An artist has created an image showing what the Manchester skyline could look like in the year 2100.
The image shows a few local landmarks – like Beetham Tower and Manchester Central – suddenly dwarfed by enormous, modern new skyscrapers.
The futuristic image shows a cluster of huge new towers, taller even than the Deansgate Square development.
It’s been created by artist Andrea Astarita as a collaboration with Adobe to celebrate Skyscraper Appreciation Day.
And okay, it’s not exactly been drawn up by architects or been created by trawling through planning documents – rather, artificial intelligence has played a big hand.
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Andrea used the new Photoshop Generative Fill tool, a clever gadget powered by Adobe Firefly, to transform Manchester’s skyline.
He gave the same treatment to other cities around the UK too.
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Some of it might look almost too futuristic, but then if you’d shown 90s Mancs the present day skyline with Deansgate Square looming, they’d have laughed you out of the city.
And just imagine how people would have reacted in the 80s if you’d told them that Ancoats would become one of the coolest neighbourhoods on Earth?!
An aerial view of the new Co-op Live arena in Manchester. Credit: Co-op LiveSome of the developments actually happening in Manchester.
While Andrea’s AI image is entirely the stuff of make-believe at present, there are some city-changing developments on the horizon.
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There is, of course, the looming opening of Aviva Studios, as well as the new Co-op Live, both taking shape on the city’s cultural map.
Then there’s Gary Neville’s £400m St Michael’s project, which will add a 41-storey skyscraper to the city centre.
Plans to build a massive skyscraper dubbed the ‘tombstone’ in Manchester are to go ahead despite objections, too.
Then there are new plans, taking shape right behind Deansgate Square, to build Manchester’s tallest skyscraper yet – with a 71st-floor restaurant.
So maybe Andrea’s AI-boosted impression isn’t such a stretch after all…?
Government announces homebuying overhaul to fix country’s ‘broken’ housing system
Emily Sergeant
The Government has announced what it’s calling the biggest shakeup to the homebuying system in this country’s history.
In a bid to ‘rewire a chaotic system which has become a barrier to homeownership for thousands nationwide, the Government has today (Monday 6 October) unveiled proposals that it says will speed up the long-drawn out and costly process of buying a home by four weeks.
The Housing Secretary says this will not only save people money, but unnecessary stress too.
The proposed new plans would see sellers and estate agents required to provide buyers with ‘vital’ information about a property upfront – including the condition of the home, leasehold costs, and chains of people waiting to move.
It’s hoped this will help end any last-minute chain collapses and ultimately give greater confidence to first-time buyers when they’re making one of life’s most important decisions.
The Government has announced plans to fix the country’s ‘broken’ housing system / Credit: Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)
Binding contracts could also be introduced to stop people walking away from agreements after buyers painstakingly spend months in negotiations to hopefully halve the number of failed transactions.
The new reforms are also proposing that prospective buyers are provided with side-by-side information on estate agents and conveyancers, including their track record and expertise, alongside new mandatory qualifications and Code of Practice to drive up standards and work to rebuild trust in the industry.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer took to Twitter this morning to address the proposed new homebuying overhaul, commenting: “I promised that my Government would fix the broken housing system.
“Buying or selling a home will be faster, unlocking the dream of homeownership and allowing hardworking people to focus on the next chapter of their lives. That’s national renewal.”
I promised that my government would fix the broken housing system.
Buying or selling a home will be faster, unlocking the dream of homeownership and allowing hardworking people to focus on the next chapter of their lives.
“Through our Plan for Change, we are putting more money back into working people’s pockets and making a simple dream a simple reality.”
Featured Image – James Feaver (via Unsplash)
Property
Inside the brand-new rental houses at Bolton’s landmark £35m development, Deansgate Gardens
Daisy Jackson
The first residents are in, and the launch of Deansgate Gardens – a landmark £35m development in Bolton town centre – is live.
This impressive new development has brought 167 high-quality rental homes to Bolton, creating a residential neighbourhood that features rooftop terraces, gardens, and stunning communal spaces.
The homes on Deansgate, Bolton have been built specifically for renters, with spacious layouts in an ideal location just a two-minute walk from Bolton Town Hall and a short commute to Manchester.
And, unusually for new rental developments, it’s not all about apartments here (though there are beautiful one- and two-bedroom apartments with rooftop gardens available).
It’s also somewhere you can rent two-bedroom townhouses, and have your very own yard.
Every home is built with energy efficiency in mind, with heat pumps and enhanced insulation, plus rooftop solar panels on selected homes, keeping those pesky bills down.
This pet-friendly development comes from developer Placefirst, and is a key moment in the wider £1bn regeneration masterplan for Bolton.
Inside Deansgate Gardens in BoltonInside Deansgate Gardens in BoltonA spacious bedroomThe rooftop terraceView from the rooftop terrace
Deansgate Gardens is located just opposite the former Beales department store, connected by the train station, bus interchange, and town centre within walking distance.
These stylish new homes are built around a central square and communal courtyards. The result? Somewhere residents can relax, socialise, and connect.
There’s even a dedicated Resident Service Manager and 24/7 maintenance support for peace of mind.
And just a short walk away you’ll find parks like Queen’s Park, plus beautiful routes along the River Croal.
Ready to make these houses your home? Book in for a tour around Deansgate Gardens today HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
15th August 2023 
