Nobu Hospitality co-founder Robert De Niro has joined developer Salboy in breaking ground on a 76-story, 246-meter skyscraper in Manchester that will house a Nobu Hotel, a signature Nobu restaurant and 452 branded residences.
The project marks one of the city’s most ambitious mixed-use developments and will become one of Manchester’s tallest buildings when completed.
The partners confirmed the start of enabling works following a groundbreaking ceremony on 11 November, with full construction scheduled to begin in 2026. Designed by SimpsonHaugh Architects, the tower combines hospitality, residential and dining components and represents Nobu’s most significant expansion in the United Kingdom since opening in London.
Nobu Hotel and residences anchor major new development
The development includes a 160-room Nobu Hotel and Nobu Residences Manchester, which will occupy the upper levels with Japanese-inspired interiors, citywide views and access to amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, podium garden and exclusive Nobu dining. The ground floor will feature the Nobu Manchester restaurant, positioned beneath restored Grade II-listed Victorian viaduct arches to blend the site’s industrial heritage with Nobu’s contemporary aesthetic.
At the ceremony, De Niro noted Manchester’s appeal for the brand’s expansion beyond the capital. “I look forward to coming back when it’s finished, if not before,” he said, citing the city’s “real character and creative passion” as reasons for choosing the location. The project is a collaboration between Nobu Hospitality, Salboy and construction partner Domis.
According to the developers, the scheme is designed to offer residents and hotel guests a seamless connection to Nobu’s lifestyle proposition, integrating hospitality services with private living amenities. The tower will introduce Nobu Residences to the UK for the first time, underscoring the brand’s strategy to expand into luxury residential offerings in key global markets.
The 246-meter tower is expected to become a new architectural landmark in a city already defined by rapid urban development and a growing cluster of high-rise buildings. The inclusion of both hotel and residential components places the project among Manchester’s most substantial mixed-use investments in recent years.
In a joint statement, the Nobu founders said: “This landmark project marks the debut of Nobu Residences in the United Kingdom. Manchester’s global outlook and dynamic spirit align perfectly with the Nobu brand.” The statement reflects the partners’ intention to integrate Nobu’s hospitality identity into the broader evolution of Manchester’s cityscape.
Salboy confirmed that enabling works are underway as part of the pre-construction phase, laying the foundation for large-scale construction in 2026. Sales for Nobu Residences Manchester are expected to open in Q2 2026, with the tower scheduled for completion in 2031. The long development timeline reflects the scale and complexity of delivering what will become one of the tallest structures in the region.
The project is part of a wider wave of investment reshaping central Manchester, driven by demand for high-end residential space, international hotel brands and mixed-use developments connected to transport links and cultural districts. Nobu’s arrival signals continued confidence in Manchester’s position as a global city capable of attracting major lifestyle and hospitality names.
Once completed, the skyscraper will add a high-profile hospitality and residential hub to the city, reinforcing the trend of luxury brands expanding beyond traditional capitals into regional centers with strong cultural and economic momentum. For Manchester, it represents a further step in redefining its skyline and expanding its appeal to international visitors and long-term residents alike.
