Manchester NOMA development expands with steel

Planning applications have been submitted for two steel-framed office buildings at the £800M NOMA development in Manchester.

The joint venture between The Co-operative Group and Hermes Investment Management, 2 and 3 Angel Square will sit alongside restored listed buildings at the heart of one of Europe’s largest heritage-based regeneration schemes.

The new buildings, designed by AHR architects, will also sit next to the award-winning steel-framed 1 Angel Square, which was named one of the world’s most sustainable buildings after achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.

The two proposed buildings will collectively provide over 32,500m² of premium office space, over nine and 11 storeys, within the 20-acre NOMA neighbourhood. They will both feature spacious atriums and will have the flexibility to be personalised to fit the needs of major occupiers.

The developers say the buildings are likely to attract major corporates keen to relocate to one of the country’s best -connected city centre locations.

Future occupants will benefit from the £44M revamp of nearby Victoria Station, the Metrolink second city crossing, as well as the proposed Ordsall Chord rail link between Victoria and Piccadilly stations. Connectivity and improved transport links have been held as central to the success of the northern powerhouse, in which Manchester is playing a leading role.

David Pringle, Director of NOMA at The Co-operative Group, said: “This new build element of NOMA offers a contrast to the post-industrial splendour of our listed buildings. We want the whole neighbourhood to be totally cohesive in design terms and 2 and 3 Angel Square will broaden our offer for those businesses who want a more traditional modern office than some of the quirkier reconfigurations we have planned.”