The appearance of the hospitality brand’s co-owner added a dose of celebrity to the ceremony, which saw Salboy’s Domis kick off construction of the 76-storey skyscraper, targeting a 2031 opening.
Rising 246 metres out of Albion Street, the £360m build has materialised thanks to a partnership between developer Salboy and the Nobu brand, co-owned by A-lister Robert De Niro, chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and Meir Teper, who were all in attendance.
Nobu is set to host a ground floor restaurant within the tower, as well as 452 apartments and a 160-key hotel.
Sales of its studios and one- and two-bedroom flats are set to start in early 2026, with a starting price tag understood to be no lower than £500,000.
Viadux Two has been designed by SimpsonHaugh Architects. As Nobu’s first UK venue outside of London, the scheme will add to the brand’s 60 restaurants, 20 residences, and 40 hotels already in its portfolio.
The 11 ft model shows the building next to the existing Viadux and the smaller, affordable part of the Viadux Two development. Credit: PNW
A swimming pool, spa, podium garden, gym, and Nobu dining and in-room service are all part of the Nobu offer.
Salboy’s development also features a standalone, 100% affordable 23-storey block, a first for the city.
Robert De Niro, co-founder of Nobu, said: “Manchester has real character and creative passion”, though he admitted he “did not know much” about the city.
“I’m hoping to come back when it’s finished, I’m hoping I’m still around.” He added. The skyscraper is expected to take six years to build.
De Niro said the occasion was “very different” to winning an Oscar. Credit: PNW
Simon Ismail, managing director of Salboy, said: “This is the new Manchester landmark. This is right in the city centre – you’re not going to get a tower like this again.
“To entice the likes of Nobu, and all they bring in terms of the quality and brand and exposure, it is enormous, and I think it’s the catalyst to really push on and do more in the city.”
He added: “Chef Nobu’s 30-year influence on our culinary tastes cannot 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.
“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.”
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is a city that is going places.
“Why can’t we combine the ambition of world-class excellence with the achievement of opportunities for everyone across our city?
“Having top-class excellence right at the heart of our hospitality, in a beautifully designed building, that pays homage to our industrial heritage, for me, is what being a world-class city is about.”
The tower will be built on top of Victorian arches, which will sensitively be restored, and within the site of the world’s first passenger train station.
Manchester City Council gave its approval for the scheme in April 2025.
Planit, Deloitte, Artal, Jameson Acoustics, Renaissance, Ridge, SLR Consulting, WSP, GIA, Penny Anderson Associates, The University of Salford, Stephen Levrant: Heritage Architecture, Design Fire Consultants, Brownfield Solutions, and Architectural Aerodynamics all contributed to the project.
