The newly proposed skyscraper that makes Beetham Tower look small

Manchester is on the brink of another skyline transformation with the updated plans for Viadux Phase Two, a new building which promises to be the city’s most ambitious architectural venture yet.

This will be the tallest building in the city by a considerable distance, if approved, moving past Renaker’s 71-storey lighthouse, which is also at the planning stage.

It would dwarf the Beetham Tower – as you can see in the comparison photos.

I’m not sure many of us have imagined this when Beetham Tower was built.

It even makes the 65-storey Deansgate Square South Tower look titchy.

We seem to be writing the same article every week, as bigger and bigger buildings are proposed in the city – but this will be a a true giant.

Viadux Phase Two

Comprising a staggering 782 apartments, Viadux Phase Two will be the UK’s tallest building outside of London. 

It would clock in as the third biggest building in the UK.

76 storeys, this architectural marvel will soar above the city’s skyline, with a distinctive zig zag facing. 

The skyscraper is part of the second phase of the Viadux scheme, located between the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink station and Manchester Arena on a 1.49-hectare site.

SimpsonHaugh Architects

Architects SimpsonHaugh said the tower features inclined faces, designed to ‘catch light differently, creating a dynamic response to changes in light conditions’.

Notably, Viadux Phase Two will also include a smaller 23-storey block dedicated to 133 affordable properties, going some way to address the city’s affordable housing issues. 

It will also host a two-storey commercial building.

SimpsonHaugh’s latest proposed skyscraper will link via a podium to phase one of the Viadux development, a 40-storey residential building currently under construction.

Regent Park, Salford

In parallel, neighbouring Salford has its sights set on skyward expansion, with ambitious plans for a 240-metre tower at Regent Park. 

The plans submitted by Henley Investment Management would see one of the ten towers in the Regent Park development stand at a gigantic 240m, making it one of the top five tallest towers in the UK.

The tallest buildings currently in the UK are The Shard (310m), and TwentyTwo (278m)

They are hoping work will begin next year.

For further information, you can see the details of the planning application on Manchester City Council’s planning portal quoting reference 139715/FO/2024