Angel Square landscape takes shape

Bam Construction has started work on the public realm area outside the Co-operative Group's new £100m head office in Manchester designed by architects Mecanoo.

The area in front of One Angel Square in the new NOMA district will contain a 3,000 sq ft lawn and 75 species of plants, trees and shrubs. It will create a direct link between Angel Meadows and the heart of the city, and will use energy-efficient lighting, sustainable timber and other eco-friendly materials.

Ruairidh Jackson, strategy and planning director of NOMA, said: "When it's finished the public realm will be a really enjoyable place to visit and an attractive route in to the city centre. This is the first stage of the public realm work we are undertaking as part of the NOMA scheme, and we are confident that it will be a really popular addition to Manchester city centre."

Neil Doyle, senior design manager at Bam Construction, said: "It's been designed with sustainability and green credentials in mind, and will provide extensive gardens for Co-operative staff and members of the public to use. It will be a space that people want to spend time and relax in."

Completion is due in October.