HISTORY

CONCEPTION

The Co-Op Group took inspiration from architecture around the globe and developed the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the first office building to incorporate air conditioning. The building continues to set new standards in creating stimulating work space. Inspired by Chicago’s impressive ‘inland steel building', construction of the CIS Tower began in 1959 and was completed in 1962.

• 1958
  Co-Operative Wholesale Society propose the construction of a new headquarters in Manchester.
• 1959
  1959 Construction of CIS Tower Begins.
• 1960
  Laying of Foundation Stone by Leonard Kassell, CWS Chairman.
• 1961
  Topping out ceremony performed by Mr Kassell.
• 1962
  CIS Tower formally opened by HRH Prince Phillip The Duke of Edinburgh.
• 1962 - Opening
  This 118 metre tall tower amounting to 700,000 sq ft of real estate accommodated over 2,500 employees in this state of the art headquarters. At this time it was the third tallest building in Europe.
• 2004 - Ahead of the game again
  The CIS Tower was clad with 7,000 solar panels creating the UK’s largest solar array and Europe’s largest vertical solar array.
• 2017
  Castlebrooke Investments acquired the iconic building from the Co-Op Group.
• 2020
  Castlebrooke Investments works on a comprehensive repositioning strategy to ensure it provides the best working environment in Manchester and again commands international status.
• 2021
  Exploratory internal strip out works commenced.