Robert De Niro pops up in Manchester to break ground on £360m Nobu skyscraper

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

“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.

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Featured image: Supplied