City Tower

Beneath the towering presence of City Tower, a secret hums. It’s the pulse of Manchester, a city that whispers stories of innovation and reinvention. City Tower, once known as Sunley House, stands as a testament to this spirit. Completed in 1965 as part of the Piccadilly Plaza complex, City Tower has witnessed Manchester’s transformation. Originally designed by Covell, Matthews & Partners, the building’s modernist style, with its 30 storeys, quickly became a landmark in the Piccadilly Gardens area. City Tower isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a hub of activity. Retail and leisure units buzz at ground level, while high above, the city’s main radio transmitting station sends its signals across the airwaves. Look closely at the north-facing wall of City Tower. You’ll see intricate designs based on circuit boards, a nod to the technology that connects us all. In 2014, a major shift occurred. Bruntwood, a property developer with headquarters in City Tower, sold the building to Schroders for a cool £132 million. But even with the change in ownership, City Tower remained a vital part of Bruntwood’s legacy. City Tower has undergone significant changes over the years. In the late 1990s, a refurbishment plan was drafted, but it wasn’t until Bruntwood’s acquisition of Piccadilly Plaza in 2004 that the vision came to life. A new central ground floor entrance was installed. The exterior got a fresh coat of paint. An atrium was added. Even an advertising screen was erected, showcasing video clips to passers-by in Piccadilly Gardens. City Tower offers more than just office space. The 28th floor, once boasting a perimeter walkway, now provides the highest commercial office space in Manchester. Bruntwood’s redesign replaced the walkway with expansive windows, creating an even more impressive panorama. Today, half of this floor houses the Skylounge, an open-access space for City Tower residents. As you stand before City Tower, consider its journey. From its origins as Sunley House to its modern incarnation, it embodies Manchester’s bold spirit. City Tower is more than just steel and concrete. It’s a symbol of Manchester’s enduring strength. It’s a beacon, broadcasting not just radio waves, but a message of resilience, innovation, and the audacity to reach for the sky.