World-famous Nobu is heading to Manchester for the first time, backing the city’s soon-to-be tallest skyscraper, Viadux 2.
Nobu Hospitality, co-founded by Hollywood great Robert De Niro, has unveiled plans for a landmark hotel and restaurant in the city centre, along with the first Nobu-branded residences.
The proposed partnership is with Salboy and will introduce Viadux 2 as the tallest building outside London.
Standing at 246 metres, the £360m property development would dwarf Manchester’s current tallest skyscraper at Deansgate Square.
Nobu plans to bring its signature blend of luxury hospitality and world-class dining to the heart of Manchester, with 160 hotel rooms, event spaces, and a signature Nobu restaurant and bar, all housed within the 76-storey tower.
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There’ll also be 452 Nobu residences – the brand’s first foray into the UK’s luxury real estate market.
Each ‘residence’ (or flat, to us Mancs), will have Japanese details and premium amenities, including Nobu room service.
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There’ll also be an exclusive swimming pool, spa, podium garden and gym, as well as a dedicated experience team.
Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality said: “We are proud to include Manchester in our global collection, with its vibrant culture and growing global status.
“Strong partnerships are essential to our success, and with Salboy, Fred Done, and Simon Ismail, we have the best-in-class partners with a solid reputation and a world-renowned vision.
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“Having grown up in the area, I am personally immensely proud of this project in a city that continues its evolution as a global destination for luxury hospitality.
“Manchester is home to world-class developments, a thriving culinary scene, and a growing demand for high-end lifestyle experiences.
“None of our locations are cookie cutter; we wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of each destination. We are delighted to be working with Salboy to blend the Nobu experience with the essence of Manchester.”
Fred Done, Co-founder of Salboy & Betfred, added: “For decades, I’ve travelled extensively while growing my businesses and exploring a vast array of dining experiences. Yet, Nobu has consistently set the benchmark for fine dining, offering impeccable cuisine and unparalleled hospitality wherever I go, whether in New York, Singapore, or soon in Manchester.
“I’m truly excited to welcome the Nobu team to Manchester. As a businessman, I understand why Robert De Niro and his partners chose to invest in Nobu. It is about more than just money; it is about bringing this level of class to Manchester and celebrating what it means for the city.”
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Simon Ismail, co-founder of Salboy, said: “This £360 million deal for Nobu Manchester will take the city to new heights in terms of service, cuisine, and experience. Chef Nobu’s cuisine, renowned worldwide, has influenced dining across the globe.
“Even if you haven’t dined at a Nobu restaurant, you have likely experienced dishes inspired by his innovations. As the original innovator in fine dining, Chef Nobu popularised a blend of cuisines in exciting new ways, leaving a lasting influence on every modern restaurant you see today.
“We are excited to unveil plans for the UK’s first Nobu-branded residences and hotel, with this signature hospitality offering at its heart.”
Manchester rent is now ‘41% more expensive than five years ago, according to a recent study
Danny Jones
Yes, that’s right, as per some of the latest data on leased housing in central Manchester, it’s now approximately 41% more expensive to rent here than it was half a decade ago.
If you’ve lived in and around the city centre for long enough, chances are that you’ve already been feeling that difference, especially of late.
The ongoing cost-of-living crisis roughly began in 2021, following the economy and the world essentially opening back up after multiple lockdowns, so it’s little surprise that new research has shown affordability when it comes to renting has been on a slump ever since, too.
As well as the price of seemingly most things in everyday life going up post-pandemic, the average rental rate for even just a one-bedroom flat/apartment has jumped up significantly between 2020 and 2025.
Even some ‘available’ housing in town is being hampered by claddin (Credit: Valienne via WikiCommons)
That’s according to the numbers crunched by credit card experts, Zable, anyway.
Not only did their recent report cite the rent prices going up even before the cost of living crisis – essentially following the outset of the Covid-19 outbreak – but if their figures, the rate of inflation and the unwaveringly high demand for housing are anything to go by, this trajectory is likely to continue in 2026.
As of February this year, around one in three UK households is now a single-person occupancy, which already comes with its challenges (the Manchester City Council tax discount being a thin lifeline for countless), not to mention energy bills and the cost of groceries continuing on an upwards trend.
Put in the simplest and most reductive terms, it’s now almost £300 dearer for most people to live on their own than it was back in 2020, and besides Liverpool clocking in as second on the list of increasingly expensive cities to live (a 42.12% increase), Manchester came in third.
You can see the full table down below:
Rank
City
% increase – 2020-2025
Difference from 2020 to 2025 in £
Average rental cost for a 1 bed 2025
1
Newport
47.39%
£2,611
£8,121
2
Liverpool
42.12%
£2,290
£7,727
3
Manchester
41.00%
£3,364
£11,569
4
Edinburgh
40.28%
£4,620
£16,090
5
Leicester
39.93%
£2,391
£8,379
6
Wolverhampton
39.22%
£2,049
£7,273
7
Nottingham
39.07%
£2,400
£8,543
8
Glasgow
38.02%
£2,679
£9,725
9
Colchester
37.63%
£2,617
£9,572
10
Cardiff
37.06%
£2,828
Average rental cost for a 1-bed 2025
Another fear is that with lots of people finding it hard to manage living in other major cities like London, even those moving to Manchester are also having an impact on how available affordable housing is here.
That’s why schemes such as the new ‘social rent’ development over in Wythenshawe are so important to the current generations of renters, with the possibility of owning your own property in the future becoming increasingly difficult for so many.
It’s also worth noting that Manchester ranked fourth among the British locations where the cost of living is said to have increased the most over the past five years, with the average difference in annual spend growing by an estimated 22.84%.
Inside the £1.3m Bolton gatehouse considered a ‘remarkable’ piece of local history
Emily Sergeant
A magnificent Grade II-listed gatehouse in an affluent area of Bolton has gone on the market, and it’s your chance to own a piece of local history.
You will need a small matter of £1.3 million before you’re able to call it yours, though.
Now, as we always say before we write about these stunning homes, 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 Lostock Hall Gatehouse – a breathtaking Grade II-listed residence that’s believed to date back to the late sixteenth century.
Tucked away in ‘complete seclusion’ in the sought-after Bolton area of Lostock – which is known and loved by families thanks to its varied housing options, excellent local schools, convenient transport links, and proximity to amenities including Middlebrook Retail Park – this extraordinary five-bedroom link detached property is described as being ‘rich’ in heritage and architectural significance.
The home has been thoughtfully enhanced over time to introduce refined features for modern life, all while preserving plenty of original features.
Set behind imposing electric gates and nestled on a plot of just under three quarters of an acre, Lostock Hall Gatehouse is divided into two detached buildings, which estate agents say offers ‘unparalleled’ versatility for multi-generational living, business use, leisure space, or even guest accommodation.
This is the impressive Lostock Hall Gatehouse in Bolton / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The main residence is packed with bags of character – think an original stone frontage, charming mullion windows, feature fireplaces, exposed beams, expansive rooms, and so much more.
Some of the other stand-out features in the main house include two impressive reception rooms, a beautifully presented country-style kitchen, and five large bedrooms arranged over two floors.
A short walk from the main residence stands a substantial two-storey detached building, which is in need of some refurbishment for sure, but estate agents say it presents exceptional potential and flexibility for a wide variety of uses.
It’s currently on the market for £1.3 million / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
Just as you’d expect, the outside of the Lostock Hall Gatehouse is almost an impressive as the inside, as it boasts manicured lawns and gardens stretching beautifully across the plot and designed to be enjoyed in every season.
The large private driveway also provides off-road parking for several vehicles.
This property is currently on the market with the Bolton branch of local estate agency chain, Miller Metcalfe, for £1.3 million, and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the agents to arrange a viewing.
Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosy at the Rightmove link here.
Daisy Jackson -
21st March 2025 
