NOMA, a 20-acre mixed-use neighbourhood in Manchester city centre, has secured planning permission to redevelop Redfern, a Grade II listed former warehouse and office building, into modern office space with ground-floor retail and leisure units. Hermes Investment Management is the investment manager of NOMA, working on behalf of an institutional investor.
Under the plans approved by Manchester City Council, Redfern will be revamped to offer over 50,000 sq. ft. of Grade A contemporary office space spread across six floors. Industrial-chic features such as exposed airducts and suspended lighting will help appeal to the tech and creative firms who increasingly power Manchester’s economy, together with a new roof terrace where workers can relax and socialise.
Redfern’s famous redbrick façade, a hallmark of Dutch Modernist architecture, will also be maintained, with the original period window fittings restored in line with NOMA’s commitment to preserving local heritage.
An additional 7,600 sq. ft. of mixed retail and leisure space split across three units will be provided on the ground floor, which was previously a basement until the excavation of Sadler’s Yard, Manchester’s newest public square.
Redfern was previously home to PLANT NOMA, a community workshop and ‘village hall’, which has now relocated to Old Bank on the other side of Sadler’s Yard.
Stephen Bradley, Senior Asset Manager at Hermes Investment Management, said: “The go-ahead for Redfern’s redevelopment underlines Manchester City Council’s continued confidence in our vision for NOMA. There is now real momentum behind the neighbourhood, with Amazon moving into nearby Hanover. Dantzic, another listed building, is due to complete in early 2019. We look forward to taking Redfern forward and will soon be outlining our plans for the new-build opportunities at NOMA, helping cement our position as the UK’s first innovation district.”
Richmal Wigglesworth, Associate at Sheppard Robson, said: “Redfern – our third refurbishment of a listed building on the estate – is an important part of the NOMA jigsaw, fusing desirable office space and staff amenities with the new neighbouring public space, Sadler’s Yard. The strong civic presence of the building, helped by ground floor uses that directly address the public space, will create a vibrant atmosphere and contribute to the NOMA place making. Occupants will feel connected to the building’s heritage, with sensitive refurbishment sitting alongside new elements, such as the addition of a roof terrace area for the office tenants.”
