FROM HELEN DUVAL 2022

makes a building distinctive in appearance but which continues to have a vital involvement in the energy efficiency of buildings and the lives of its occupants.

As architects and specifiers still look to incorporate the use of glass in all types of domestic and commercial projects its rise in popularity as a material continues to grow. At more than 300 metres high, a new skyscraper is set to sit on the London skyline that will be almost as tall as The Shard. The 73-storey building was finally given approval after a 3 year planning war and will be the second tallest building in western Europe. Situated in London’s financial district at the address, 1 Undershaft, the building nicknamed ‘The Trellis’ will have a free public viewing gallery and it is claimed it will house London’s highest restaurant. The Aviva Tower will be demolished and The Trellis will then begin construction with completion set for some point in the 2020s.

After city councillors gave planning permission for Manchester’s new £110m arts centre, work began to renovate the old Granada Studios site back in 2017. With over 13,300 sq.metres dedicated to commissioning and producing different art forms including dance, theatre, music, opera, visual arts, popular culture and digital work, as well as international exhibitions and concerts, The Factory is considered a breakthrough and defining moment in Manchester’s history.

Over 1500 full time jobs are expected to be created with anticipation that this new international forum will bring £1.1 billion to Manchester’s economy over the next ten years. It is considered that it will provide a cultural counterbalance to London as a genuine alternative venue that will provide access to the best world class culture that is available in the UK.

Construction on Manchester’s flagship arts venue designed by Rem Koolhaas was halted due to COVID-19 which naturally has delayed its opening. Additional costs and delays have resulted in The Factory now officially due to open in the Summer of 2023, although those backing the project believe that the venue will quickly break even.

Sir Richard Leese, Manchester Council Leader commented, “We’re extremely grateful to DCMS and Arts Council England for their continued support for The Factory and for the substantial award to help address the unforeseen additional costs and delays on the project due to Covid-19,” The finished structure will be an enormous, visually striking glass cube which is expected to provide a genuine boost to the arts, culture and technology in the north of the country.

Looking Forward

With all of us tightening our belts, bracing for a bitter winter, consumers seem keen to revitalise first generation structures, as well as adding space to their homes if their budget allows. Energy efficient glazing and new products coming to the market that are set to make life easier for the installer and cheaper for the end user, it will undoubtedly be a sector to watch over the coming months.