Today (November 11), the founders of luxury lifestyle brand, Nobu Hospitality and Salboy, the national property development and funding company, gathered to celebrate a groundbreaking ceremony on the site of Manchester’s newest skyscraper. Standing at 246 metres when it is expected to be completed in 2031, the tower is set to transform the fast-evolving Manchester skyline and become the city’s tallest skyscraper and the highest tower outside of London.
During the groundbreaking event, Robert De Niro, who co-owns Nobu and is known for his acting roles in The Godfather, Taxi Driver, and Goodfellas, admitted he “did not know much” about Manchester but said the city’s “real character and creative passion” were what made the company decide to launch here. The 82-year-old added: “I look forward to coming back when it’s finished, if not before. I plan to be around. I think it will take six years, so I will make sure I am around.”
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Inside Manchester’s tallest skyscraper
Developed in a partnership between Nobu Hospitality, Salboy, and construction firm Domis, the 76-storey tower will be home to a signature Nobu restaurant (Nobu Manchester), a 160-room luxury hotel (Nobu Hotel Manchester), and 452 branded Nobu residences (Nobu Residences Manchester). The tower has been designed by SimpsonHaugh Architects, who also designed Deansgate Square and Beetham Tower.
Nobu Manchester restaurant
The partners revealed at the groundbreaking ceremony that the Nobu restaurant, serving an innovative Japanese dining experience, will be situated on the ground floor of the tower, among the site’s original Grade 2 listed, Victorian viaduct arches. The vast brick arches will imbue the space with a strong sense of the city’s industrial heritage, marrying centuries-old architecture with modern cuisines.
Nobu Residences Manchester
The Nobu Residences Manchester mark Nobu’s entry into the UK’s luxury real estate market. Not only will the residences on the upper levels be some of the highest apartments and penthouses in Western Europe, but every property will be designed with refined Japanese-inspired interiors, and residences will enjoy premium amenities, including an exclusive swimming pool, a podium garden offering panoramic views over the city, a gym, and access to Nobu dining.
“Breaking ground in Manchester is a defining moment for Nobu in the UK.”
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, Nobu Hospitality’s Shareholders, commented: “Breaking ground in Manchester is a defining moment for Nobu in the UK — our first venture beyond London, and the introduction of Nobu Residences to this market. This landmark project — encompassing a hotel, restaurant and residences — marks the debut of Nobu Residences in the United Kingdom. Manchester’s global outlook and dynamic spirit align perfectly with the Nobu brand. We’re proud to bring our signature hospitality, dining and design to the city, and excited to offer both guests and residents an authentic Nobu experience.”
“This is our pièce de résistance.”
Fred Done, Co-founder of Salboy, said: “Ten years ago, Simon Ismail and I founded Salboy with a clear vision: to change Manchester’s skyline. I believe we are doing just that. I’ve been fortunate to experience exceptional cuisine and hospitality around the world, which is why we chose Nobu as our partner to help realise that vision. Best in class, best in creativity, the best of the best. This is our pièce de résistance— exactly what we wanted to bring to Manchester, the city of firsts. This is why it’s so fantastic to welcome Nobu to our wonderful city.”
When do residence sales launch and construction start for Nobu Manchester?
The groundbreaking event comes as Domis, a partner on the scheme, has started enabling works on site with intentions to start construction next year. Salboy expects to launch sales for Nobu Residences Manchester by Q2 2026.
How the Nobu hospitality brand began
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa opened his first restaurant, Matsuhisa, in Los Angeles in 1987. After partnering with actor Robert De Niro, he opened the first Nobu restaurant in New York in 1994 and, since then, has taken his inimitable approach to creating memorable dining experiences in over 50 restaurants worldwide. In 2013, the first Nobu Hotel opened in Las Vegas, paving the way for Chef Nobu, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper to bring Chef Nobu’s famed attention to detail, innovation, and flair to luxury hotels and branded residences.
