Developers launch city square name appeal
THE developers of a new public square are appealing to Manchester residents to come forward with name suggestions.
The new development will create a public area between the iconic CIS Tower, New Century House and Hanover near Victoria Station, providing a space that will over time create a mix of cafés, restaurants, bars and shops nestled amongst the buildings that form the NOMA listed estate.
The square will be officially opened in October, and the developers are asking for suggestions to be submitted by 28 July. Shortlisted names will then be submitted to a panel.
David Pringle, at NOMA, said: “This is a great opportunity for the local community to play a real part in creating the latest piece of Manchester’s history. 4,000 postcards are being delivered to homes and businesses in and around NOMA encouraging them to get involved, and we really hope to get a great response. NOMA is an area with a rich and vibrant heritage, and we want the people who live, work and enjoy themselves here to become a part of its future.”
Coun Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s city centre spokesperson who is on the expert panel, said: “The city centre wasn’t gifted a huge amount of open space by the Victorians during the rapid expansion of the industrial revolution – so it’s always with great celebration when a new public square is unveiled. To have your say on the naming of the new NOMA space is to be part of Manchester’s history – and so I’m really looking forward to hearing what suggestions the public come up with.”
The new city square is being delivered by NOMA and Manchester City Council and is supported by the European Regional Development Fund. It has been designed by Landscape Architects Planit-IE, and contractors Casey are on-site undertaking construction works.
Kevin Redhead, principal landscape architect at Planit-IE, said: “When considering design options for the square we looked to the architectural heritage and detailing of the surrounding and listed buildings across the NOMA estate. This informed material choices, and contemporary reinterpretations of historic themes have inspired visual motifs for the street furniture and signage. We hope the square’s final name also balances past glories with future prospects; inventively borrowing from history to reflect the area’s new creative uses.”
You can submit your ideas in a variety of ways: On Twitter it’s @NOMA_mcr #NameOurSquare; on Facebook NOMAmcr #NameOurSquare; submit via e-mail at NOMA@co-operative.coop or online http://www.nameoursquare.com/. Alternatively, suggestions can be dropped in at the reception of 1 Angel Square.
