A groundbreaking ceremony was held today for Manchester's newest and tallest skyscraper, a massive 76-story tower that will transform the city's skyline when completed in 2031. The 246-meter tower will house 160 luxury hotel rooms, a signature Nobu restaurant and bar, plus 452 Nobu residences, marking the brand's first venture outside London and its debut in the UK residential market.

The project represents a collaboration between luxury lifestyle brand Nobu Hospitality, national property development company Salboy, and construction firm Domis. Standing at 246 meters tall, the tower is set to become not only Manchester's tallest skyscraper but also the highest tower outside of London, dramatically reshaping the rapidly evolving Manchester skyline.

Robert De Niro, the 82-year-old Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in "The Godfather," "Taxi Driver," and "Goodfellas," co-owns Nobu and attended the groundbreaking ceremony. Despite admitting he didn't know much about Manchester initially, De Niro said the city's authentic character and creative passion convinced the company to establish their presence there. "I look forward to coming back when it's finished, if not before. I plan to be around," De Niro commented. "I think it will take six years, so I will make sure I am around."

The tower has been designed by SimpsonHaugh Architects, the same firm responsible for iconic Manchester buildings including Deansgate Square and Beetham Tower. The 76-story structure will be home to three distinct Nobu-branded components: Nobu Manchester restaurant, Nobu Hotel Manchester, and Nobu Residences Manchester.

The Nobu restaurant will offer an innovative Japanese dining experience and will be strategically located on the ground floor of the tower, uniquely situated among the site's original Grade 2 listed Victorian viaduct arches. These vast brick arches will create a distinctive atmosphere that blends the city's rich industrial heritage with modern culinary innovation, marrying centuries-old architecture with contemporary Japanese cuisine.

The Nobu Residences Manchester represent a significant milestone as they mark Nobu's entry into the UK's luxury real estate market. Located on the upper levels of the tower, these residences will be among the highest apartments and penthouses in Western Europe. Each property will feature refined Japanese-inspired interiors and residents will have access to premium amenities including an exclusive swimming pool, a podium garden offering panoramic views over the city, a state-of-the-art gym, and privileged access to Nobu dining experiences.

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, who serve as Nobu Hospitality's shareholders, issued a joint statement about the project's significance. "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," they said. "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."

Fred Done, Co-founder of Salboy, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, calling it the company's "pièce de résistance." Done explained, "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 realize 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."

Construction activities are already underway, with partner firm Domis having started enabling works on the site with plans to begin full construction next year. According to Salboy's timeline, sales for Nobu Residences Manchester are expected to launch by the second quarter of 2026, giving potential buyers the opportunity to secure their place in this historic development.

The Nobu brand has a rich history that began when 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. Since then, the brand has expanded its distinctive approach to creating memorable dining experiences to 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 extend the chef's renowned attention to detail, innovation, and flair to luxury hotels and branded residences around the globe.

When completed in 2031, this tower will represent a new chapter for Manchester's urban landscape and establish the city as a major destination for luxury hospitality and residential living in the UK market.