NOMA cycle route open for consultation

Proposals for changes to cycle routes around the NOMA neighbourhood in Manchester will be available to view at a public consultation event on Wednesday 22 July.

The proposals have been designed to improve access to cyclists entering the city from the North around NOMA, and include a new crossing on Rochdale Road and narrowing some streets to improve cycle safety.

The 20-acre NOMA development is being delivered by a joint venture partnership between The Co-operative Group and Hermes Investment Management.

The Co-Op and Hermes recently commenced the second phase of development at the site, including the refurbishment of the 120,000 sq ft Hanover office near Victoria Station, and the creation of new public realm designed by Planit-IE.

A public square between the CIS Tower, New Century House and Hanover is due to open in September.

The planned improvements to the highway and to the public realm are to:

• Create new, shared routes for cyclists and pedestrians
• Alter the width of some streets to allow for wider footways and prevent cyclists being overtaken by cars
• Create a new toucan crossing on Rochdale Road, as well as improve access to existing toucan crossings at Miller Street and Corporation Street
• Redistribute on-street car parking away from areas of heavy footfall and the cycling corridors. Overall, the number of on-street parking spaces will remain unchanged

David Pringle, director of NOMA at The Co-operative Group, said: “Some new cycle routes were created as part of the road network changes in 2012 and 2013, but there is more that can be done to make cycling around NOMA a safer and more pleasant experience. The upcoming public realm works around the new public square and Dantzic Street offer an opportunity to further improve provision for cyclists.”

A public exhibition where visitors will be able to view the plans in more detail and speak to members of the development team will take place on Wednesday 22 July 2015, between 4pm and 7pm, at the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art, Market Buildings, 13 Thomas Street, Manchester.