New-build NOMA office building announced

MEPC has revealed its intention to develop a SimpsonHaugh-designed 11-storey, 200,000 sq ft office building at NOMA, the 20-acre Manchester district’s first speculative scheme.

The development manager said that the project highlights its continued confidence in the Manchester market, a view supported by the scheme’s owner, investment manager Hermes Investment Management

Named 4 Angel Square, the building will sit on the corner of Corporation Street and Miller Street

In addition to providing 200,000 sq ft of office space, shops or restaurants will be provided on the ground floor and new public realm as part of an improved link to One Angel Square, which will be crucial to unlocking the other new-build development opportunities.

A consultation event is being held at the Old Bank Residency, on Hanover Street, on Thursday 21 March from 3pm to 7:30pm.

Paul Pavia, head of development at MEPC, said: “Off the back of significant investment in the listed estate, NOMA continues to go from strength to strength and we are excited to bring forward these proposals for a high quality commercial development on such a prominent site, which we intend to develop speculatively, underlining our continued confidence in Manchester as a city.

“As part of 4 Angel Square, we will be creating an extensive area of new high quality public realm on what is currently surface car parking plus bar and restaurant space at ground floor to bring life to this area.  We have a clear vision and aspiration to provide physical and visual connection between this part of NOMA and the listed estate and Sadler’s Yard.”

The unveiling of the new-build office development follows recent commitments to invest in the extensive refurbishment of Redfern, a grade two-listed former warehouse and office building, which is being redeveloped into contemporary workspace

Construction work at Dantzic, another listed building being transformed into modern offices, is due to complete this spring while the first apartments in Angel Gardens, a 35-storey tower by build-to-rent developer Moda Living, will be available for rent this summer.

Global tech giant Amazon announced last year it would be opening the company’s first UK headquarters outside of London at Hanover, another recently renovated listed building at NOMA.

When complete, NOMA is expected to provide 2.5m sq ft of both new-build and renovated office space alongside housing, public realm, retail and leisure.

Joint agents on the project are Colliers International and JLL. Peter Gallagher, director at the former, said: “Manchester is booming and needs high quality new office space like 4 Angel Square to sustain its growth and help the city remain competitive and attractive to major occupiers on both a domestic and global scale.”