Robert De Niro, widely recognized as a Hollywood icon and co-owner of the Nobu brand, is involved in developing a new skyscraper in Manchester, set to dramatically alter the city’s skyline. This Robert De Niro skyscraper, a £350 million project, is planned to reach 246 metres tall and will become the UK‘s third tallest building once completed, surpassing all structures outside London.
The tower will include a 160-room hotel, 452 privately-owned serviced residences, and a Nobu restaurant. Construction is expected to begin this year, with the project scheduled for completion before 2030.
Speaking in November 2025, De Niro expressed his anticipation:
I look forward to coming back when it is finished, if not before,
Robert De Niro, Actor. He also noted,
I think it is going to take six years and I plan to be around.
On his experience visiting Manchester, he added:
I haven’t seen the city yet but I’d like to come back. Everyone is very nice, we’re having a very nice time. It’s great being here in Manchester because it has real character, we’re proud to be part of it.
Robert De Niro, Actor.
Overview of Nobu Manchester Development
Nobu Manchester marks the Nobu group’s first foray into hotel and residential development in the UK, with the Manchester restaurant being their second location in Britain after Nobu London. In addition to the skyscraper, the project includes a 23-storey building on Great Bridgewater Street that will contain 133 residences aimed at affordable housing.
Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, praised the development by remarking:
It’s not everyday you watch Robert De Niro take out an apartment in Deansgate is it?
Bev Craig, Manchester City Council Leader. She further described the project as
symbol that international businesses are choosing Manchester
and described it as an endorsement of the city’s global ambitions.
Craig emphasized the importance of attracting global names to Manchester, stating:
The fact we are seeing global names — not just actors — but global businesses that only go to cities where they will be successful is a big boost for Manchester.
Bev Craig, Manchester City Council Leader.
The Origins and Growth of the Nobu Brand
The Nobu brand began in 1994 as a Japanese–Peruvian restaurant co-founded by Robert De Niro, celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and businessman Meir Teper. The partnership originally started after De Niro, a frequent diner at Matsuhisa’s Los Angeles restaurant, suggested launching a business together in the late 1980s, with Matsuhisa initially reluctant before later agreeing.
Since then, Nobu has gained a worldwide reputation as a celebrity hotspot, attracting high-profile figures such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Oprah Winfrey, David and Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian. The brand has expanded into a global empire with more than 50 restaurants and 40 hotels.
Implications for Manchester’s Skyline and Economy
The Robert De Niro skyscraper will redefine Manchester’s skyline by setting a new height record for the city and the UK outside London. It reflects the city’s emergence as a center for international investment and the growth of luxury living and hospitality sectors.
The blend of luxury residences, hotel accommodations, and fine dining rooted in a globally recognized brand like Nobu signals a significant shift for Manchester. This project is expected to increase tourism, create jobs, and elevate the city’s global profile in hospitality and real estate.
As construction progresses, anticipation remains high concerning the building’s impact on Manchester’s identity and urban development. The involvement of Robert De Niro himself adds a unique cultural aspect, linking the city with international celebrity influence.
