Nobu plants a flagship hotel-and-residence project in Manchester as Robert De Niro joins Salboy for the ground‑breaking

Star-studded ceremony kicks off construction in central Manchester

Robert De Niro visited Manchester on December 19, 2025, to take part in a ground‑breaking ceremony for a new Nobu Hospitality development alongside local developer Salboy. The event marked the formal start of work on a mixed hotel and residential scheme in the city centre. Members of the Nobu leadership team and Salboy executives attended the ceremony, which the developer billed as a milestone for both Mancunian regeneration and the Nobu brand’s expansion in the UK.

What the Manchester scheme will include — uses, scale and partners

The project will combine a Nobu-branded hotel with private residences and hospitality space such as restaurants and leisure areas. Salboy, the Manchester developer behind several high‑profile towers in the city, is leading the scheme with Nobu Hospitality operating the hotel and its signature dining offering.

Developers described the scheme as a large city‑centre, mixed‑use building that aims to bring a luxury hotel experience together with long‑stay residences. The announcement framed the development as a significant private investment in Manchester’s core urban area; Salboy said the build will require substantial capital and take multiple years from start to finish. Construction partners and financiers were named by the developer at the event, and Salboy said work will follow the usual planning and approvals before moving into full construction.

Exact costs and detailed unit counts were not published in full at the ceremony. The developer described the project in broad terms as a major contribution to the hotel and residential supply in the city rather than a small, boutique addition.

Highlights from the groundbreaking — who spoke and what they said

The ceremony brought together Robert De Niro and Nobu’s founding team with Salboy’s leadership. Speakers praised the local workforce and the city’s vibrancy. De Niro spoke about the appeal of bringing the Nobu hospitality concept to Manchester and his long‑standing involvement with the brand; Nobu’s founders reflected on the opportunity to blend hospitality and cultural life in a northern city. Salboy executives framed the project as a sign of confidence in Manchester’s long‑term prospects.

The event included the usual ribbon and turf‑turning rituals. Remarks were upbeat and promotional in tone, emphasising the project’s benefits for the city and for guests who will visit once the hotel opens.

Local jobs, tourism and neighbourhood change — what the backers say and what to watch

Salboy and its partners said the development will create construction work during the build and permanent roles once the hotel and residences open. The developer highlighted potential boosts to local tourism and spending in nearby shops and restaurants, arguing the scheme will help Manchester attract high‑end visitors and longer‑stay guests.

City officials at the event welcomed the investment and framed it as part of broader regeneration efforts in the centre. That said, the job and visitor figures quoted by promoters are promotional estimates designed to illustrate impact; independent estimates of long‑term benefits often differ when wider economic effects are modelled.

Nearby residents and community groups are likely to watch how the project affects local housing markets, daytime footfall and traffic. Luxury hotel and residence schemes can bring more visitors and spending, but they also tend to raise questions about affordability and how neighbourhood character changes over time.

Who the partners are and how this fits their track records

Nobu Hospitality is a globally recognised hospitality brand known for restaurants and luxury hotels that combine Japanese cuisine with a high‑end service model. Robert De Niro is among the founders and has taken a public role in many of the brand’s hotel launches around the world.

Salboy is a Manchester‑based developer known for high‑rise residential schemes and urban regeneration projects. The company has previously delivered tall, high‑density housing blocks in the city and has positioned this project as a move into mixed hospitality and residential development rather than pure apartment building.

Next steps and what to watch as the project moves forward

The next milestones are standard: securing final planning conditions, completing detailed construction contracts, and moving through the phases of demolition, piling and structure. Salboy said the team will follow the agreed timetable, with fit‑out and opening dates to be revealed closer to completion. Locals and businesses should watch planning paperwork and council notices for detailed timelines and any community agreements promised as part of the scheme.

This story is informational: the ground‑breaking is a symbolic start, and the project will take considerable time before it reshapes the surrounding streets.

Sources

• prnewswire.com