Old and New....

I like the contrast of new and old architecture and the redevelopment of the St. Peter's Square area of Manchester are delivering contrasts in bucketloads.

On the left you have the portico of Central Library which must be the most magnificent entrance to any building in the city. It amazes me that they thought this building needed a new entrance and that would be the glass blob thing they have blocked elegant Library Walk with. Central Library is close to 70 years old, but with its classical detailing, reflecting the Pantheon in Ancient Rome, people think it's older.

Across the square is No. 1 St. Peter's Square, the new office block that has been built to replace poor, unloved, 1960s Elisabeth House. I was worried about this build when I first saw the plans. It looked stumpy and overbearing in the same design. But it's been a triumph. It's white stone like the library. The pillars of the facade onto the square reflect the pillars in the library portico. The curve on the Oxford Street facade reflects the curves of the street and the library, and the concave side of No. 1 reflects the convex curve of Peter House. It's a classy build.

We are yet the decide on whether No. 2 St. Peter's Square will match its neighbour. People mourned the loss of Century House, a decent little 1930s building that used to grace the square. We will have to see.

Behind the hoardings they are finishing off the hard landscaping of St. Peter's Square. People love the bit we already have, it's a well designed, elegant space. It's taking a while because they have to re-lay the rails and build the new station for the trams. Trams are running through the square again but on a single line. In the rush hour it's a bit of a nightmare. The new office block, which already has tenants, and the square will be finished in 2017.