The first skyscraper ever built in Manchester has gone up for sale.
The CIS Tower is a familiar pillar of the city centre skyline, standing in the NOMA development near Manchester Victoria and the Northern Quarter.
The 26-storey building was previously home to Cooperative Insurance but is currently vacant.
Built in the 1960s, the Grade II-listed tower was briefly the tallest building in the UK.
Last year, the building was relaunched as ‘vertical community’ Society, promising to deliver the ‘best working environment in the city’.
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The CIS Tower in Manchester city centre, now known as Society. Credit: Geograph
The CIS Tower in Manchester city centre, now known as Society. Credit: Unsplash
The hunt is now on to find a new owner for this landmark commercial property, which will have food, drink and retail space at street level as well as 143,527 sq ft of workspace in the tower, and a further 207,379 sq ft in the podium element.
Marketing materials from Castlebrooke Investments, BSB (Bampton Satchwell Bull) and Colliers state: “Society has been designed to provide a vibrant stimulating working environment at the heart of Manchester’s most exciting district.
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“The design philosophy has been to respond to occupiers needs and aspirations – both “work and play”, and create a “vertical community” that connects to the wider community and is accessible to all.
The CIS Tower in Manchester city centre, now known as Society. Credit: SocietyMCR
“The creation of such an iconic building whilst cognisant of technical and operational needs in the form of best design guidance – has responded to create a place of enjoyment and fulfilment which will help in attracting and retaining talent and a place that occupiers customers and partners will enjoy.”
A spokesperson from Castlebrooke said: “Castlebrooke has worked strategically alongside core stakeholders to put measures in place to deliver what is now believed to be the best ‘oven ready’ redevelopment opportunity in Manchester.
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“The global prestige and iconic reputation of the former CIS Tower, alongside Castlebrooke’s compelling vision for the scheme, has brought about interest from investors/developers across the globe.
“As such, we believe now is the right time to offer the opportunity up to one of the many interested parties to take the asset forward.”
At the time the Society plans were revealed last year, Sir Richard Leese, then-leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is a landmark site with a proud history which has been honoured through Castlebrooke’s sympathetic redevelopment programme.
“Society complements the established neighbourhood of vibrant communities in this part of the city and marks an exciting new era for the building and a creative re-imagining of an established working environment, which Manchester’s business community will no doubt embrace.”
Featured image: SocietyMCR
Property
Inside the £1m historic terrace for sale on one of Greater Manchester’s most sought-after streets
Emily Sergeant
A Grade II-listed property forming part of one of Greater Manchester’s most historic and sought-after rows has gone on the market.
And if you happen to have £1 million you’re willing to part with, then it could be yours.
Now, of course, as we always say before we write about these stunning homes, it goes without saying that the vast majority of us won’t have this kind of money just chilling in bank accounts right now, but if like us, you’ve got no shame in admitting you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
This five-bedroom end terraced property sits pretty on The Downs – which is by far one of the most recognisable row of houses in Altrincham – and it’s wrapped in the distinguished architecture of the 1830s, both on the outside and the inside.
With accommodations beautifully arranged over four floors, estate agents describe the home as being simply ‘exceptional’.
Benefitting from being just a stone’s throw from the thriving market town of Altrincham and everything that makes it so beloved, as well being only a 10-minute stroll to Hale village, this Grade II-listed gem manages to blend contemporary comfort with the timeless elegance of its historic 19th century surroundings.
Some of the property’s stand-out features have to be – and trust us, it’s hard to narrow down – the open-plan lounge and dining space that flows seamlessly into the stylish kitchen, and outside to the private outdoor terrace, and an additional enclosed walled garden.
There’s three generous-sized double bedrooms on the first floor of the home, while the attic level houses a tranquil en-suite escape at the top.
This £1m historic terrace is for sale on one of Greater Manchester’s most sought-after rows / Credit: Clifford Saunt Homes
The newly converted basement level provides an ‘impressive’ extra dimension to the home, according to estate agents, as well as the fifth and final bedroom – ideal for guests.
And, of course, the location of the home itself is a huge selling point for prospective buyers.
Altrincham is often named as being one of the best places to live in the UK, and for being perfect for families, in particular, thanks to its easy access to a wide range of amenities, excellent local schooling options, transport links into Greater Manchester and beyond, and for having green spaces on the doorstep.
This property is currently on the market with Altrincham-based estate agents, Clifford Saunt Homes, for Offers Over £1 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the agents to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosy at the Rightmove link here.
Featured Image – Clifford Saunt Homes
Property
Inside the most expensive apartment for rent in Manchester that looks like a five-star hotel
Daisy Jackson
A new apartment has gone on the rental market in Manchester that’s immediately become the most expensive in the city.
The luxurious penthouse has three bedrooms, its own cinema room, and access to an 18m swimming pool, jacuzzi and steam room.
Its fixtures and fittings are so lavish, it looks like a five-star hotel – and for good reason, because this apartment actually belongs to the residential arm of a premium aparthotel brand.
Coming in at a mere £15,000 per month (the ‘mere’ was sarcastic), this swish home is part of CitySuites II in Embankment West.
It’s actually so expensive, it comes in a whopping £2,500 a month more expensive than the next most-expensive apartment, which is one of the Deansgate Square penthouses.
The new Embankment West neighbourhood is in Salford, just across the river from Deansgate and Spinningfields.
And while CitySuites is maybe best-known for its aparthotel, short-stay offering, they also have a number of long-term residences – like this particular fancy SuperSuites penthouse.
The poolThe open-plan living space at the penthouseA huge bathroomThe dining area
It includes an open-plan living space with a fully equipped designer kitchen, a dining area, and a plush lounge and cinema room, with views of Manchester Cathedral from one of two balconies.
There are three bedrooms, each with hotel-quality king-size beds, a spa-inspired bathroom with rainfall shower, smart technology, high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, and plenty more.
And it gets the future tenant access to CitySuites II’s premium facilities, like an 18m swimming pool, jacuzzi and steam room, a 24-hour state-of-the-art gym, and a 24 hour concierge.
The apartment also comes with private car parking, and private lift access.
Daisy Jackson -
28th June 2022 
