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 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.”
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.”
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.