There is a location where you can see the Manchester skyline over water. It's the view along the River Irwell from Old Trafford.
It may not quite be the river Mersey, but it gives a tantalising glimpse of how Manchester might look if it had a waterfront.
Actually, it does have a waterfront - Salford Quays, or... The Quays.
But there's another waterfront area, potential, that could fulfil many of the things. It's the disused Pomona Docks area, which runs along the east side of the River Irwell / Manchester Ship Canal between the city centre and The Quays. It's just visible on the right of this image.
This area has fantastic potential, is in a great location - I'd love to see a group of skyscrapers here.
As for the issue of grouping tall buildings, Manchester City Council's policy has been to leave things to the market. It's difficult to group skyscrapers when land is privately owned and plots are dotted around the city.
The main tall building to appear in Manchester in the 60s are all on blitzed sites. So thanks to enemy action for creating Manchester's post-war skyline.