Co-op HQ to be called Angel Square

9 December 2011 10:58 Simon Binns Comments (0)

The Co-operative Group will name its new 325,000 sq ft Manchester city centre head office One Angel Square.

One Angel Square – near Angel Meadow public park – is the first phase and anchor for the wider Noma development which will total 4m sq ft when finished.

Angel Square The name for the HQ came to light as the Co-op revealed details of a charity Christmas single of the same name, which will feature chief executive Peter Marks on drums.

The Angel Square single will aim to raise money for Mencap, which supports young people with learning disabilities. The song is available for download and proceeds will also go to Mencap's sister charity ENABLE Scotland, to develop 'Inspire Me' – a programme designed to give up to 20,000 young people with a learning disability opportunities to change their futures. The band will also play a live gig at The Band on the Wall in Manchester tonight, 9 December, featuring hits by Maroon 5, the Black Eyed Peas and the Rolling Stones.

Marks said: "I knew the idea of a band formed entirely from Co-operative colleagues had the potential to support our charity of the year. Given the great talent I see day in and day out in our business, I believed that we could form a really good band, but even my own high expectations have been surpassed by the talent in Angel Square.

"Throughout 2011, our fantastic staff, members and customers have raised more than £4.5m for Mencap and ENABLE Scotland – money that is already having a tremendous and positive impact and offers an opportunity to transform the lives for a generation of young people with a learning disability.

"At a time when the Co-operative business model is very much in fashion, the United Nations has proclaimed 2012 to be the International Year of Co-operatives and there are approaching one billion members of co-operatives worldwide …maybe, just maybe, we could give X-Factor a run for its money."

The single was recorded at Manchester's School of Sound Recording in November and released for digital download by record label Revolver who, in their 30 year history have worked with a diverse array of artists including The Stone Roses. The song is available for download from iTunes and all good digital music stores, priced 79p.