It ranks as the most ambitious of several proposed schemes that could turn Manchester city centre into a high-rise residential area.

CQ Investments, part of construction group Renaker Build, aims to build 1,400 flats on the site between Owen Street and Deansgate.

The four towers will range from 37 storeys to 64 storeys high, overshadowing Manchester’s present tallest building the Beetham Tower at 47 storeys.

Designed by Simpson Haugh & Partners, with Beetham Tower designer Ian Simpson, the glazed towers will feature unusual inverted facades on each face of the buildings.

The scheme has been designed to appeal to both PRS and owner occupiers. Separate plans for two 27-storey and 35-storey towers near Deansgate Locks have already been approved.

If the more ambitious plan gets the go-ahead, residents will have access to an indoor tennis court, swimming pool and spa, along with a gym, beauty treatment facilities, cinema and rooftop bar.

Developers are also planning three levels of basement parking, complete with a pick-up and drop-off zone.

Subject to planning construction work could start as early as this autumn, with completion due in 2020.