TIMING is everything and on the day the Lord Myners’ report on the Cooperative called the group’s current board "manifestly dysfunctional", news comes of plans for the next phase of the group's £800m NOMA development in Manchester.
The redevelopment and creation of a new city square around Mayes Street, Redfern Street, Dantzic Street and Hanover Street is key to our place making aspirations, as the square becomes the centre point and soul of NOMA."
It’s an unfortunate coincidence but welcome news for the city if the ambitious plans go ahead.
The main point of discussion will be the creation of a public square to the front of New Century Hall on the east. The ground floor of this excellent sixties building by GS Hay and Gordon Tait will host shops, cafes and restaurants.
Pedestrianisation will spread into the northern end of Dantzic Street and through Redfern and Mayes Street.
David Pringle, Director of NOMA, said: “The redevelopment and creation of a new city square around Mayes Street, Redfern Street, Dantzic Street and Hanover Street is key to our place making aspirations, as the square becomes the centre point and soul of NOMA.
“Support from the City Council and European Regional Development Fund are integral to the project’s success, which is in turn complemented by the great strides being made in developing the City’s transport infrastructure including the second city tram crossing and the redevelopment of Victoria Station.
“The second public square will create a focal point, bringing brands, eateries and events to NOMA that will in turn help to generate a real buzz at the heart of this evolving neighbourhood. We are really excited by this next phase of the scheme and look forward to sharing detailed design plans in the coming months.”
The news follows Coop plans for sports fields on CIS car parks and the announcement of a joint venture partner for NOMA, Hermes Real Estate. Earlier this year too an art gallery and studios opened in Federation House on the estate.
