UK’s tallest tower outside London among Manchester approvals
Manchester City Council signed off Salboy’s 76-storey Viadux Two skyscraper, Glenbrook’s Whitworth Street West tower, and Vita’s latest student scheme on First Street – adding nearly 2,000 beds to the city centre across a total of 153 floors.
The tower will become the UK’s tallest building outside of London. Credit: Salboy
Viadux Two
Salboy’s 76-storey tower will become Manchester’s tallest building following planning approval.
The decision to approve was made by seven votes to three.
Standing at 246 metres, the tower will become the UK’s tallest building outside of London. Salboy’s construction partner Domis is expected to start work this year.
In March, it was revealed that Robert De Niro’s Nobu brand will operate the building in its entirety, offering 452 branded apartments and a 160-bed hotel behind its glass façade.
The project also features a standalone 23-storey tower featuring 133 affordable apartments.
Viadux Two has been designed by architect SimpsonHaugh and is taller than any other building proposed or built in the city.
Plans were lodged in April last year before they were reworked to accommodate the Nobu deal.
Historic England objected to the application on heritage grounds, arguing it would “loom” over existing historic and civic architecture and that it is “simply too tall”.
However, planning officers said they would have to take a rounded view and cannot recommend objection based on heritage concerns alone, adding that the “public benefits of development outweigh the less than substantial harm” the development would cause.
Simon Ismail, managing director, Salboy, said he was delighted with the decision and added: “Once completed, the Viadux scheme will have entirely regenerated an 80,000 sq ft brownfield site, in easy walking distance of all of Manchester’s central business, retail and leisure districts, and added almost 1,000 brand new homes to a coveted and popular location for the city’s professional population.
“As the location of not just the tallest tower outside London but a large number of high-quality affordable homes, Viadux has the potential to become a symbol of this city’s aspirations and confidence in itself.
“Viadux now promises to shape not only Manchester’s skyline for years to come but the city’s sense of identity on the global stage.”
Viadux Two is expected to generate £1.5m in council tax annually once fully occupied.
The hotel will employ more than 160 people, and it is expected the build will generate £8.1m GVA.
Greater Bridgewater Street and Albion Street will see active travel improvements and a pedestrianisation effort to make the area more walkable, to bring activity to the area.
Trevor Horwell, chief executive, Nobu Hospitality, said: “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.
“Alongside our signature Nobu Hotel and Restaurant, the Nobu Residences will offer a unique opportunity to live the Nobu lifestyle.
“Viadux 2 represents the kind of visionary development we seek—integrated, design-led, and rooted in cultural and community connection.”
Ian Simpson, co-founder, SimpsonHaugh, added: “Viadux’s phased development has required vision, a pioneering approach, and innovation to bring life back to an urban area in Manchester City Centre on a challenging site that incorporates the restoration of a Grade II listed brick viaduct.
“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.”
Deloitte was the planning consultant for the scheme.
The planning application can be viewed by using the reference number 139715/FO/2024.
Sheppard Robson is the Whitworth St scheme’s architect. Credit: Our Studio
Whitworth Street West
Developer Glenbrook’s 44-storey tower overlooking Deansgate off Whitworth Street West has been designed by architect Sheppard Robson and will add 364 flats to the city centre.
The decision to approve was made nine votes to one with one abstention.
Plans indicate a BTR housing mix of 120 one-bedroom flats, 218 two-bed, and 26 three-bed homes.
Glenbrook’s scheme will feature three-storey terracotta arches at its base, allowing for the bottom three floors to be used as lounges, workspaces, and health and wellbeing facilities covering 7,800 sq ft.
Councillors raised concerns about the lack of affordable housing in the scheme, which the developer claimed was due to viability constraints.
Deloitte was the planning consultant acting for Glenbrook on this scheme.
Daniel Roberts, development director, Glenbrook, said: “Manchester City Council’s decision to approve our scheme demonstrates its commitment to sustainable urban development.
“Whitworth Street West is undergoing a huge transformation, and as a Manchester-based developer, we are incredibly excited that our project will form an integral part of its future.
“With planning now secured, we will be working closely with our project team to appoint a main contractor later this year and start on site in the first quarter of 2026.”
Tony O’Brien, partner, Sheppard Robson, added: “We are thrilled that this design has received positive feedback from the planning committee.
“This is not only an important addition to Manchester’s skyline but also a project that will play a major role in improving the streetscape.
“By opening up the site with our carefully considered public realm strategy, we are creating vibrant spaces and pathways that enhance connections across this part of the city.”
To view the planning application, use the reference number 141773/FO/2024.
The Vita scheme will reach its highest point at 33 storeys. Credit: via planning documents
First Street
Developer Vita Student is set to build a c-shaped, part 12, part 33-storey PBSA block at plot 9B off First Street.
Approval was granted with nine votes to one abstention.
The Tim Groom Architects-designed scheme will offer 841 student beds at a range of price points, with 129 rooms set to be affordable.
According to plans, the scheme could contribute around £26m GVA to the economy.
The Vita block will be built on a one-acre brownfield site within a cluster of student accommodation buildings and a short walk from the Oxford Road Corridor.
Of the rooms, 15% would be affordable, available on a discounted rent with help from Manchester Metropolitan University.
To view the application, use the reference number 141786/FO/2024.
