Robert De Niro said he is ‘proud to be part’ of Manchester as work began on his £360million skyscraper which will be the city’s biggest.
The legendary actor, 82, has backed the construction of Nobu Manchester, a 807ft tall, 76-storey tower to be built in Deansgate – the vibrant mile-long road that runs through the city centre.
The tower, which will feature 452 homes and house a 160-bedroom hotel, will be constructed by Salboy and then operated by Nobu Hospitality, a company co-owned by the American.
The building will be Britain’s tallest outside of London and will take six years to complete, the Godfather and Goodfellas star said.
‘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,’ he said at a ceremony when asked his opinion on Manchester.
‘It’s great being here in Manchester because it has real character, we’re proud to be part of it.’
Manchester had ‘real character [and was] creative, passionate and strong,’ he added.
‘I look forward to coming back when it is finished, if not before.
Robert De Niro said he is ‘proud to be part’ of Manchester as work began on his £360million skyscraper which will be the city’s biggest
The tower, which will feature 452 homes and house a 160-bedroom hotel, will be constructed by Salboy and then operated by Nobu Hospitality, a company co-owned by the American
‘I think it is going to take six years and I plan to be around.’
Nobu, which was launched by De Niro, celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa and film producer Meir Taper, first opened in New York in 1994.
Manchester will be its second UK location, 35 years after it first opened in the capital.
Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig said the plans, which are expected to cost £360m, were a ‘symbol that international businesses are choosing Manchester’.
She added: ‘It’s not every day you watch Robert De Niro take out an apartment in Deansgate, is it?
‘It is a boost – we’ve said for a long time we wanted to be a world-class city and if you want to be a world-class city you’ve got to get global names.
‘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.’
The first phase of the building was completed last year.
Salboy managing director Simon Ismail said: ‘Manchester’s been booming for over 10 years now and the population just continues to grow.
‘To entice the likes of Nobu and what they bring in terms of quality and brand and exposure – it’s enormous and I think this is a catalyst to really push on and do more in the city.’
Nobu has 12 residences around the world including in the United States, Abu Dhabi, Egypt, and Brazil.
The first Nobu Hotel opened in Las Vegas in 2013.
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Robert De Niro is ‘proud’ to visit Manchester as work begins on his £360m skyscraper that will be Britain’s tallest outside London