Approval Granted for Tallest Skyscraper Outside London: A New Landmark in Manchester
Plans to construct the tallest skyscraper in the UK outside of London have been approved, marking a significant development in Manchester’s cityscape. The project, which will see the erection of a 76-storey building, is championed by Salboy, a company co-founded by Betfred billionaire Fred Done. Notably, Hollywood legend Robert De Niro is backing the venture, drawing international attention to this ambitious undertaking.
A Major Development in Manchester
The proposed skyscraper is strategically located between Manchester Central and the Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink Station. Estimated at £360 million, this project is set to transform the city’s skyline and offer a new icon for Manchester. The building will exceed the height of the current record holder outside London, the Deansgate Square South Tower, which is 201 metres tall.
This new development will feature a 76-storey main building and a 23-storey auxiliary building on Great Bridgewater Street, comprising 133 apartments. Not only will it add nearly 1,000 homes but it will also host the UK’s first Nobu-branded residences, including a hotel and restaurant operated by Nobu Hospitality—a company co-founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Meir Teper, and De Niro himself.
Engineering a New Vision for Manchester
Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, expressed his enthusiasm about the project’s approval. « Viadux promises to deliver a neighbourhood of high-quality, design-led homes that meet Manchester’s needs for accommodation at various price points, » he said. « This project will not only reshape Manchester’s skyline but also redefine its identity on a global scale. »
The Viadux masterplan aims to regenerate an 80,000 sq ft brownfield site within easy walking distance of Manchester’s central business, retail, and leisure districts. According to plans initiated in 2017 by architects SimpsonHaugh, the development will revitalize an urban area while respecting the heritage of a grade II-listed brick viaduct included in the site.
A Symbol of Ambition and Growth
The project, referred to as Viadux 2, seeks to embody the pioneering spirit and innovation necessary to breathe life into this challenging development area. Ian Simpson of SimpsonHaugh noted, « Viadux Phase 2 will see the development of a beautiful and elegant mixed-use building that will define the Manchester skyline, providing high-quality private and affordable homes and an amazing world-class hotel. »
Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality, also commented on the significance of this development. « Manchester is a vibrant, world-class city, and we’re proud to be part of a project that will bring the Nobu experience to this destination through a truly exceptional mixed-use project. »
Construction partner Domis is poised to commence work on the site this year, marking the beginning of what promises to be a landmark project for Manchester and a significant step forward in its journey to becoming a global leader in various sectors, from business to leisure.
