Ridge is providing building services engineering, lighting design and sustainability services on Viadux Phase 2, a landmark development that officially broke ground this week in Manchester city centre. The groundbreaking ceremony marks a significant milestone for what will become the city's tallest building and the UK's tallest skyscraper outside of London.

A major milestone for Manchester

The £360 million, 76-storey tower will rise 246 metres on Great Bridgewater Street, adjacent to Manchester Central Convention Centre. When completed in 2031, the development will transform Manchester’s skyline with a striking addition that reflects the city’s continued growth and ambition. 

The scheme represents a major partnership between developer Salboy and Nobu Hospitality, bringing together world-class development expertise with internationally renowned luxury hospitality. The project will deliver 452 Nobu-branded residences, a 160-room hotel, and a signature Nobu restaurant housed within the site’s original Grade 2 listed Victorian viaduct arches – a thoughtful blend of Manchester’s industrial heritage with cutting-edge modern design. 

As part of the project, our team is working to deliver innovative building services solutions that will support the tower’s sustainability and performance goals while ensuring the highest standards of comfort for residents and guests. 

Hollywood meets Manchester

The groundbreaking ceremony drew significant attention with the attendance of Hollywood legend Robert De Niro, co-founder of Nobu Hospitality Nobu Matsuhisa, and film producer Meir Teper. De Niro, known for his iconic roles in films including The Godfather, Taxi Driver, and Goodfellas, joined city leaders and the development team to officially commence construction. 

This marks Nobu’s first venture in the UK outside of London, bringing their globally acclaimed hospitality brand – which includes 60 restaurants, 40 hotels, and 20 residences worldwide – to Manchester for the first time. 

Looking ahead

With enabling works now underway and construction set to begin in 2026, Viadux Phase 2 represents not just a new building, but a statement of confidence in Manchester’s future as a world-class destination for business, culture, and luxury living. 

Ridge is honoured to play our part in bringing this visionary project to life, ensuring that the building services engineering matches the ambition and quality of this landmark development. 

For more information, contact Chris Bradburn on cbradburn@ridge.co.uk, Carl Niland cniland@ridge.co.uk or Peter Daniels peterdaniels@ridge.co.uk.