INDUSTRIAL TO RESIDENTIAL REVOLUTION | 1st St Manchester Building Boom

Рет қаралды 6,962

Күн бұрын

In this video presentation, we look at the First Street site on the south fringe of Manchester city centre. It's a prime example of a former industrial location being transformed into an area of residences and offices. I get to use a few of my photographs of the Hacienda and the railway viaduct, taken with my old fashioned film camera. We take a longer look at the old Hacienda building comparing it to the new. We look at the demolition and construction including the gigantic co-living complex named Square Garden. Finally we go to Tony Wilson Place and see how the Grand Island Building has completely transformed its appearance and setting. Finally I invite people for beverages in the bar at Home Manchester, the arts centre.
00:00 Introduction from Aidan on Whitworth Street West
00:35 Old and new Hacienda
02:35 Transformation of the Grand Island Building
03:18 Cambridge Street and Dunlop Building
04:29 Home Arches Whitworth Street West
05:15 Vision Manchster empty site awating construction
05:40 The 'strange glass building' demolished No1 City Road
06:30 Acer Tower and the Downing co-living complext Square Garden
09:25 India Rubber Building - a drawing from 1824 by Mr Witness
10:00 Tony Wilson Place and Home Manchester
Manchester History Net on the old No1 City Road
manchesterhistory.net/manches...
First Street South - Publicity pages by the architects
www.simpsonhaugh.com/projects...
www.manchestereveningnews.co....
www.placenorthwest.co.uk/summ...
squaregardens.com/
www.robertson.co.uk/case-stud...
Dyalla - Organic Guitar House
Aakash Ghandi - Shake it
Sharp Edges - Half Cool
Rev - Eveningland
On the AidanEyewitness channel, I produce snapshots of the ongoing development of Manchester, Liverpool and connected cities, focusing especially on new construction, renovation and adaptation of heritage buildings, modern architecture in general, public transport infrastructure, future construction plans as well as questions of urban identity and the uniqueness of cities. I like to document the construction of buildings, taking images at regular intervals and mergin them into timelapse sequences.
I’ve been interested in architecture and city development since I was a child. I was doing projects on Manchester architecture in primary school. From 1997 to 2005 I produced my website Eyewitness in Manchester which documented the reconstructin of the city after the IRA bomb in photos and words. I’ve contributed photos and writing to books, magazines and newspapers. AidanEyewitness is the latest chapter, I dream of a big audience and lots of success, but there is still a long way to go! Please help me by liking, subscribing, sharing, commenting and providing some financial support, so I can fulfil my dream of producing AidanEyewitness full time.

Пікірлер: 78

@English_Dawn 3 ай бұрын

Renaker founder and chairman was at MIPIM in Cannes a couple of days ago. He said they have provided 8,000 homes with another 8,000 in the pipeline. He said developing brownfield sites are difficult and expensive and probably only possible with a council that meets them halfway.

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

Very interesting information. Another 8000 that’s impressive. Thanks for your informative comment, as ever.

@steverussell9340 3 ай бұрын

So glad they can save the Magnificent Hotspur Press… even if it’s only the facade Great take on modern Manchester tho …well made and informative.

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

It is a very historic building and could look great if it was renovated. I'll take a closer look at those plans for the Hotspur.

@alexhodge3812 3 ай бұрын

Another class video, beautifully and sensitively narrated, the content perfect for a Manchester lad such as myself who knew the city like the back of my hand in the early to mid 80’s as a junior production assistant working in AV & VT as it was back then. But who’s daily tasks had me buzzing around the city delivering physical media tape long before digital transfer was even thought of. I too lament the passing of iconic landmarks such as the Hacienda. And from the lad that rigged the p.a. when the Queen opened G-Mex, still me. I bet today that it would have just been swept away and replaced with shining towers of glass and homogenised into the surrounding cityscape. Keep up the excellent work.

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

That’s great, many thanks for your positive comments. Very interesting about your job. In the 80s I did a course on video-making at Counter Image on Whitworth Street West. I think I’m still using things I learned on it.

@Frawolf77 3 ай бұрын

Wonderfully composed and informative Video, Thank You! Ganz wunderbar!

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

Vielen Dank. Having a musical background, I appreciate you said ‘composed’

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

As usual I look forward to reading your comments. I can reply fairly promptly in the first day or to, after that it takes longer. Keep comments courteous - NO SWEAR WORDS! - on topic and make sure to include what item in the video you are commenting on. Many thanks in advance - Vielen Dank im Voraus!

@nordlys4876 3 ай бұрын

Great video. I stayed at the Inside Hotel in 2017 and the Premier Inn about 10 years ago and cannot believe the transformation. For better or worse I find it all fascinating. The area has great cultural history so always glad to see a spotlight on it

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

Yes it’s true, the area is fascinating and we are witnessing many changes!

@jackwah 3 ай бұрын

I enjoyed the comparison and contrast from your photos from the 90's. Really well put together video of how the city is changing and progressing. I also think about what people must of made of the changes in Manchester during the Industrial Revolution and if like us today followed its changes with similar zeal. ;0)

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

That’s great, many thanks. I think in the 19th century there was a great interest in the smoky northern city with its ‘dark satanic mills’

@timmitchproductions4216 3 ай бұрын

Brilliant video, as a city centre resident I love seeing all these new buildings go up. Thanks for keeping us informed, look forward to the next video! :)

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

I find it all very interesting and I enjoy using photos from my archive. I’d like to do weekly videos - not quite there yet. Many thanks for your positive feedback.

@vonLaughter 3 ай бұрын

I must say that I really liked 1 City Road building and regret it had (?) to be demolished. It was something unique, strange, like from SF movies from 70s :) In my opinion it fitted well where it was - not for being like everything else, but opposite: giving contrast by scale and shape. Why almost all new projects are so similar to one another? Where is fantasy?! I'm also fed up with buildings having double height windows. And simply don't like them.

@JohnnyZenith 3 ай бұрын

Another wonderful video and in glorious technicolour and 4K. I disagree with you on the building that they called the monstrosity. I certainly think it was. However your opinion is interesting and nice to hear. I know you are not very big on visiting Birmingham but it would be great to see you go there at least in a year's time perhaps and see what's changed.

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

I really want to visit Birmingham, I’m waiting for a suitable opportunity. The old No1 was a ‘marmite’ building! Many thanks for the positive words. Glad it looks good in 4K.

@jasongray4517 3 ай бұрын

Very informative. I think the sad fate of the Hacienda is deserving of a video on its own. Cultural vandalism that i associate with earlier decades, not the 2000's. A shame that lessons still haven't been learned.

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

Well if you ask Countryside Properties, they'll probablly tell you Tony Wilson said 'Let them tear it down' but he liked to be a bit contrary! It could have been saved.

@ohwhatworld5851 3 ай бұрын

More people being trapped in a leasehold paying truly extortionate amounts each year. Mine is currently £3200.....

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

Oh dear. I tend to focus more on the design and impact of the buildings, rather than the costs for residents, but that's shocking.

@mellowasahorse 3 ай бұрын

You're prolific at the moment. Thought you might take a hop, skip and jump to the two new towers in Great Jackson Street (the ones with "chamfered edges") that look like they're going up. But, great video!

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

There's so much going on and I have only limited time at the moment! I'll put those on the list! Many thanks!

@bartley7953 3 ай бұрын

I wished Plymouth had this much investment and a more forward thinking council .

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

Manchester is quite a bit bigger than Plymouth and in a more central location. But if Manchester can do it, I'm sure Plymouth can!

@ScottTooley 3 ай бұрын

Love these videos! Is there anyone similar to Aidan doing these for other cities? Namely, I'd be interested in development of Birmingham, Leeds, and Newcastle. I've done a few searches, but I can't seem to find anything similar (if it's even available). London is covered very well, do no need for suggestions there!

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

I don't know. I have done one video on Leeds and am planning another. One video I did on Cork, Ireland did very well. I'm planning one on Birmingham. I think it's a niche, not many people are doing it like I am. Many thanks for your positive feedback.

@ScottTooley 2 ай бұрын

@@AidanEyewitness definitely a niche, but a fun and interesting one!

@paulwild3676 3 ай бұрын

Is the Asa tower named after Asa Briggs, who wrote a book called Victorian Cities? There is a large section on Manchester in that book. Although Briggs was a Yorkshireman.

@English_Dawn 3 ай бұрын

The same Asa Briggs from Bletchley Park?

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

No, I should have spelt it out. It’s ACER, the Taiwan-based computer company. I’ll take a look at that book, thanks for the tip

@paulwild3676 3 ай бұрын

@@English_Dawn I don’t know to be honest. Asa is an unusual name. Although it was Al Johnson’s real name. Asa Briggs was born in Keighley, he was Lord Briggs before he died, so presumably a man highly regarded, so he may have been at Bletchley Park. It is a shame the tower isn’t named after him. Perhaps we can get them to change the spelling 😂

@paulwild3676 3 ай бұрын

@user-pg3kl5zj3f 2 ай бұрын

Hi do you know if One Heritage way has been cancelled or not ? I was so looking forward to seeing that unique building in the city :( I can’t find any information. I hope Viadux 2 gets the go ahead 241m !

@AidanEyewitness 2 ай бұрын

Following your comment, I included something about One Heritage in my latest video. Many thanks

@oldcossie 3 ай бұрын

Hi Aidan, I would like to update you about the change of the tall buildings policy in Liverpool. It is getting scrapped as the council agreed to add future investments and skyscrapers on King Edward Triangle. It looks the way Liverpool is joining the race with Manchester.

@oldcossie 3 ай бұрын

The tall building policy commented that wrong. They’re basically lifting the restriction only at king Edward triangle for the 1200 residential homes. Skyscrapers that could go beyond 50 stories that it states on its policy.

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

Thanks very much for that information. King Edward Triangle, that's the name they've given to the part of LIverpool Waters south of Bramley Moore Dock and north of Jesse Hartley Way - correct?

@ians3586 3 ай бұрын

Yeah, I'd prefer the view and city centre location. Which would you prefer? BUT, what is the deal with graffiti in Britain? Is tagging done with impunity? I'd say that this visual litter combined with the actual litter really brings down the ambiance of Manchester and other British cities. It makes them feel dirty and less safe, even if that's not really the case. We also have a problem with graffiti in the U.S. but only in big cities like New York and L.A. Where I live, near Dallas, you rarely see it and you wouldn't see it in a new vibrant area like the one you are showing in this video.

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

There used to be a problem with graffiti in New York on the subway but they fixed that. The mindless 'tagging' type of graffiti is really annoying. I don't know why it's so widespread. It could have something to do with gangs. They are trying to 'mark' their 'territory' as dogs do! There are many more affluent parts of the Manchester area where you won't see any graffiti at all. The 'scallies' that scrawl stupid marks on private property are more to be found in the centre and poorer suburbs. Many thanks for your comment and for watching!

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

Yes, all things being equal, I would really like to live in a tower in the city centre. I lived in one during the time I was in Abu Dhabi. There was a great view towards the Gulf, it was very nice living high above the ground.

@moleman4054 3 ай бұрын

Which do you prefer? I lived in Didsbury for years but moved into town and far prefer it. I have a young kid too.

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

All other things being equal, I would love to live on a high floor in the city centre. I once lived in a council block in Salford (Thorn Court). I loved the views but I felt isolated - no mobile phones or internet in those days - and there were some undesirables in the building. I moved to a house share in south Manchester and it was great!

@davidowen2396 3 ай бұрын

I do think that some of the tall buildings lack a certain individual character and look very shiny but bland in some ways. Nevertheless, great video!

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

Thanks, I'm just the messenger! Are they blander than other cities? I need to compare!

@davidowen2396 3 ай бұрын

@@AidanEyewitness I think they are blander than those of central London, Vauxhall and Canary Wharf (London). Those in central London; the Gherkin, the Walkie Talkie, The Shard..each has a unique architectural styling. Obviously land has a lower value in Manchester so it'd be difficult to attract the investment needed for such buildings elsewhere. I get a sense that there has been a haste to "Manhattanise" Manchester so that it symbolises importance ahead of it's provincial rivals.

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

Yes, I think you're right. Budgets for buildings in London are far higher than in Manchester, but maybe more ambitious buildings are coming to Manchester in the future?

@Roddersville 3 ай бұрын

I’ve become a stranger in my own city - as those born in the 50’s snd 60’s will know……

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

Well I was born in the 50s but I like to keep up with the changes and post them here! 😊 many thanks for your comment.

@Roddersville 3 ай бұрын

@@AidanEyewitnessthank you Aidan for your great ongoing documentary on my city. You are a Manchester expert and I always look forward to its developments through you ! Although my initial comment is true - I think Manchester today is a much improved city than the dire situation it found itself in the 1970’s for example. Thank you Aidan….

@BsktImp 3 ай бұрын

All these student accommodation towers, for the annual net migration over 600,000...

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

I'm not quite sure what you mean here.

@BsktImp 3 ай бұрын

@@AidanEyewitness Only that a third of the record annual net migration in the last couple of years is from those who came originally on student visas. This mirrors the third of tertiary education students in UK being international. Internation students - or their x3.5 spend on tuition fees, living costs, spending on services... - are big business for university towns as exemplified by the flurry of new-build high-desnity accommodation in these places.

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

@@BsktImp Thanks very much, all very interesting information.

@pmufc7 3 ай бұрын

The Hacienda was rough AF, at the time people who went there were the sort of people you'd avoid

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

Well, the crowd varied over time. Those people caused problems later, leading to its closure. But there were some nice people behind the DJ mixing console, like Dave Haslam, Mike Pickering and Graeme Park.

@pablodelnorte9746 3 ай бұрын

I only went once, in about 1986 when I was 22. I had a nice time. No drugs! Just dancing and enjoying being in such a cool space with a couple of good friends. One had just recently passed her driving test so we could get in and back out to Warrington without having to worry about train times! The other friend lives until Barcelona now & I'd lost touch with them both by about 1993.

@rewind12354 3 ай бұрын

The world’s most famous nightclub? I doubt anyone outside of the North West knows it. The downing building is nice but some of that architecture is horrendous it looks like Legoland.

@davidowen2396 3 ай бұрын

The Hacienda was definitely well-known outside of the North West. Maybe not the most famous in the world but certainly the UK for a few years. I used to go to a night called Flesh; clubbers came from across the UK. Madonna played at the Hacienda..

@mikeede49 3 ай бұрын

The Hacienda was famous throughout the UK because of the connection with the Madchester music scene and acid house don't know about world famous but it was known throughout Europe especially Ibiza. You're probably to young to be aware of such things.

@paulwild3676 3 ай бұрын

I had a friend from Flint Michigan who knew of the Hacienda.

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

At its peak in the late eighties and early nineties, it was well known outside the UK, at least in club going circles. Today it’s just a memory!

@cartoonvandal 3 ай бұрын

The Hacienda was known across the world. Please, in future, educate yourself before opening your mouth.

@dont.accept.the.hoover 3 ай бұрын

manchester has been trashed and replaced with silly overpriced flats. the future productivity collapse will be awesome

@lordgemini2376 3 ай бұрын

Ah yes, derelict land and car parks turning into dense housing is certainly a way to describe being "trashed" 🤣🤣

@AidanEyewitness 3 ай бұрын

We’ll see if that happens. Many thanks for your comment.

@dont.accept.the.hoover 3 ай бұрын

what you dont understand is why those spaces were empty in the first place. all you have done is filled them with debt. - this outcome is going to be pure comedy gold.@@lordgemini2376

@dont.accept.the.hoover 3 ай бұрын

the empty spaces were empty for a reason. all they have done is filled these holes with non productive debt ?@@lordgemini2376

@dont.accept.the.hoover 2 ай бұрын

i think we will know within 10 years.@@AidanEyewitness