Refreshed Angel Square expansion submitted

Redesigned by Cartwright Pickard, plans for two buildings totalling 477,000 sq ft in Manchester’s Noma district have been lodged.

The buildings, 2 and 3 Angel Square, will jointly deliver around 440,000 sq ft of grade A office space, with a started target of net zero carbon operational energy.

Standing at 14 storeys, 2 Angel Square will see 197,926 sq ft of office space delivered, along with 17,200 sq ft of potential commercial space on the top floor.

Three Angel Square will be 13 storeys, with 241,531 sq ft of office space and 22,690 sq ft of commercial space.

In May, Place North West revealed that the office buildings were to be reconsidered in the wake of the Covid pandemic and the climate emergency, with Cartwright Pickard replacing original architect AHR.

Possible features across the buildings include a rooftop restaurant, garden terraces including a water feature, a terrace overlooking Angel Square and lower and upper ground floor commercial retail uses.

Asset manager MEPC is delivering the Noma masterplan. Development director Dan Hyde said: “This flagship development will raise the bar in the North by delivering Grade A office space that is truly environmentally friendly for today and tomorrow, as well as providing enhanced amenities that will optimise the workspace.

“We’re in a time where having sector-leading sustainability credentials matters not just to investors and funders, but to occupiers too. The next generation of employees are more sustainably conscious than ever before, and providing them with the most sustainable and user-friendly working environment with access to green space, can become the important differentiator.”

The buildings, which will feature glazed, angled terracotta panels on their facades, will complement the Co-op headquarters at 1 Angel Square, and the 200,000 sq ft 4 Angel Square, which is due to be completed in early 2023.

SimpsonHaugh is the architect of 4 Angel Square, while 3DReid designed the first building in the cluster.

Peter Cartwright, founding director at Cartwright Pickard, spoke of complementary uses and interconnected spaces to create an inviting entrance for tenants and the wider community.

He added: “By encouraging footfall along Thread Street and maximising the extent of active frontage around the building we believe the scheme will add incredible vibrancy to the surrounding streets and strengthen links between Angel Meadow to the north and the city to the south.”

Kevin Redhead, landscape architect at Planit-IE, which is responsible for the public realm explains: “The significant level change between Angel Square and Thread Street provides the opportunity to create a dynamic series of steps and planted terraces.

“A proposed water feature will run through the terraces, taking advantage of the natural level change and referencing the historic water wheel associated with Shudehill Mill.”