Name picked for NOMA public square
THE new public realm at the heart of the NOMA neighbourhood has been named Sadler’s Yard, inspired by the pioneer James Sadler, who made the first manned balloon flight in Manchester in March 1785.
The decision on the new name follows an open forum for Manchester residents to suggest a name for the public area, which is being created between the iconic CIS Tower, New Century House and Hanover opposite Victoria Station.
Shortlisted names were submitted to a specially selected panel, which considered each of the entries for their originality and rationale.
Simon Binns, a freelance journalist who chaired the panel, said: “It was an incredibly difficult decision as we had received such a high number of entries, all of which had their merits but – following a long and interesting debate – Sadler’s Yard was the preferred option.
“James Sadler was an innovator, entrepreneur and daredevil, and we are sure his spirit will be encapsulated in the Yard.”
NOMA director at the Co-operative Group David Pringle said:“We are proud of the new name and believe that the people of Manchester will take it to their hearts.
“We are looking forward to the first event in Sadler’s Yard, which is the official launch event in October.
“We plan to bring a series of enjoyable and interesting events to Sadler’s Yard from the end of the year and throughout 2016 and beyond.”
Manchester City Council’s city centre spokesperson Cllr Pat Karney said that Manchester “has an incredibly rich history”.
“We had a rare opportunity to bring a piece of Manchester’s heritage back to the fore and celebrate a little known piece of the city’s past,” she said.
Author Richard O Smith, who wrote The Man with His Head in the Clouds – a biography of Sadler – said that no list of Great Britons was complete without the name of James Saddler.
“It’s great to hear his name and spirit will live on in Manchester, a place he had such an affinity with,” he said. “He was the true pioneer of flight in this country – being the first Englishman to fly.
“Incredibly he managed that historic feat in a balloon he designed, built and piloted himself; not bad for a pastry chef. As one contemporary newspaper commented in Sadler’s lifetime on his celebrity status, everyone knew Sadler’s name, from the humblest cabbage seller to the mightiest lord.”
Sadler’s Yard, which will open in October 2015, will create a safe and welcoming space that will over time create a mix of cafés, restaurants, bars and shops nestled amongst the characterful buildings that form the NOMA listed estate.
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.
