NoMa tops out
Construction of the Co-operative's new 325,000 sq ft head office in Manchester reached a significant milestone when the traditional topping out ceremony was carried out by Peter Marks, group chief executive.
The ceremony to mark the completion of the structure took place on the top floor of the 16-storey building in Miller Street in front of invited guests. BAM Construction began the building project last July and the Co-operative is scheduled to move into its new home next September.
A development partner for the rest of the £100m, 20 acre development is due to be announced by the end of this year.
The Co-op said construction of the HQ involves 4,000 workers from 90 companies. Chief executive Peter Marks said: "At a time of such economic uncertainty, I'm proud that this new building has enabled so many jobs to be secured and so many new apprenticeships to be created.
"The Co-operative Movement in the UK has always been proud of its architecture and this building continues that tradition, especially right here in Manchester.
"When it is complete it will set a new benchmark for sustainable office building and I have no doubt it will inspire other businesses to follow our lead.
"Our new head office also represents the first phase of the exciting NOMA Masterplan which will completely regenerate 20 acres of land in Manchester city centre."
