Axis Tower has won Best High Volume New Housing Development in the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) North West Building Excellence Awards.
Nominated by the building control department at Manchester City Council, the project completed ahead of schedule in December 2019 and has already become an iconic feature of the Manchester skyline.
It has been acknowledged as one of the city’s most complex builds, rising 28 storeys from a tiny 761m2 plot directly on the bank of the Rochdale Canal.
The £60m building houses 170 luxury apartments ranging in price from £259,500 to £558,000.
In their nomination, the council referred to the difficulties inherent building on the tight city centre site, the team’s ingenuity and commitment in overcoming challenges, and excellence in their approach to site management and safety.
It states: “The main contractor has produced a distinctive and eye-catching land mark in Manchester City Centre, the finished project is of a very high standard with exceptional workmanship and is a credit to Russells, Jon Matthews Architects, and their client Property Alliance Group.”
The winners were announced via video message from the LABC chair Lorna Simpson.
Gareth Russell, joint managing director of Russell WBHO, said: “Huge congratulations to the whole project team in delivering this fantastic building, including all those from Russells, Alliance, Jon Matthews Architects, and all of our talented partners and sub contractors.
“This was indeed one of the most complex builds any of us have ever worked on, and its success comes down to the incredible commitment and skill of the whole team.
“We were delighted that the local authority nominated Axis and really pleased with their acknowledgement of the quality of the build and our successful management of the site. Manchester City Council is a very progressive authority and we thank them for the knowledge and support their representatives brought to the project as well.”
Anthony Parker-Roberts, business manager for Manchester City Council’s building control section, added: “It was clear that all involved wanted a unique and eye-catching development providing luxury apartments for the residents of Manchester, and the project team’s relationship with Building Control was excellent.
“Submission of information went smoothly, regular meetings were set up to discuss building design and compliance, any issues were discussed and dealt with quickly and professionally. The site team were always keen to request site visits for the Building Control inspection stages. The work carried out was observed to be of a high standard, with any works not meeting those standard being rectified speedily.
“The construction process had its challenges due to the small footprint of the building and its city centre location adjacent to a canal, so a system of working was set up and managed by the site team which kept the build process moving smoothly. As work progressed, the site was always clean and tidy ensuring site personnel could carry out their working tasks in a clean and safe working environment.
“Russell’s Axis Tower Project Team have produced a luxury city centre development of which all involved should be extremely proud, and we are delighted the project has been recognised by the LABC with this award. Congratulations to all.”
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