Robert De Niro ‘proud to be part of Manchester’

Hollywood legend Robert De Niro said he was “proud to be part of Manchester” as work began on the city’s tallest skyscraper.
The Godfather, Taxi Driver and Goodfellas star is a major investor behind Nobu Manchester, a 76-storey tower set to include luxury apartments, a fine dining restaurant, and a 160-room hotel.

Developed by Salboy and operated by Nobu Hospitality — a company co-owned by De Niro — the project will take six years to complete. Once finished, the 246-metre structure will become the tallest building in the UK outside London.

“Manchester has real character — it’s creative, passionate and strong,” said De Niro.
“I look forward to coming back when it’s finished. Everyone is lovely here, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

A symbol of international growth

Designed by architect Ian Simpson, the Nobu Manchester Tower will feature a swimming pool, spa, gym, and rooftop garden.
A second, 23-storey building will be built on Great Bridgewater Street, offering 133 affordable apartments.

The Nobu brand was launched in 1994 by De Niro, film producer Meir Taper, and celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
After opening its first restaurant in New York, the chain has expanded worldwide — and Manchester will become Nobu’s second UK location, following London.

“Manchester has been booming for more than a decade,” said Simon Ismail, managing director of Salboy.
“Attracting a brand like Nobu is huge — it brings global prestige and sets the tone for further growth.”

Manchester rises on the global stage

Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig called the development “a symbol that international businesses are choosing Manchester.”
“It’s not every day you see Robert De Niro buying an apartment in Deansgate,” she joked.
“We’ve long said we want to be a world-class city — and attracting global names like Nobu proves we’re on the right path.”

The first phase of the project — a 40-storey tower with 362 apartments built above historic Victorian railway arches — was completed in 2024 on the site of the old Manchester Central station.