While the world seemed to stand still during lockdown, Manchester's skyline has continued to soar.
And if you haven't been into the city centre for a while, you might not have noticed the particularly striking new landmark that's appeared.
A brand new tower has appeared close to the Midland Hotel and Manchester Central - and it's been a hit with many of those who've spotted it so far.
The intricately-detailed white pillar was nicknamed the 'Granada Familiar' by one Twitter user, in reference to Gaudí's iconic Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona.
"There are hints of La Sagrada Familia in the design," another agreed.
Another fan wrote: "Impressive! Possibly a RIBA Stirling Prize candidate too looking at that."
But what is it?
The Tower of Light, as it's called, is an energy centre designed to power some of Manchester's most prominent buildings.
It will fuel the Central Library, Manchester Art Gallery, the Midland Hotel, Bridgewater Hall and Manchester Central conference centre, transmitting hot water and electricity through two kilometres of underground pipes.
The 40m sculptural structure will be lit up at night by LEDs, and is surrounded by a partially transparent ‘Wall of Energy’ allowing passers by on Lower Mosley Street to get a glimpse inside.
But while its architecture has been admired, it's not been without its controversy.
While it's been billed as 'highly efficient, low-carbon source of heat and power', it will be powered for now by natural gas - the third most polluting type of fossil fuel.
Manchester Council says the project, which is being delivered together with Vital Energi, is expected to save more than 3,100 tonnes of carbon emissions in its first five years, however.
But climate change activists say it doesn't go far enough.
The local authority has committed to halving its greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, with the aim of becoming zero carbon by 2038.
The scheme has been partly funded by a £3m grant from the government’s Heat Network Investment Project, with the council funding the rest.
