Beetham Tower in Manchester, UK, completed

Soaring 171m above ground level, Manchester’s Beetham Tower is now officially the UK‘s tallest residential building. The project was completed yesterday and celebrated with a breathtaking firework display which could be seen for miles around. The first 23 storeys of the building will house a 5-star 285-bed Hilton Hotel due to open at the end of July 2006. The prime residence – the 8,000 square foot penthouse and the highest home in Britain – will be occupied by Ian Simpson, the tower’s architect.