PAG reinvents Axis tower

PROPERTY Alliance Group is reinventing its Axis office scheme in Manchester as a much larger, upmarket apartment block as it hopes to tap into growing residential demand.

The Manchester-based developer originally planned an 18-storey office block on a small triangular plot next to Deansgate Locks through a joint venture with Development Securities.

This plan stalled but DevSec is still on board and the partnership has submitted a fresh application for a 28-storey, cantilevered tower with 172 one, two and three-bed apartments. The top floor will have two penthouses.

PAG said there has been strong interest in the scheme from investors and owner occupiers, and a third of the apartments have already been reserved. Subject to planning  it hopes to start work in the Autumn and finish within two years.

Designed by 5plus Architects the tower will face Ask Developments’ mixed-use First Street scheme which is taking shape off Whitworth Street West.

PAG chairman David Russell said: “Great new buildings have never just happened. They are conceived, designed, developed and built by people of commitment and vision. Our team has created a statement building that will stand proud in the Manchester skyline.

“The quality and design detail of the building’s external façade and interior is high on our agenda; a resident or visitor will experience a real sense of arrival at Axis, unlike any other in Manchester, and the two penthouse apartments will provide the pinnacle in luxury living. Subject to planning, we look forward to creating Manchester’s number one residence.”

Jon Matthews, director at 5plus said: “We’ve been working on this site for nearly 10 years. A unique site required a unique and dramatic response and we are fortunate to be working with a developer who shares our vision and ambition to deliver Manchester’s best residential building.”

The block is being marketed by JLL.