Iconic Skyline...

The distinctive clock tower of The Palace Hotel, formerly the Refuge Assurance Building, has proudly dominated the Manchester skyline since 1912. Even today as modern high-rise spring up all around the old building at the corner of Oxford Road and Whitworth Street, it remains an major landmark of the city. The 217 feet high tower with a four face clock was designed by Paul Waterhouse, the son of Alfred Waterhouse (the architect responsible for Manchester Town Hall) who had previously designed the first part of the building. It was converted to a hotel in 1996 after the Refuge Assurance Company sold the building and moved to new premises.