Combining commercially driven developments with residential and leisure, the 20-acre NOMA masterplan has evolved out of the former Co-operative estate in Manchester. As well as developing the sustainable and smart-enabled office space in Manchester alongside high-quality inner city living, NOMA created New Century – a restored listed 60’s music hall and a celebrated addition to the city’s diverse cultural and entertainment scene.

Where is the project located? 

Manchester, M60 0AG.

Who is on the project team? 

MEPC

Federated Hermes

Standard Practice

Planit-IE

Workman LLP

Deloitte Real Estate

Colliers International

JLL

LTL

Describe the context of this project and its neighbourhood and people?

MEPC is delivering the 20-acre NOMA masterplan. NOMA is a carefully curated, community-focused neighbourhood at the heart of Manchester’s city centre. NOMA is committed to creating an innovative, commercially driven and responsibly designed neighbourhood that offers outstanding connectivity, embraces a rich history and keeps people and community firmly at its heart. Located on the site where The Co-op grew on its founding principles of democracy, education and co-operation, the NOMA neighbourhood-led approach champions the idea that places are better when people are involved in making them. Over the last year, NOMA has continued to grow a diverse offer for the business community and for the city. As well as developing the most sustainable and smart enabled office space in Manchester alongside high-quality inner city living, it welcomed New Century – a restored listed 60’s music hall and a celebrated addition to the city’s diverse cultural and entertainment scene.

NOMA provides the ideal home for a thriving business community with key tenants including Amazon, Material Source Studio and Arcadis IBI Group. NOMA is Manchester’s best connected city centre neighbourhood. It sits between two major transport hubs, connected via the inner-city ring road and tram system, giving visitors accessible, green alternatives when commuting.

Tell us what you did and how the project enlivened the place?

NOMA is a melting pot of demographics. It is evolving a community that welcomes people of all ages and walks of life.

Another partner, Manchester Metropolitan University, gives NOMA an opportunity to engage with students within the city centre, giving them an opportunity to work with the developer to shape the neighbourhood. NOMA continues to practically support charity community group Manchester Cares, who work to bring older and younger people together in the ever-changing city centre – something that is aligned with NOMA’s own ambition.

“The creative reuse of existing assets mixed with the cutting-edge technology-driven design and their sustainability aspirations, made it the perfect home. We are very much looking forward to the new hybrid way of working (at NOMA). Taking advantage of the location, the vibrant community and all the amenities on our doorstep.”

Did the project make a positive social and environmental contribution? 

The sympathetic and sustainable regeneration of the estate is driven by the desire to protect and enhance the remarkable architectural and civic heritage of the area. To this aim, the development builds on the site’s historic characteristics whilst integrating leading environmental technologies and standards for urban development. This approach secures the long-term future of Grade-II listed buildings like Dantzic to sit beside brand-new net zero carbon operational office space available at 4 Angel Square, leading the way towards a more sustainable future.

2022 saw the launch of PlantNOMA, an exciting new initiative that aims to inspire a new generation of urban gardeners and bring more beneficial green spaces to Manchester. Working in partnership with The National Trust, Manchester Metropolitan University and The Prince’s Trust, PlantNOMA has attracted a diverse audience to NOMA. In year one, it delivered 100 days of community gardening workshops, planted 160 new trees, engaged 563 city children in nature-based activities and 50 university students in a three-month live project.

NOMA is at the vanguard of fighting the climate crisis when it comes to sustainable office development. Its new office location, the 200,000 sq ft, 4 Angel Square will be the first operational Net Zero workspace on the market in Manchester when it is completed this year. It has achieved BREEAM Outstanding In Design and has become the first building in Manchester to achieve a NABERS Design Reviewed Target Rating of Five Stars.