Big W

Up to big apartment blocks today, which are complete or almost complete.

Although it was grey and drizzly, the views were spectacular. Especially from the tall Wilburn Basin tower, which gives views of the City Centre that I had not seen before.

Including these two big cranes on the right of the photo, which are getting ready to lift the big steel arch on to the new rail bridge deck crossing the Irwell. All part of the Ordsall Chord, which for the first time connects Victoria and Piccadilly stations. This is some engineering feat. Apparently the lift may be happening tomorrow, as long as winds are light. If you enlarge you can see the two big red counterweights sitting on the ground behind each crane, including one block on Water Street itself. 

The photo gives a pretty good idea of the engineering challenge. Crossing a major ring road, a canal, a river, and with a lot of heritage features around it. I am looking forward to the George Stephenson Grade 1 listed bridge being revealed for the first time in decades.

I was impressed by the apartment blocks. Wilburn Street is build for sale and is already 80% occupied. The blocks are placed around the refurbished dock, which has been wonderfully restored (I love the stone facing - see extra). Amazing to think that the night soil boats used to sail from here up the old Irwell and then the Ship Canal to the Mosslands.

Number 1 Greengate is Private Rented, and is looking good. Again, high occupancy.

Salford is changing. As is Manchester. It's interesting to see the different approach adopted by the two cities. This is evidenced by the use of materials (among lots of other things). Salford likes red brick - which is what this block is faced with. Manchester doesn't like red brick at all, the Water Street development on the other side of the Irwell is battleship grey screening (see extra).