What are The Blade and Three60?
These are two of the newest additions to the New Jackson skyline. The Blade is known for its distinctive sharp-edged profile, while Three60 is Manchester’s first cylindrical skyscraper, offering a unique circular perspective to the city’s high-rise architecture.
Together, the two towers form one of the most visually striking pairings in Greater Manchester’s modern skyline. Set within the emerging New Jackson neighbourhood — a major regeneration area between Deansgate and the River Irwell — they are surrounded by new public realm, landscaping and pedestrian routes that frame them against both the historic city centre and the newer Salford developments across the water.
Why Shoot Here?
- Geometric Contrasts: The sharp, angular lines of The Blade contrasted with the smooth, circular form of Three60 provide a fascinating study in geometric architectural photography.
- Glass Textures: Both towers feature high-quality glass cladding that creates intricate reflection patterns, especially during the “golden hour.”
- Innovative Design: Capture the cylindrical form of Three60 from various angles to show how it changes the perception of space in the district.
- Modern Streetscape: The area around these towers is being developed with high-end landscaping, providing clean and modern foreground elements for your shots.
Best Times to Shoot
- Golden hour: The glass cladding on both towers catches warm light dramatically — the curved surface of Three60 creates particularly interesting light patterns.
- Blue hour: Both towers are well-lit at night. The contrast between The Blade’s sharp edges and Three60’s curves is emphasised by evening lighting.
- After rain: Wet pavements in the surrounding public realm create reflections of the towers that double the visual impact.
Composition Ideas
- Frame The Blade and Three60 together in one shot to emphasise the geometric contrast between angular and cylindrical forms.
- Walk around Three60 to see how the cylindrical form changes from different viewing angles — the building looks different from every position.
- Shoot upward from the base of either tower for dramatic converging lines against the sky.
- Use the new landscaping and street furniture as clean, modern foreground elements.