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With so many buildings going up in Manchester at an astonishing rate, it is difficult to get excited about a single development project. Until you take a look at Spinningfields, that is.

The 13-hectare Spinningfields scheme, in an area of the city centre which is bounded by Deansgate, Quay Street, Bridge Street and the River Irwell, is a mammoth commercial real estate development that puts Manchester on the international business map.

A showcase of stunning architecture and design from world-class architects such as Foster and Partners, it combines commercial, residential, civic, leisure and retail uses, as well as three hectares of new public streets and squares.

But Spinningfields is more than just a pretty face. A partnership between Manchester City Council and developer Allied London, it is also the largest regeneration project in the North West. It is anticipated that when complete, Spinningfields will be worth �1.5 billion and will host more than 20,000 jobs.

The project is so ambitious that it is making news beyond Manchester. It has recently won a national regeneration award for its role in transforming the area over the past five years. Spinningfields wowed a panel of distinguished judges at the 2005 Property Awards, sponsored by Property Week magazine, who concluded that the scheme "ticks all the boxes on the regeneration checklist".

Sir Howard Bernstein, Manchester City Council chief executive, said: "Spinningfields is playing an important role in enhancing Manchester's competitiveness in the global market, attracting and retaining world class businesses.

"The scheme has set a new quality threshold for commercial development in the North and is a symbol of the confidence that exists in Manchester's ability to continue growing its economy."

When finished, Spinningfields will form a vibrant new district with offices, luxury accommodation, restaurants, shops, bars and landscaped open spaces.

One of the scheme's landmark buildings is the �160 million new Civil Justice Centre, which will employ around 3,000 people. The eye catching courthouse, which will be the largest in England and Wales outside of London, has been designed by Australian architects Denton Corker Masrshall and it is expected to open in 2007.

The 300,000 sq ft building will replace the current inadequate county court facilities and alleviate the overload. It will house 47 purpose-built courtrooms and 75 consultation rooms and will be equipped with the latest technology to deal with complex commercial cases. It will also enable civil cases in Manchester to be heard in one location.

At a recent topping out ceremony to mark the building of the 279ft steel frame of the building, Presiding Judge Mr Justice Leveson said: "This is an important step in the modernisation of our court facilities as Manchester is now able to compete with London. Cases that previously went to other regions to be heard due to a lack of courtrooms will now be heard from one location."

Spinningfields is also home to the biggest purpose-built office space in the city centre - the recently completed Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) regional headquarters. The RBS is the UK's second biggest bank and its new, multi-million pound flagship building in Spinningfields provides another major jobs boost for Manchester.

Other core elements of the project include a new home for the Guardian Media Group, which publishes the Manchester Evening News, a new five-star hotel and 391 waterfront flats.

Leftbank Apartments by Westbury Homes

Westbury Homes' Leftbank Apartments is the exclusive residential element of Spinningfields. The landmark building on the bank of the River Irwell comprises 391 spacious apartments, with retail and leisure space on the ground floor. Due for completion in 2006, Leftbank has been very popular, with nearly 75 per cent of its apartments (including three of its four million-pound penthouses) sold off plan.

"Leftbank offers unique and luxurious city centre living," said Ian Laight, Leftbank's project director. "Its superior style will appeal to those who expect something exceptional."

They say that when it comes to property it is all about �location, location, location', and Leftbank is at the heart of the most happening new business quarter in the city and beyond.

Elisabeth Williams, of joint selling agents Savills, explains: "Despite the fact that there are a number of new residential schemes due to come to Manchester in the next couple of years and the increasing availability of apartments, Leftbank has continued to enjoy overwhelming success due to its popular location just off Deansgate near all the major shopping, business and leisure areas while benefiting from a peaceful, waterside setting.

"Leftbank appeals to buyers who are confident in the high quality product available proving that developments offering the right package will always attract buyers confident of investing their money in exceptional schemes in prime locations."

A new show apartment is due to open in October 2005. The remaining 100 apartments start from �165,000 for a one bedroom apartment to �1.2 million for a penthouse.

A far cry from the grim, urban wasteland of the past, Spinningfields is now one of the city's most vibrant business quarters - a striking manifestation of Manchester's dynamic attitude and its determination to position itself as the leading regional centre for financial and professional services.

It's huge and it's ambitious and you would expect nothing less of the original modern city.

Interior of a Leftbank apartment

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Size matters

With so many buildings going up in Manchester at an astonishing rate, it is difficult to get excited about a single development project. Until you take a look at Spinningfields, that is.