Sheppard Robson gets go-ahead for latest NOMA project

Hermes Investment Management and architect Sheppard Robson have secured planning consent to add nearly 60,000 sq ft of office and retail space to Manchester’s NOMA, featuring restaurant and cafe space fronting Sadler’s Yard.

The listed Redfern Building, bordered by Mayes Street, and Dantzic Street is largely vacant and is set to undergo a major upgrade.

A key part of the proposal is to open up the building’s frontage to Sadler’s Yard, which has already seen significant public realm improvements as well as the opening of the Pilcrow Pub.

This will include a change of use of the lower floors into three retail units: one for food and drink use; another for use as a workshop, exhibition or events space; and another as a restaurant or café. Together, these three units will comprise around 7,600 sq ft, and will open out onto Sadler’s Yard and Mayes Street.

Part of the building is already used as the Plant NOMA co-working and events space, but otherwise, it remains largely vacant. Plant NOMA has now relocated to the Old Bank on the opposite side of Sadler’s Yard.

Plans for the remaining office space in the building, which exceeds 50,000 sq ft, include the installation of a roof terrace on the seventh floor. The seventh and sixth floors will be also be combined via a new stairwell to turn them into a single office space.

Stephen Bradley, senior asset manager at Hermes Investment Management, said: “The go-ahead for Redfern’s redevelopment underlines Manchester City Council’s continued confidence in our vision for NOMA. There is now real momentum behind the neighbourhood, with Amazon moving into nearby Hanover. Dantzic, another listed building, is due to complete in early 2019.

“We look forward to taking Redfern forward and will soon be outlining our plans for the new-build opportunities at NOMA, helping cement our position as the UK’s first innovation district.”

Richmal Wigglesworth, associate at Sheppard Robson, said: “Redfern – our third refurbishment of a listed building on the estate – is an important part of the NOMA jigsaw, fusing desirable office space and staff amenities with the new neighbouring public space, Sadler’s Yard.

“The strong civic presence of the building, helped by ground floor uses that directly address the public space, will create a vibrant atmosphere and contribute to the NOMA place making. Occupants will feel connected to the building’s heritage, with sensitive refurbishment sitting alongside new elements, such as the addition of a roof terrace area for the office tenants.”