For this video I delved into my photo archive, searching for the photos I took of the construction of the Beetham Tower. I include some information about the architects. This is simply to provide information, it's not PR! I'll try to reply to as many messages as possible. Many thanks for commenting. Every comment helps the channel, but keep them respectful and well spelt! Remember, I'm a language teacher!
Tribute to your dedication to the area. 👍 Please note Manchester has unusual origins. Famously it owes it's roots to the Roman fort founded by Agricola. By the Norman conquest there was a tectonic shift a mile away towards where the Cathedral now stands which became the senior town. The original Roman vicus became the Saxon Aldport. They existed contingently until the 1800's when they eventually merged through expansion. It was to Aldport that the Duke of Bridgewater built his canal. When the railways came they came to a site already congested with residential dwellings and industry. Most of this, East of Deansgate, was swept away to build the Great Northern Railway Warehouse, the Beetham's immediate predecessor. Rail level was considerably higher than street level neccesitating the construction on cast iron supports a rail yard with a rail incline to street level. As preparation for the Beetham Tower this rail yard had to be demolished and it was found the cast iron supports were of particularly high quality and were subsequently cut up and exported to Africa. Acresfield (Part of which is Saint Ann's Square) was the site for 600 years of the St. Matthew's Fair. Due to the area becoming built up by the 1800's St. Matthew's fair was also moved to Aldport. Aldport Lodge a home of the Earl of Derby, faced the Beetham Tower and is marked by a blue plaque.
Thanks so much for these historical insights, well written, like a true historian! I think it's important to relate present-day Manchester to the Manchester of the past.
@@AidanEyewitness Thank you. You'd think Manchester had only existed from 1800 from many descriptions. For instance, during the Siege of Manchester during the Civil War, on the second day from near where Beetham Tower is they fired cannonballs up Deansgate and they set fire to Aldport Lodge!
The River Irwell made the city and its close proximity to the deep water port at Liverpool, and the coal fields between Liverpool and Manchester for energy. Raw materials could come in and goods flow out. Trade flowed.
Excellent video. Really enjoy the thoughtful, well spoken documentaries charting the growth and change of Manchester and Liverpool in the early 21st century. Thank you.
Well I quite like the Beetham Tower specially when standing in front of it. I do hope they switch from just rectangular blue glass towers to something different soon tho. There is plenty of variety in London.
Yes, it was the first tall building since the 60s and hopefully the designs will become more interesting. The latest ones have bevelled corners! As I say, London has plenty of money so they can afford curvy towers!
The ones you are talking about in London are all officer and hotels. Most of the high buildings in Manchester are residential. The residential towers in London are also mainly quite boring 😊
When the Beetham was built I can see why it was not liked. This overtall building was by itself looking quite odd. Now it has a number of mates around it, so does not stand out like sore thumb. As you alluded to, it was a cheap way of building a tall block that stood out in some way. Some thought went into it. As it was the first, I like it.
@@AidanEyewitness When I first saw it I did not know if it was to be a part of some cluster. It reminded me of the hated Montparnasse tower in Paris. This huge out of place modern building towering over the old city all by itself looking forlorn. My immediate impression of Beetham was why didn't they do a low rise complex of flats, hotel, shops, walkways, trams running though it, etc. All on a human scale. I am still of that view. That does not mean I do not like the tower.
Many thanks for flagging that one up, I wasn't aware of it. Looks like it's an old project that hasn't yet got off the ground. I would put it together with others in an 'unbuilt towers' video. another would be the new New Brighton tower, proposed a few yearsa go.
Thanks for your positive feedback. Hmmm, that's interesting. If people would really like to see more of the interiors, I can do that. I am planning to look inside more apartments in Manchester and Liverpool in my videos. I'll keep your suggestion in mind and thanks again for your reassuring comment!
From memory (figures may be slightly out) in 2014 a construction defect issue with the window sealant was identified after panes fell out and a temporary fix was applied with them being reinforced by pressure plates. Carillon the original builder who were liable for the cost of a permanent fix went out of business in 2018 before one was applied which then meant the liability was passed to the landlord and their ground rents fund. The owner resisted making the improvement and the residents took them to the high court with them being ordered in 2019 to perform the rectification works estimated to cost £4m within 18 months, however the quotes for the work came in as £6m and £16m, the landlord went back to court arguing that the costs were no longer 'reasonably practicable' but the judge decided the £6m quote was reasonable and they were again ordered to carry out the work within an 18 month deadline (late 2022). However that deadline period was during Covid lockdown and no work was carried out. Then in 2023 another window pane fell out. I have not heard any updates since last year on the legal saga.
Dadadadadadaddaaaaaaa. That's your intro music. Mark my words. Viadux 2 will go ahead. Good luck with your membership. I'm sorry I can't join as I have a lot of problems. I do hope one day I can say hello to your city and hopefully you one day.
Thanks, I have absolute confidence in your judgement re Viadux 2. For some time, I have paid membership towards channels that I really appreciate, hopefully people will support mine. Can I ask which city are you in now? Hope you can visit and very happy to meet you!
@@AidanEyewitness I want to support you but it's a little difficult right now, though I know it's not much. I'm sure people will support you. I will when I can. I'm in Somerset right now. I miss cities. I have some experience. Mexico City was one I lived in for example. Wow that's really nice of you. The first visit was supposed to be this Christmas with a friend. Maybe it may still happen but...
The last I read, construction is supposed to start in the new year. However there have been so many false starts on this project, who knows if it will actually get started.
Yes, I agree. I think glass is very resilient to weathering. The tower looks almost like it was only recently built. And because the design is so plain, it doesn't look out of date.
Oh, thank you very much! Many thanks for your positive words. This video is not being viewed as others, but that's okay. Your comment keeps me in a positive frame of mind!
If I'm spending that much money on an apartment, i don't want to be living above a hotel, in much the same way as i don't want to live in a flat above a shop. I surely can't be the only one who feels this way? Going off at a tangent, i wonder if you've considered making a video about Capital and Centric?
Valid point, but plenty of buyers and renters have been happy to part with huge amounts of money to live in luxury apartments in the Beetham. The Hilton is a prestigious, glitzy hotel. I don't think you can compare it to living in a bedsit above a chip shop in Irlam! As for Capital & Centric, that's a great idea, I've considered it, but I might also cover two other similar developers, just to get some balance. Many thanks for your message!
If I have £millions to spend on an apartment I would not be put off if it sits above a Hilton. Just imagine, you don't to cook to start with and the gym and swimming pool is only a few floors away.
@Jomo-x6n I was quite surprised to learn that residents have to pay extra to use the gym and swimming pool. I thought at the very least they might get a little discount!
Absolutely not. London is a much bigger and wealthier city, New York is far bigger and far higher. But there are plenty of cities around the world that have a skyline and people in Manchester thought, we'd like to have one too. Thanks for your comment.
Very weird comment… Manchester is on the up and why not…. It’s a sign of the times…. It is Manchatten. And why not its industrial mix of buildings old designs makes it look that way. 20 years from now it will have towers 300m
@@VivieneMara Yes, I agree. It's the local economy and the property market that dictate whether tall building projects go ahead or not. For several decades, no tall buildings were built in Manchester, but in recent years, the local economy has improved and the towers are evidence of it.
For this video I delved into my photo archive, searching for the photos I took of the construction of the Beetham Tower. I include some information about the architects. This is simply to provide information, it's not PR! I'll try to reply to as many messages as possible. Many thanks for commenting. Every comment helps the channel, but keep them respectful and well spelt! Remember, I'm a language teacher!
Tribute to your dedication to the area. 👍
Please note Manchester has unusual origins. Famously it owes it's roots to the Roman fort founded by Agricola. By the Norman conquest there was a tectonic shift a mile away towards where the Cathedral now stands which became the senior town.
The original Roman vicus became the Saxon Aldport. They existed contingently until the 1800's when they eventually merged through expansion.
It was to Aldport that the Duke of Bridgewater built his canal.
When the railways came they came to a site already congested with residential dwellings and industry. Most of this, East of Deansgate, was swept away to build the Great Northern Railway Warehouse, the Beetham's immediate predecessor.
Rail level was considerably higher than street level neccesitating the construction on cast iron supports a rail yard with a rail incline to street level.
As preparation for the Beetham Tower this rail yard had to be demolished and it was found the cast iron supports were of particularly high quality and were subsequently cut up and exported to Africa.
Acresfield (Part of which is Saint Ann's Square) was the site for 600 years of the St. Matthew's Fair.
Due to the area becoming built up by the 1800's St. Matthew's fair was also moved to Aldport.
Aldport Lodge a home of the Earl of Derby, faced the Beetham Tower and is marked by a blue plaque.
Thanks so much for these historical insights, well written, like a true historian! I think it's important to relate present-day Manchester to the Manchester of the past.
@@AidanEyewitness Thank you. You'd think Manchester had only existed from 1800 from many descriptions.
For instance, during the Siege of Manchester during the Civil War, on the second day from near where Beetham Tower is they fired cannonballs up Deansgate and they set fire to Aldport Lodge!
The River Irwell made the city and its close proximity to the deep water port at Liverpool, and the coal fields between Liverpool and Manchester for energy. Raw materials could come in and goods flow out. Trade flowed.
Excellent video. Really enjoy the thoughtful, well spoken documentaries charting the growth and change of Manchester and Liverpool in the early 21st century. Thank you.
Well I quite like the Beetham Tower specially when standing in front of it. I do hope they switch from just rectangular blue glass towers to something different soon tho. There is plenty of variety in London.
Yes, it was the first tall building since the 60s and hopefully the designs will become more interesting. The latest ones have bevelled corners! As I say, London has plenty of money so they can afford curvy towers!
The ones you are talking about in London are all officer and hotels. Most of the high buildings in Manchester are residential. The residential towers in London are also mainly quite boring 😊
When the Beetham was built I can see why it was not liked. This overtall building was by itself looking quite odd. Now it has a number of mates around it, so does not stand out like sore thumb.
As you alluded to, it was a cheap way of building a tall block that stood out in some way. Some thought went into it. As it was the first, I like it.
@@johnburns4017 I would tend to agree with you. 😊
@@AidanEyewitness
When I first saw it I did not know if it was to be a part of some cluster. It reminded me of the hated Montparnasse tower in Paris. This huge out of place modern building towering over the old city all by itself looking forlorn.
My immediate impression of Beetham was why didn't they do a low rise complex of flats, hotel, shops, walkways, trams running though it, etc. All on a human scale. I am still of that view. That does not mean I do not like the tower.
Brilliant video once again keep them coming please! 😁
Many thanks for your positive comment, I need the good feedback and encouragement!
Great video. Could you make a video about the hope tower in sputhport
Many thanks for flagging that one up, I wasn't aware of it. Looks like it's an old project that hasn't yet got off the ground. I would put it together with others in an 'unbuilt towers' video. another would be the new New Brighton tower, proposed a few yearsa go.
@@AidanEyewitness are you also going to be talking about the otters pool tower in south liverpool
@@pippin9466 You are putting ideas in my head - excellent ideas! Leave it with me!
Aiden your a legend
Fantastic video. Would be interesting to see the flat a little bit more, if the owner doesn’t mind 😉
Thanks for your positive feedback. Hmmm, that's interesting. If people would really like to see more of the interiors, I can do that. I am planning to look inside more apartments in Manchester and Liverpool in my videos. I'll keep your suggestion in mind and thanks again for your reassuring comment!
From memory (figures may be slightly out) in 2014 a construction defect issue with the window sealant was identified after panes fell out and a temporary fix was applied with them being reinforced by pressure plates. Carillon the original builder who were liable for the cost of a permanent fix went out of business in 2018 before one was applied which then meant the liability was passed to the landlord and their ground rents fund. The owner resisted making the improvement and the residents took them to the high court with them being ordered in 2019 to perform the rectification works estimated to cost £4m within 18 months, however the quotes for the work came in as £6m and £16m, the landlord went back to court arguing that the costs were no longer 'reasonably practicable' but the judge decided the £6m quote was reasonable and they were again ordered to carry out the work within an 18 month deadline (late 2022). However that deadline period was during Covid lockdown and no work was carried out. Then in 2023 another window pane fell out. I have not heard any updates since last year on the legal saga.
Many many thanks for this information. I hope I'm not walking underneath the next time it happens!
I will keep away from it then.
Dadadadadadaddaaaaaaa. That's your intro music.
Mark my words. Viadux 2 will go ahead.
Good luck with your membership. I'm sorry I can't join as I have a lot of problems. I do hope one day I can say hello to your city and hopefully you one day.
Thanks, I have absolute confidence in your judgement re Viadux 2. For some time, I have paid membership towards channels that I really appreciate, hopefully people will support mine. Can I ask which city are you in now? Hope you can visit and very happy to meet you!
@@AidanEyewitness I want to support you but it's a little difficult right now, though I know it's not much. I'm sure people will support you. I will when I can. I'm in Somerset right now. I miss cities. I have some experience. Mexico City was one I lived in for example.
Wow that's really nice of you. The first visit was supposed to be this Christmas with a friend. Maybe it may still happen but...
Hi, aiden This is off topic do you know if There's any updates on the Therme waterpark?
The last I read, construction is supposed to start in the new year. However there have been so many false starts on this project, who knows if it will actually get started.
No, I've seen the plans and thought it had already started. I'll keep my ear to the ground!
Beetham has aged really well and still stands out today
And 7:24 its picked back up agin
Yes, I agree. I think glass is very resilient to weathering. The tower looks almost like it was only recently built. And because the design is so plain, it doesn't look out of date.
Its amazing how naked it all was not even 20 years ago.
Yes, it's true, the sky was empty and many plots of land around the city centre. That's a good, descriptive word.
Another great video, Aidan. Keep it up!
Oh, thank you very much! Many thanks for your positive words. This video is not being viewed as others, but that's okay. Your comment keeps me in a positive frame of mind!
Built to fail by carillion
Carillion fell but the Beetham Tower is still standing! 😊
@@AidanEyewitness it's falling apart mate! Go and take a closer look. Not to close mind you might get hit by a glazing unit.
@@DiveMartin Well I'm aware of the glass problem, I mentioned it in the video. I'll look into it further. Thanks for flagging this up!
If I'm spending that much money on an apartment, i don't want to be living above a hotel, in much the same way as i don't want to live in a flat above a shop. I surely can't be the only one who feels this way? Going off at a tangent, i wonder if you've considered making a video about Capital and Centric?
Valid point, but plenty of buyers and renters have been happy to part with huge amounts of money to live in luxury apartments in the Beetham. The Hilton is a prestigious, glitzy hotel. I don't think you can compare it to living in a bedsit above a chip shop in Irlam! As for Capital & Centric, that's a great idea, I've considered it, but I might also cover two other similar developers, just to get some balance. Many thanks for your message!
If I have £millions to spend on an apartment I would not be put off if it sits above a Hilton. Just imagine, you don't to cook to start with and the gym and swimming pool is only a few floors away.
@Jomo-x6n I was quite surprised to learn that residents have to pay extra to use the gym and swimming pool. I thought at the very least they might get a little discount!
@@jasongray4517 🤣 If you were a millionaire you'd probably get your administration to sort that out.
@@Jomo-x6n You make a good point.
By building all these tall buildings, could Manchester be trying to claim some kind of laughable parity with London or even New York?
Absolutely not. London is a much bigger and wealthier city, New York is far bigger and far higher. But there are plenty of cities around the world that have a skyline and people in Manchester thought, we'd like to have one too. Thanks for your comment.
@@AidanEyewitness That's what I mean though: manchester wants a skyline like the great cities of the world. I can't help detecting a whiff of envy.
The fastest growing city in England, why haven't they earnt it?
Very weird comment… Manchester is on the up and why not…. It’s a sign of the times…. It is Manchatten. And why not its industrial mix of buildings old designs makes it look that way. 20 years from now it will have towers 300m
@@VivieneMara Yes, I agree. It's the local economy and the property market that dictate whether tall building projects go ahead or not. For several decades, no tall buildings were built in Manchester, but in recent years, the local economy has improved and the towers are evidence of it.