Public Opinion Poll - The Beetham Tower, Manchester

[Mike]

Hello people, please let me know what you think of this building.

I am just curious about general opinion because the building has been bigged up large in the Architectural press. Thanks!

[Mark Scollon]

First one to vote. That has to be a first for me. Anyway, I've gone for indiferent because yes, it's very big and yes, it's very impressive, but it's being there is going to have little to no effect on my life. It's not as nice to look at as buildings like Manchester's Town Hall or Cathedral, but it's not as ugly as the buildings on New Bailey Street.
Incidentally Mike, have you seen our new Court building yet? It's on the site of the old Multi Storey car park on Gartside Street. It looks a bit like a set of drawers when someone has forgotten to shut some of the drawers. Saying that, I'm quite looking forward to moving in to it next year.

[Mike]

I saw it when I was doing jury service. The steel frame was just going up then so I will have to make a trip down there to see it when it has been finished. I bet the architect would wince hearing his beloved building being described as a set of draws!

[Mark Scollon]

I know, but that's what it reminds me of every time I see it.

[Fez]

it does nothing for me but this judgement is based on the longshot view of it broadcast on bbc breakfast - any links to a decent picture? and am i right in believeing it is supposed to be an apartment block - i heard highrise living mentioned in the segment on it though this could have been incorrect. if it is true - who the hell wants to live that high up?!? surely the grim memory and still lingering hulks of 60s/70s tower blocks would put people off?

[Andy]

I agree with Fez, can't stand it. It looks like an eyesore to be perfectly honest. I'm all for new buildings and a new way of thinking but this, IMHO, is a repackaged idea from the 60s and 70s. My opinion may change when I see closer pictures or see it for the first time, but I doubt it!

[mr_e]

I am really not fond of high-rise living. It's not even the best way to get high population densities, but I suspect it is the cheapest, at least for the developers. Lord knows how much the apartments are going for. For me they just embody corporate greed and general money-grabbing.

[Mike]

It is interesting to see everyone's opinion. I wonder if it would change if we all went to visit the building?

[Andy]

Probably it would do but is there actually anything that you can do there? It's an apartment block isn't it?

Anyhooo, count me out of a visit, the building doesn't interest me enough from what I have seen on the telly .......

[Fez]

I agree with Fez, can't stand it.

i didn't actually say i didn't like it, i merely questioned the validity of it when compared to the tower blocks or yor - however, since yesterday i have learned every apartment has been sold which would suggest some people like the idea of living up in the gods. presumably if you spit on someone from the top window it hurts more because of the higher fall! so buildings are pushing ever upwards - will the next architecture revolution involve living underground?

[Mark Scollon]

I'm fairly certain that once the apartments start being bought, I'll be paying vists to the place. I doubt that the residents will be happy to see me though

[Fez]

who would?

[Mark Scollon]

Cheers Fez.

[John Knight]

As an architect I like to think that a lot of lessons were learnt from the 60's. There is no comparison with a high end, high rise private development and the slums that were thrown up in a rush for a pittance.

Bit late for "when the apartments start being sold" they were all sold of plan. Although a number have now started to find their way onto resale market starting from ?200k ish (bit outta my range + kids + animals). The good news however is if you can be arsed paying ?4.50 for a bottle of beer the bar on the 23rd floor( where it steps out)is now open. I have not been in since it opened but while they were fitting it out and the view's are superb.

[Mike]

I think that it would be rather cool to go and have one beer at the Sky bar on floor 23. . . . like you said the views would be great. :D