Dezeen promotion: property developer Salboy has unveiled plans to convert the Victorian arches under the former Manchester Central railway station into luxury facilities for a new residential tower.
Salboy is working with Manchester-based architecture practice SimpsonHaugh on Viadux, a development that will create 399 one- and two-bedroom apartments over 40 storeys, as well as a separate office tower.
The Grade II-listed arches will be transformed into high-end facilities for residents, including a swimming pool and spa, a lounge bar and a residents' entrance lobby featuring an aquarium.
Design studio Lister&Lister is designing the interiors. Visuals released by the developer show the brick vaults celebrated with atmospheric lighting and sensitive glazing details.
"The vaulted spaces are on a huge scale and are absolutely majestic," said Salboy co-founder Simon Ismail.
"We wanted to incorporate this historical element into the project and use them to create the most luxurious and unique facilities in the city."
The Viadux site has a rich history, having once been the location of a Roman settlement. Manchester Central opened on the site in 1880, with the brick vaults serving as the train line until the station's eventual closure in 1969.
"We have all this architectural history underground while rising above will be spacious modern apartments, fitted to the latest and highest specification right in the heart of the centre of the city," said Ismail.
This history created a number of challenges for engineer Renaissance and construction partner DOMIS Construction.
Before work could begin on site, an archaeological team from Salford University carried out a 12-week dig to uncover any remnants of the Roman settlement.
Then, in order for the new structure to stand separately from the brick vaults, specialist rigs had to be used to dig 273 foundation piles, creating a superstructure supported by reinforced columns.
"The scale of work going on underground is breathtaking," said Rob McLoughlin, senior project manager for DOMIS Construction.
"And while it involves intervention to create the foundation platform for the towers, it is also preserving and opening up the arches, which will be an integral feature of the development."
Viadux is earmarked for completion in 2024. As well as the facilities in the arches, residents will have access to a range of other amenities including private dining, a karaoke bar and a gym.
There will also be flexible co-working spaces and lounge areas, so that residents can easily work from home.
Landscaped gardens will link the two towers, while public spaces will surround the buildings.
A limited allocation of off-plan apartments for Viadux are now available, with prices starting from £265,000 to £650,000.
For more information about Viadux, visit the Salboy website.
Visualisations are by OurStudio
Partnership content
This article was written by Dezeen for Salboy as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.