The G-Mex Centre exhibition hall. Beetham Tower, Manchester's tallest building under construction in the background.

Beetham Tower is claimed to be Europe's tallest residential building. It is 168.87m tall and will have 47 storeys. Apparently the height had to be reduced from the planned 171m because of the wind conditions, although most people will probably have trouble understanding why three metres are making any difference at all on a building that is that tall.

The bottom 23 floors will be occupied by the Hilton Hotel, while the remaining floors will contain 220 apartments, some of which overlooks Granda Studios and the Coronation Street set. From the top residents will have views of Snowdonia Liverpool and Blackpool Tower on clear days. On most days residents will of course be lucky to be able to view the rest of the city centre...