Public realm work at NOMA gathers pace
WORK has begun on the second phase of public realm at the heart of NOMA in Manchester city centre.
The new development will create a public square between the iconic CIS Tower, New Century House and Hanover, providing a safe and welcoming space that promises a mix of cafés, restaurants, bars and shops nestled amongst the characterful buildings of the NOMA listed estate. It is due to be completed by September.
The project, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, has been designed by Manchester-based architects Planit-IE, and contractors Casey are on-site undertaking initial construction works.
The public realm is the first of a number of construction projects to begin on site at NOMA in 2015.
Under the new joint venture partnership between Hermes Investment Management and The Co-operative Group, the will be further significant change to the city centre neighbourhood as office, retail, leisure and residential development plans gather pace this year.
Martyn Hulme, board director of NOMA (GP), said: “This is a significant milestone for NOMA and marks the start of a pivotal year. Planit-IE and the team have designed a fantastic new space that will bring new energy to the very heart of NOMA. Residents, businesses and the whole community can look forward to seeing the new square take shape and enhance the city centre enormously.”
Ed Lister, managing partner at Planit-IE said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to create a new city square right in the heart of Manchester. A forgotten space is being transformed into vibrant public realm, with animated streetscapes reinforcing wider routes across the city centre. A place for all, connecting new development and The Co-operative’s architectural legacy as it is brought into fresh use.”
Casey’s operations director Mike Cafferky said: “As a Rochdale based organisation, the birthplace of The Cooperative movement, we are delighted to have been awarded the contract for phases two and three of NOMA’s public realm.”
