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The building which partially collapsed in Manchester city centre this afternoon was earmarked for a stunning 18-storey landmark office building opposite The Lowry Hotel - featuring a rooftop pool. But the plan had hit serious problems, the Manchester Evening News has learned.

The building, Alberton House off Bridge Street, had been scheduled for demolition. Part of it collapsed this afternoon (Friday) with scaffolding sent crashing into the River Irwell.

Manchester city council gave planning approval for an ambitious redevelopment in 2022 with work scheduled to start the following year. But in June planners approved an amendment to the original plan to allow it to be delivered in two phases instead of one, first to demolish the current structure before later 'enabling

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