Russells appointed to refurbish £34m Grade II-listed warehouse
The regeneration of Manchester’s NOMA neighbourhood is continuing apace with the refurbishment of Hanover, an iconic city centre warehouse built at the turn of the 20th century.
Russells Construction has been appointed to work on the £34m Grade II-listed building, formerly known as Hanover House.
The 109,000sq ft development is being stripped back and remodelled, creating 91,000 sq ft of Grade A office space and 18,000sq ft of available retail and leisure.
Situated in Corporation Street next to the recent completed Federation refurbishment, the former warehouse overlooks Sadler’s Yard and Pilcrow Pub, which was hand-built by local volunteers.
Once complete, NOMA hopes to attract a range of creative and technology firms to the city centre’s emerging innovation district.
The design incorporates numerous historic features, such as the very fine glazed tiles in the stairwells and the coffered plastered ceilings. The extensive terracotta façade will be cleaned and carefully repaired, with like-for-like sensitive repairs being carried out on all retained elements.
Hanover has achieved a BREEAM Very Good rating thanks to a heavy focus on low energy mechanical and electrical systems, upgraded thermal and acoustic insulation and close proximity to public transport.
NOMA is a joint venture between The Co-op and Hermes Investment Management. Hanover is due for completion by August 2018.
Ben Tolhurst, asset manager at Hermes Investment Management, said: “Hanover’s restoration will offer prime, heritage space that will appeal to businesses wanting the connectivity of Victoria Station and amenities offered by the Northern Quarter.
Our focus on creating a real sense of place can be seen with the emergence of Sadler’s Yard as a popular gateway through the city centre which, together with the Pillcrow Pub, is seeing NOMA emerge as an exciting new heart for Manchester.”
Gareth Russell, director at Russells Construction, said: “As well as restoring a beautiful Grade II-listed building back into use, the investment being put in by NOMA will help Hanover surpass former glories. We aim to create an attractive and functional space while also enhancing the fabric and character of the original building.”
Ken Bishop, director of UK development at JLL, said: “We see demand continuing to grow for office space across Manchester and few schemes offer the unique features and heritage appeal of Hanover.”
