Discover Manchester’s Beetham Tower
Dominating Manchester’s skyline with its striking glass exterior and bold architectural design, Beetham Tower is more than just a building—it’s a phoenix, which rose proudly from the ashes of destruction. Completed in 2006, this 47-story skyscraper was the first true high-rise of its kind outside London.
Designed by celebrated architect Ian Simpson, Beetham Tower has an innovative cantilever structure, shimmering glass blade, and dynamic dual-purpose design—housing the prestigious Hilton Manchester Deansgate Hotel and luxury residential apartments. Located at the crossroads of Deansgate and Great Bridgewater Street, the tower reflects a city that has reinvented itself. Today, visitors can enjoy a drink with a view on the 23rd floor, at its celebrated Cloud 23 Skybar.
The Inspiration for Beetham Tower, Manchester
The idea for Beetham Tower arose in the early 2000s during a period of significant regeneration in Manchester. The city sought to reinvent itself following the devastating 1996 IRA bombing and a period of post-industrial decline. The site chosen for the tower, near Deansgate and a disused section of a railway viaduct, held historical significance as the intersection of two Roman roads.
In July 2003, the Beetham Organisation submitted the planning application, and approval was granted by October of the same year. This skyscraper became a bold project aimed at drawing activity and connectivity to the south of Manchester’s city center, enhancing the area’s status. Upon its completion, Beetham Tower was celebrated as the tallest residential building in Europe and the tallest building in the UK outside London—a title it held until 2018.
Read more about the Romans in Manchester here: Mamucium - Manchester, United Kingdom | CityDays.
Creating the Beetham Tower
Construction of the £150 million project began in early 2004, with ground and foundation work starting before April. By mid-2005, the structure had already claimed the title of the seventh tallest building in England, with its concrete cores soaring to 122 meters. On 26th April 2006, the tower’s final height of 169 meters and over 525,000 square feet of space, (including the iconic glass blade) was achieved, marking its official "topping out."
By late 2006, the Hilton Manchester Deansgate Hotel, occupying the first 23 floors, (there are 47 floors in total) welcomed its first guests and residents began moving into the tower’s 219 luxury apartments and 16 exclusive penthouses in 2007.
Inside Beetham Tower, Manchester
The tower’s slender, crystalline form is easily recognisable by its distinctive glass "blade" atop the roof, which not only seems to lengthen its appearance but also doubles as a lightning rod. A unique 4-meter cantilever section on the north façade of the 23rd floor, distinguishes the transition between the lower hotel levels and the upper residential apartments.
Constructed using advanced post-tensioned concrete techniques, Beetham Tower is clad in a curtain-wall glass façade. Louvres and aluminum strips on various sides of the tower mitigate excessive solar gain while creating a dynamic appearance. On clear days, its 47 floors offer unparalleled views stretching across Manchester and beyond, including landmarks like Liverpool Cathedral, Snowdonia, and even Blackpool Tower.
Key features of the tower include:
- Luxury apartments: The upper floors house 219 residences, including the Orchid Suite, a triplex apartment with panoramic city views and private terraces on three levels.
- Hilton Hotel: Floors 1 to 22 are occupied by the Hilton Manchester Deansgate Hotel. There are 285 guest rooms, a ballroom, swimming pool, and conference facilities.
- Cloud 23: The 23rd floor hosts a chic skybar with glass floor panels for a dramatic view of the streets below.
- Popular Culture: Culturally, Beetham Tower provides views of the nearby Coronation Street set and has been featured in various media as a symbol of modern Manchester.
Note: The hotel’s location within the tower has led locals to refer to Beetham Tower as the "Hilton Tower", with its logo prominently displayed on all sides.
Incidents and Mysteries at Beetham Tower
One of the building’s most infamous and unintended features is the distinct hum or howl it emits during high winds. This sound, a low-pitched "B below middle C," originating from the glass blade at the top, is audible hundreds of meters away and has been likened to a UFO landing. Despite multiple efforts, including installing foam pads and aluminum nosing, the noise persists, making it a quirky aspect of Manchester life.
Other incidents include a fire on the 31st floor in 2009 and legal battles involving its ownership. These events, while dramatic, have done little to diminish the building’s reputation as a premier address in the city.
The Cultural Significance of Beetham Tower
Awards and Recognition
Beetham Tower has earned numerous accolades for its architectural brilliance. Some of its most notable awards include:
- RIBA Housing Excellence Award (2008)
- Best Tall Building by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (2007)
- Civic Trust Award (2008)
These honors highlight the tower’s contribution to Manchester’s architectural and urban landscape.
Debates and Controversy
Despite becoming a beloved feature of Manchester’s skyline, Beetham Tower has also sparked debate. Critics argue that its imposing presence disrupts the harmony of Manchester’s otherwise historic architecture. Some believe it hindered the city’s bid for UNESCO World Heritage status, which aimed to recognise its industrial heritage.
On the other hand, supporters argue that the tower reflects Manchester’s bold reinvention. Its towering form reflects the city's resilience and innovation, particularly following the 1996 IRA bombing that spurred widespread redevelopment.
Occupants of Beetham Tower
Beetham Tower’s architect, Ian Simpson, a partner at SimpsonHaugh and Partners, is celebrated for his work on other iconic structures such as Urbis in Manchester and Beetham Towers in Birmingham and London. He is also the Tower’s most famous occupant, residing in the top-floor penthouse, the highest residential space in Europe. Simpson’s two-story apartment, valued at £3 million, includes unique features like a semi-indoor garden with towering olive, lemon, and oak trees imported from Italy, which were added before the roof was completed.
Other occupants include a mix of hotel guests and permanent residents. Notably, the tower’s apartments experienced bidding wars in 2012 due to high demand, with some of the most exclusive units selling for millions. Despite initial challenges in the rental market, the tower now remains highly sought after.
Visiting Manchester’s Beetham Tower
While the residential floors are private, visitors can enjoy the luxurious amenities of the Hilton Hotel, including the renowned Cloud 23 bar. Located on the 23rd floor, Cloud 23 provides breathtaking views of Manchester, perfect for a sophisticated night out with friends, or a memorable occasion. Additionally, the hotel offers facilities like a pool, spa, and fine dining.
Explore Beyond Beetham Tower with CityDays
After marveling at Beetham Tower, why not uncover more of Manchester’s hidden gems with CityDays? Our scavenger and treasure hunt tours are perfect for team-building exercises, offering an interactive way to explore the city’s history, architecture, and culture.
Our Through the Ages hunt in particular takes visitors on a puzzle-filled exploration through Castlefield, along Manchester's industrial canals, and into the grand city centre.
Treasure Hunt tours are a great way to bring family and friends—or even dates and colleagues—together for an afternoon of great fun and adventure, solving clues and snapping photos. Clues will lead you to the big sights and those that you'd walk straight past.
For more information about our Manchester Scavenger Hunts, click here: Manchester Treasure & Scavenger Hunts | CityDays.
