More spin than Muralitharan

The PR done for the Beetham Tower has been loud and proud.

I am sure the clients have got the return for their money from their PR agency. Even the structural problems of the tower have got rewarded with coverage that has done nothing to really damage its reputation in the longer term. In fact, when the story comes out how the architects ingeniously resolved the probelm, the PR agency will double the coverage.

Poor PR management or crafty PR tactics on behalf of the agency. I suspect the latter.

Yet, no amount of PR spin can completely mask for reality for most people. Marketing and PR can only be as good as their product. And the tower is not in keeping with Manchester's traditions and should not be part of its future.

The following letter featured in the North West Enquirer today:

I have read, since you recent launch, a great deal about Beetham Tower.

I have not read any comment that correlates to the comments I heard from fellow Mancunians: the tower is an eye saw and is totally out of character with a city with a unique Victorian architectural heritage.

I am very much in favour of the innovative and creative building that have been built since the bomb, but there is nothing special with this design, except that it can play tunes.

I will, however, be using the Beetham Tower's bar on occasion. It is one place in the city where I will not be able to see this monstrosity.

Please let me know your comments.