Nobu Manchester expected to 'transform' city 

The upcoming opening of Nobu Manchester is expected to “transform” the city, according to shareholders. 

The property, which is slated to launch in 2031, will house a 160-room hotel and 452 branded residences within a 246-metre-high skyscraper – reportedly the tallest in the UK outside of London. 

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Manchester on November 11 with Nobu founders chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, and property development company Salboy. 

Speaking at the event, chief executive of Salboy, Simon Ismail, said: “To entice the likes of Nobu [to Manchester] and what they bring in terms of quality and brand exposure is enormous. I think this is a catalyst to really push on and do more in the city.”

The leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, added: “We’ve been pitching ourselves for a while as a fast-growing, leading city but the reality is, until we drive up quality and have ambition to create high-quality and beautiful things for people to enjoy, we’ll always be lacking. That’s why Nobu is such an exciting prospect to welcome to our city.”

Led by design firm Bowley James Brindley, the property’s interiors will “marry Nobu’s commitment to elevated curated living experiences with a strong sense of Manchester’s industrial and cultural heritage”.

In further homage to the city’s history, the brand’s signature restaurant will be situated on the ground floor beneath the site’s original Grade II-listed Victorian viaduct arches.

Residents will have access to a private swimming pool, rooftop garden and gym. 

Chief executive of Nobu Hospitality, Trevor Horwell, said: “Each of our hotels is bespoke to the destination that we’re in. We want our hotels to have soul and personality and that is something this development will have. It’s not just going to be a hotel, it’s going to be a destination for people visiting Manchester and for the locals.” 

Construction is set to begin next year.