The tower has been designed by Ian Simpson Architects. It will include 185,000 sf of apartments--90% of which have already been pre-sold--a 285-bedroom, five-star hotel covering 230,000 sf which will be operated by Hilton International and 70,000 sf of office space. Ancillary functions include a conference centre, ballroom, health club, shops and restaurants and construction is due to begin in February 2004.

Opposite the Beetham Tower site, Property Alliance has applied for planning consent for a 34,500-sf five-storey office building on its 340 Deansgate site. If planning consent is granted in November it anticipates starting on site before the end of 2003.

Alliance Director Nick Pentith said: "'there has been genuine strong interest in the scheme already with potential occupiers attracted by both the accessibility of the scheme and it's proximity to Castlefield and the facilities offered there. We look forward to contributing to the ongoing revival of this end of Deansgate."