NOMA, a joint venture between the Co-op and Hermes Investment Management, has appointed Russells Construction to refurbish a nine-storey office building in the centre of Manchester.
The contractor will rejuvenate Federation, one of the Co-op estate’s original developments, on Dantzic Street in Manchester city centre. The NOMA neighbourhood comprises 20 acres of prime real estate between Manchester Victoria, the Northern Quarter and the central retail area.
The 70,000 sq ft building is set to become a business hub providing a creative workspace for emerging businesses. Ground floor retail and leisure operators will cater for passers-by and the 5,000-strong work-force already working at NOMA.
Refurbishment work has already begun on bringing the early twentieth century structure back into use. Russells has stripped out much of the internal fittings to create large open floorplates with neutral décor. NOMA wants to provide future tenants with a blank canvas upon which to stamp their own identity. New mechanical and electrical services, lifts and bathrooms are also being installed.
Careful attention is being placed on restoring windows, brick and stonework, as well as a stunning internal white glazed brick lightwell. This will allow the building to retain its original character.
Federation is located between Victoria Station and the Northern Quarter on a major pedestrian route between the two. Its proximity to Manchester’s creative hub and its accessibility via the train and metrolink at Victoria and Shudehill, give the building huge appeal.
It has been part of the Co-operative portfolio since it was built and the Group operated its food sales business from there before staff relocated to the new One Angel Square, the flagship of the NOMA development.
Ben Tolhurst, Asset Manager, Hermes Investment Management, said: “Offering a truly blank canvas and the potential for collaborative working, Federation will cater for the city’s growing army of digital, tech and creative companies who are playing an increasingly influential role in Manchester’s local economy.”
David Pringle, Director of NOMA at The Co-op, said the rejuvenation of Federation House would be a significant moment in the wider NOMA regeneration.
He said: “With the completion of the Sadler’s Yard public realm, attention turns to the refurbishment of the incredible buildings which surround that space, of which Federation is the first. Built more than 100 years ago, it housed a growing collective of pioneers who went on to lead the world in a new style of commerce that put the needs of people first. Now part of our city’s proud heritage, the building will once again meet the needs of a new generation of pioneers in digital, technology and creative business.
Gareth Russell of Russells Construction said: “As with so many of these solid redbrick buildings, the structure remains in good shape and will benefit hugely from the restoration works. It will be great to see the building returned to its former glory by the end of the summer.”
