Hollywood a-lister Robert De Niro was in Manchester yesterday, to break ground on the new 246 metre tall Nobu skyscraper.
The movie star is a co-founder of Nobu Hospitality, which has revealed plans for a £360m tower in the heart of Manchester.
When it’s complete, the skyscraper will be the tallest outside of London, and will be home to a signature Nobu restaurant as well a 160-room hotel and 452 residences.
At the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday, Nobu Hospitality founders Robert De Niro, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Meir Teper joined Salboy’s co-founders Fred Done and Simon Ismail.
The new tower is set to complete in 2031, once again transforming Manchester’s skyline with its tallest skyscraper to date that will dwarf the likes of Deansgate Square and Beetham Tower.
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As well as first-class dining from one of the world’s best-known restaurant names, it’ll be bringing hundreds of new Nobu branded residences to town.
Yesterday, it was announced that the Nobu restaurant will be situated on the ground floor, among the site’s original Grade II-listed Victorian viaduct arches.
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Nobu Hospitality co-founders including Robert De Niro broke ground on Nobu Manchester this week
It’s hoped that the space will have a strong sense of Manchester’s industrial history to go with the modern cuisine.
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa opened his first restaurant, Matsuhisa, in Los Angeles in 1987, later partnering with Robert De Niro and launching in New York in 1994.
Now, there are more than 50 restaurants worldwide.
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As for the Nobu Residences, these will be 452 luxury home, some of which will be among the highest penthouses and apartments in Western Europe.
Residents in these Japanese-inspired homes will have access to premium amenities like an exclusive swimming pool, a podium garden, and a gym.
Salboy and Nobu Hospitality will be collaborating with award-winning designers, Bowley James Brindley.
Nobu Manchester will be the city’s tallest skyscraper when it completes. Credit: Supplied
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.
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“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, 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.
CGIs of the Nobu Manchester restaurant
“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.”
Simon Ismail, co-founder and CEO of Salboy, added: “Chef Nobu’s 30-year influence on our culinary tastes can not be understated and I look forward with huge anticipation for the impact he and his team have on Manchester’s established and ambitious dining scene.
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“As a proud Salfordian too, I’m keen to see how Chef Nobu and his team blend local produce and influences from the Northwest’s culinary heritage into the dishes and flavours they are famous for.
“Beyond the signature restaurant, which will look magnificent under the Victorian arches, being part of Nobu’s journey to extend its leadership in the global luxury hospitality and property markets is an honour.
“Manchester deserves luxury accommodation to match its growing position on the international stage and the Nobu team has the imagination and track record to make that happen.”
Enabling works are now underway, with intentions to start construction next year.
The ‘truly distinguished’ Grade II-listed house on the market for under £1m in the Greater Manchester countryside
Emily Sergeant
A Grade II-listed detached stone residence is on the market in one of Greater Manchester’s most sought-after rural villages.
And the best bit? It’s actually currently being listed at just under the £1 million mark.
Now, despite this being a little cheaper than others properties we feature, it goes without saying that the vast majority of us won’t have this kind of money just sitting in bank accounts right now… but if like us, you’ve got no shame in admitting you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.
This is Springwood House – an exceptional Grade II-listed four-bedroom detached family home that estate agents describe as being ‘truly distinguished’.
This is Springwood House / Credit: West Riding
Nestled in the heart of Delph village – which is one of Saddleworth’s best-loved residential areas, thanks to being within easy reaching distance of a wide range of amenities, good local schools, transport links, and of course, countryside – one of the most noticeable things about this property is just how many original features there are.
We’re talking original Victorian tiles, solid oak floors, and preserved period architrave and archway, sash windows, open fireplaces in nearly every room… the list goes on.
The property is lucky to boast several spacious reception rooms, dining room spaces, a bespoke kitchen that’s been thoughtfully designed to complement the property’s heritage with a convenient utility room, and even well-kept cellars.
The ‘truly distinguished’ Grade II-listed house is on the market for under £1m / Credit: West Riding
Once you ascend the beautiful staircase, you’ll find four generously proportioned bedrooms.
Two of the bedrooms benefit from their own ensuites, three retain original fireplaces, and all enjoy sash windows, fitted wardrobes or storage cupboards, and captivating views over the surrounding countryside.
There’s also two bathrooms – one featuring a freestanding bath and separate shower, and the other offering a shower over bath with exposed beams.
It’s nestled in the picturesque Saddleworth village of Delph, with countryside surrounds / Credit: West Riding
And, of course, just as you’d expect in a picturesque neighbourhood like this one, Springwood House is just as stunning outside as it is on the inside.
Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the property offers three separate seating areas positioned to enjoy the sun throughout the day, enhanced by the relaxing sound of the nearby river and pond, all set against the backdrop of the Saddleworth countryside.
The property also boasts ample off-road parking for multiple vehicles, and a substantial garage too.
This property is currently on the market with Uppermill-based independent estate agents, West Riding, for and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the agents to arrange a viewing.
Featured Image – West Riding
Property
Renting is now cheaper than buying across much of the UK – but not in one Greater Manchester area
Emily Sergeant
New statistics have revealed that renting a property is now cheaper than buying one across much of the UK.
But in one popular Greater Manchester area, it still remains the other way around.
According to leading property platform Rightmove, which has analysed the latest price data, the average monthly rent in Great Britain is now lower than a typical new mortgage payment – with the average advertised monthly rent nationwide being £1,547 and a new mortgage on a typical home currently costing around £1,670 a month.
This means that renters, for the first time since June 2025, are coming out £123 a month better off than buyers.
Rightmove says that, to arrive at that figure, it used the current average asking price of £373,971, paired with the average two-year fixed rate of 5.35% recorded so far in April, and with calculations assuming a 20% deposit and a 30-year term.
So, what has changed then? Well, the simple answer is that mortgage rates have gone up.
Renting a home is now cheaper than buying one across much of the UK / Credit: Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)
The average two-year fixed rate sat at 4.24% in February, but by April, it had climbed to 5.35%, and unfortunately, that increase is enough to push a new buyer’s monthly payment above what many people are currently paying in rent.
The national picture does not tell the whole story though, however, as there are real differences from one part of the country to another, largely driven by local property prices.
As mentioned earlier, there is one popular Greater Manchester residential area where buying is still cheaper than renting overall, according to the latest data – and that is Salford.
In Salford, the average asking price of a property is £245,478 with an average monthly mortgage repayment being £1,096, whereas the average monthly rent sits at £1,323, so this means that a +£277 difference.
Rightmove property experts say Salford is helped by ‘more affordable’ property prices keeping borrowing costs ‘in check’.
“Mortgage payments have risen quite sharply in a short space of time for new buyers,” commented Rightmove property expert, Colleen Babcock.
“It will be interesting to see whether more would-be buyers turn to renting temporarily while rates remain high, particularly when monthly costs can exceed average rents and the timing of rate cuts is still unclear.”
Daisy Jackson -
12th November 2025 
