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MANCHESTER’s tallest buildings are going to be re-calibrated with classic Manchester tunes Confidential's Sleuth hears.
City agencies believe the singing towers could generate over £25m in annual revenue for the city, “but it’s anybody’s guess really,” said a spokesperson, "as long as the amount sounds significant. We can hope, can't we? And guess."
The recent success of Beetham Tower’s enthusiastic whistling has brought together architects, city councillors, Bruce Forsyth, Dave Haslam and the fella who conducts the Halle Orchestra.
Beetham Tower, you hum it and I'll join in
Beetham Tower (171m), the CIS Tower (118m), City Tower (107m) and Student Castle Tower (still under construction - 106m) will be ‘tuned’ so that on windy days they can serenade citizens, visitors and bag-ladies.
“It’s simple,” said Councillor Karnage. “As a city we are well-known for our musical heritage so we’ve commissioned a team of experts and a very old man who dances a lot, to choose Manchester tunes that will reflect what’s going on in the city.”
Sleuth hears that old classics from the Bee Gees will be included such as ‘More Than A Windy Building’ (surely ‘Woman’, Ed).
The Smiths, ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ will be played early on a Sunday morning and for people living high in Beetham Tower New Order’s ‘True Faith’ will feature on particularly windy days.
For those contemplating jumping off the towers because of the noise, Hurts ‘Wonderful Life’ might be aired.
“It’s another example of Manchester’s pioneering spirit,” said Karnage dancing a jig and rill on Deansgate under Beetham Tower.
City agencies believe the singing towers could generate over £25m in annual revenue for the city, “but it’s anybody’s guess really,” said a spokesperson, "as long as the amount sounds significant. We can hope, can't we? And guess."
Sleuth has learnt that Manchester Arndale Tower is annoyed at not being asked. The building told Sleuth, “It’s not about talent any more with bands just about looks. My face clearly didn't fit.”
The RSPCA has complained about the decision to make the buildings sing, "on behalf of all the dogs out there, this will be torture."
Follow Sleuth on twitter @Sleuth
City Tower really wants to 'Shine'
The CIS Tower's favourite song is The Hollies, 'He Ain't Heavy Because He Got A Good Policy With Us'.
Student Castle says 'Thank You For The Music (Played Too Loudly, I've Got Lectures Tomorrow)'
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16 comments so far, continue the conversation, write a comment.
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Great! A Mancon classic. Is it true that the fins/fence on top of the Beetham is just there to make it the tallest residential building in UK? Is it a sort of architectural mohican or is there some reason for it?
I heard the same last night in the pub (so it must be true). Apparently they'd wanted 50 storeys, but in wind tunnel tests it swayed too much, so they lopped 3 storeys off and added the towel rail.
Heard the humming in Whalley Range. Thought my buddha chimes alarm had gone off. Cool!
Councillor Karnage... love it.
I just spoke to Councillor Karnage for his reaction, he had no comment!
I'm using the humming as the acid test for whether to commute into Manchester on two wheels.
So far it's been remarkedly accurate, as I'm still alive. (But skint, due to the extortionate tram fares.)
Presumably they're gonna learn "Singin' in the Rain"? Or are we not mentioning that?
We're not mentioning that, on account that th'Ed bans all rain references. As you well know Ms Joan.
The white footbridge in Castlefield was also 'singing' this past week.
Anon....do you mean swaying?
No. The bridge was humming both Tuesday morning (woke me up) and Weds night.
HILARIOUS... erm...
www.facebook.com/…/245082142230694…
sue 'em - only that will get things going
When we direct people to our premises we tell them to head for the tallest building with the scaffold on top,wonder if it can sing 'lily the pink'