Federated Hermes is on the brink of announcing a date for a speculative start on-site for its 236K SF office scheme at 4 Angel Square, part of Manchester’s 20-acre NOMA development.

Planning permission for the 11-storey, Grade-A office scheme designed by Simpson Haugh was granted in July 2019.

Hermes has been encouraged by the completion of construction work at the 25K SF Redfern building, a Grade II-listed Dutch modernist landmark now transformed into office space. It is the third building to complete at the 2.5M SF NOMA scheme following the WeWork/Amazon development at Hanover, completed in October 2018; and Dantzic, completed in spring 2019.

Redfern’s redevelopment was designed by architect Sheppard Robson. The building’s famous buff and blue brick facade has been maintained and the original period window fittings were also restored in line with NOMA’s commitment to preserving local heritage.

“Practical completion at Redfern marks another milestone in the redevelopment of the listed estate at NOMA, where we have a fantastic collection of historic buildings that are being repurposed to meet the needs of modern occupiers, while still preserving their unique characteristics and heritage," Federated Hermes Senior Asset Manager Stephen Bradley said. "We take a long-term view and remain confident in the fundamentals of the Manchester office market.”

Federated Hermes is the investment manager at NOMA, with subsidiary MEPC acting as development manager. JLL and Colliers are retained office agents.