Beetham Tower was once the UK's 'first proper skyscraper outside London' - now the competition is fierce

When Beetham Tower was finished in 2006, it was described as ‘the UK's first proper skyscraper outside London’ by the Financial Times — but soon, it will look pint-sized compared to Manchester’s tallest buildings.

That’s because this week saw the unveiling of a 76-storey tower, to be called Viadux 2a — and will sit next to the first iconic Mancunian block. It could be the tallest building in Greater Manchester when it’s completed.

The reason it ‘could’ be the tallest is because it has some serious competition. Earlier this year, Renaker lifted the lid on Plot D — a 71-storey, 213-metre tall building — and Henley also showed off its plans for the Regent Road retail park, which will include 10 apartment blocks.

READ MORE: Manchester set for skyscraper race as 76-storey tower unveiled months after 71-storey effort

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One of those will be 241.5-metres tall. It means that, with three projects getting started at similar times, there is a race on to see who can finish their tower first - and hold the crown of Greater Manchester’s tallest tower.

Whoever takes the crown from Deansgate South Tower, which has held the title since 2018 at 200-metres, is also likely to own the privilege of having the tallest building in Britain outside of London. In a special report, the M.E.N. takes a look at the three contenders — and what they might bring to the city.

Images of Viadux 2a were met, mainly, with one reaction: That’s tall. Indeed, the zig-zag-shaped frontage condemns Beetham Tower to being normal by comparison, but unlike the old guard, Viadux 2a does not have a hotel. Instead, it will have 780 apartments inside.

And the rest of Viadux