See the development

The building now stands 168.87m (554ft) and 47 storeys above the city centre.

A four-star deluxe Hilton hotel will fill the first 23 floors and apartments occupy the rest. Ian Simpson, its architect will live in the penthouse.

A topping out ceremony was taking place on Wednesday, marking the completion of Beetham's highest point.

The tower was originally planned to stand at 171m (561ft) tall, but had to be changed because of local wind conditions.

The development, which stands at the crossroads of Deansgate, Great Bridgewater Street and Liverpool Road, is a glass tower that will be the highest residential development in Europe.

The UK's tallest tower is Canada Tower in London's Canary Wharf, at 778ft (237m) tall.

If I make any mistakes, I have to live with them Ian Simpson Beetham architect and penthouse resident Would you live so high up?

Residents will have unrivalled views of Snowdonia, Liverpool and Blackpool Tower from Beetham, which now dominates the Manchester skyline.

The building, close to Granada's studios, even offers "over the wall" views of the nearby Coronation Street set.

Mr Simpson's top floor apartment is said to give him the furthest views of any resident in the UK.

He said Beetham was "a marked for regeneration and change" in the city.

He added: "It signals the perception that Manchester had changed for good.

"Living in your own building is something very special and the views are spectacular as well.

"But if I make any mistakes, I'll have to live with them, that's the problem!"

The other 219 apartments in Beetham have all been sold.