesses to come forward and assist with ongoing investigations.
“Criminal damage and behaviour that disrupts the lives of people going about their daily business is never acceptable,” commented Detective Superintendent Sarah Harris, from GMP’s Manchester district. “And the fact that this incident involved damage to tributes to victims of the arena attack is particularly disgusting, and is something that we have zero tolerance for.
“I want to reassure the public that we are working hard to establish the circumstances and I am glad a quick arrest was made.
“We are not looking for anyone else in connection with our work and enquires are ongoing.
If you saw anything or believe you may have information that could assist the investigation, you can contact police via 101, or by heading to gmp.police.uk quoting log 2049 of 24/11/24.
Daisy Jackson -
19th November 2021 
