Robert De Niro 'proud' of his new Manchester link

Robert De Niro said he was "proud to be part" of Manchester as work got under way to build the city's tallest skyscraper.

The Godfather, Taxi Driver and Goodfellas star is a key investor behind the Nobu Manchester building which, once constructed by developer Salboy, will be operated by Nobu Hospitality, a company co-owned by the Hollywood actor.

The 76-storey building, next to the Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop, will include 452 apartments, a high-end restaurant and a 160-bedroom hotel.

Confirming the project would take six years to complete, De Niro said Manchester had "real character [and was] creative, passionate and strong".

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