My Favourite Building: Beetham Tower
David Williams, head of property management in the North for Lambert Smith Hampton explains his soft spot for Manchester’s Beetham Tower.
What’s your favourite building?
I have a few I could mention, I worked in the Middle East for several years managing the Bahrain World Trade Centre and that’s a really impressive building. As too is Grand Central Station in New York, but looking closer to home, my favourite building would have to be the Beetham Tower in Manchester.
When was it built?
It was built in 2006 and designed by Mancunian, Ian Simpson. It’s one of the most eye catching buildings in Manchester, which isn’t really surprising as it’s 551ft high and made from glass and steel. Commonly known as the Hilton tower, as the hotel occupies 23 floors within its 47, the building is not only the tallest skyscraper in Manchester, but also one of the tallest in the UK, outside of London, and in Europe.
I’ve heard that the building is visible from 10 counties across England on a clear day. I’m not too sure how true that is, but it’s pretty impressive when the sun is shining on its glass structure in Manchester.
What was its original function?
The land which the Beetham Tower was built on used to be a redundant section of railway viaduct. But with the support of English Heritage a planning application was approved as part of Manchester’s regeneration at a cost of £150m. Now it is home to hotel guests and 16 luxury penthouses owners.
What is the style of architecture?
It’s the epitome of modern architecture – sleek, minimalistic and impactful. You can tell its design has been very carefully considered and it’s been created not just for a particular purpose but also as a statement.
What do you like about it?
Usually I prefer older buildings for their character and history, but I think it’s vital that we keep striving to create icons of British architecture, such as the Beetham Tower. The reason I like it isn’t just because it’s the most impressive and striking building on the Manchester skyline but also because it’s so different from the perception many have of the ‘industrial north’. I can see the tower from my office window but I can only imagine the impressive view from one of the penthouses onto the rest of Manchester – perhaps one day (with a lottery win) I can make it home.
