Engineering modern Manchester

THE ASPIRATION
Raising the bar for city living
Viadux is a transformative two-phase development in the heart of Manchester. Phase One delivered a 40-storey residential tower, while Phase Two will rise to 76 storeys, becoming the tallest building in the UK outside London. Together, the schemes are unlocking a key city block beside the Grade II listed Castlefield Viaduct, blending contemporary high-rise living with Manchester’s industrial legacy. Conceived by developer Salboy, designed by SimpsonHaugh and constructed by Domis, the developments sit at a major urban intersection – linking the historic Civic Quarter, Deansgate’s retail spine, the cultural energy of Deansgate Locks and the expanding Oxford Road Corridor.

OUR RESPONSE
Blending innovation, heritage and scale
We were appointed to deliver Building Services Engineering, Sustainability Consultancy and Lighting Design across both Viadux phases, ensuring seamless integration of modern systems into a sensitive, historic setting.

For Phase One, the 139-metre residential tower posed typical high-rise challenges, especially in managing cold water and wet riser fire systems. We implemented separate pressure circuits across low and high-rise zones to maintain safety and efficiency throughout. Beneath the building, a section of the listed viaduct structure houses luxury wellness amenities, including a pool, jacuzzi, sauna and gym. Our team ensured discreet integration of building services, with special emphasis on lighting design that preserved the visual integrity of the original brick arches.

Phase Two introduces new complexity: a 76-storey mixed-use tower including a Nobu restaurant, 160-bed Nobu hotel, 452 Nobu residences, spa and hospitality areas. Again, we adopted a zoned services approach to accommodate the building’s height.

The site’s sensitivity and history demanded careful handling. For both phases, we designed building systems that work around the existing Victorian infrastructure, using subtle lighting and concealed installations to highlight the character of the Grade II listed viaduct while enabling its reuse for retail and dining spaces.

THE RESULT
Precision in action
Phase One is now complete, delivering 40 storeys of high-end apartments with premium wellness and social facilities – all underpinned by efficient, future-ready building systems. Our integrated approach minimised visible services, maximised comfort and usability, and safeguarded heritage assets. Phase Two is currently progressing, with our MEP, sustainability and lighting solutions fully coordinated to meet the demands of one of the UK’s tallest buildings. Across both phases, our work enables confident delivery of complex schemes on a constrained, high-profile site.

THE LASTING IMPACT
Legacy through landmark design
Viadux is a bold reinvention of a historic corner of Manchester. Our work is helping to preserve the city’s industrial heritage while supporting vertical growth, luxury living and long-term sustainability. Across both phases, we’re delivering the engineering behind an evolving skyline – proving what’s possible when innovation and heritage meet at scale.

Find out more about our multidisciplinary approach