Thumbs up for Manchester speculative office scheme

Development manager MEPC has received planning approval for its first speculative office project at the NOMA scheme in Manchester.

The 11-storey 4 Angel Square office building will sit on the corner of Corporation Street and Miller Street and form an important part of the new 20-acre NOMA neighbourhood.

Designed by Manchester-based architects SimpsonHaugh, MEPC said the project would capitalise on soaring demand for workspace in Manchester thanks to the city’s continued growth.

Works are due to commence on site in Spring 2020 and due to complete by Summer 2022.

The 18,500m² office project will include shops or restaurants on the ground floor and new public realm as part of a much-improved link to nearby One Angel Square, which is said to be crucial in unlocking further new-build development opportunities.

Paul Pavia, Head of Development at MEPC, said: “Planning approval for 4 Angel Square marks the next step in the creation of a new business district within the NOMA neighbourhood.

“The decision will also help unlock 2 and 3 Angel Square and bring forward much needed high-quality office space.

“The decision to speculatively develop underlines our confidence in the Manchester market, where there is pent up demand for premium workspace thanks to the city’s recent growth, which we see continuing.

“NOMA already counts a number of household names as occupiers and we anticipate strong interest in 4 Angel Square.”