FOR ALL THOSE cravers of more public space in Manchester good news. Tucked away in the Cooperative district (aka NOMA) the second phase of public realm has broken ground.
City squares slow things down, they help a city breathe. This will add appeal to an area of the city that has been assiduously all very dour Coop to this point in time
Here's the press release.
'The new development will create a public square between the iconic CIS Tower, New Century House and Hanover, providing a safe and welcoming space that promises a mix of cafés, restaurants, bars and shops nestled amongst the characterful buildings of the NOMA listed estate. It is due to be completed by September 2015.
'The project, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, has been designed by Manchester-based architects Planit-IE, and contractors Casey are on-site undertaking initial construction works.
'The public realm is the first of a number of construction projects to begin on site at NOMA in 2015.
'Under the new joint venture partnership between Hermes Investment Management and The Co-operative Group, Manchester’s businesses, residents and visitors can look forward to seeing significant change to this city centre neighbourhood as office, retail, leisure and residential development plans gather pace this year.'
Ed Lister, Managing Partner at Planit-IE said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to create a new city square right in the heart of Manchester. A forgotten space is being transformed into vibrant public realm, with animated streetscapes reinforcing wider routes across the city centre. A place for all, connecting new development and The Co-operative’s architectural legacy as it is brought into fresh use.”
This press release is welcome news, the more interconnectivity between and through city centre areas restores a sense of balance to a walk through Manchester. City squares slow things down, they help a city breathe. This will add appeal to an area of the city that has been very much dour Coop to this point in time.
Lister's enthusiasm is admirable too but he's a little wide of the mark with his 'once in a generation line' as Confidential can think of at least six new city centre squares within the 20-25 year period of 'a generation'.
As an aside this is a lovely time of year for property news. With MIPIM - the annual property conference and exhibition in Cannes - approaching lots of exciting plans are being revealed all around the city. We like it.
Hi-viz jacket picture of the week
(L-R): John Luddington, Construction Project Manager, NOMA ; Kevin Redhead, Principal Landscape Architect, Planit-IE ; Martyn Hulme, Board Director, NOMA (GP) Ltd ; Graham Lang, Site Manager, The Casey Group Ltd.
