4 Angel Square is a best-in-class example of a highly sustainable and efficient commercial office building, combining the best of the world’s sustainability design, health, and wellbeing knowledge to create a building that delivers lower occupational costs and a future proofed working environment. Net zero carbon in operation, the building is the newest addition to the thriving NOMA neighbourhood – a 20-acre mixed-use regeneration scheme in Manchester City Centre.
Responding to increasing local demand for Grade A office space, our client came to us for designs for a speculative office development with clear span, column free floorplates between 1,500-1,850 sqm. The delivered scheme provides circa 22,000 sqm of speculative office space within an 11 storey, BREEAM Outstanding building of the highest quality, with office floorplates ranging from circa 1,800 sqm. Setting a new benchmark for sustainable real estate development in the city, 4 Angel Square proudly claims the distinction of being Manchester’s first building to receive a NABERS UK Design Reviewed Target Rating of 5*. Further accreditations include WiredScore Platinum, ActiveScore Platinum, and a 2-star Fitwel Certification System accreditation.
The development features a hotel lobby style reception with space for flexible working and an external terrace at level 10. Two retail spaces activate the ground floor, encouraging pedestrians to enter and engage with the NOMA neighbourhood, with one opening into the office reception area during the day. A double height pedestrianised colonnade, aligned with the forthcoming new public route through New Century Hall from Sadler’s yard, connects the building to the existing NOMA listed estate and terminates in a new public square linked to Angel Square.
To maximise the extent of clear span office floor space, the core is centrally located, allowing for easier space planning and greater penetration of sunlight. The building form is split into two blocks with the upper floorplates shifting around a central pivot point on the north and south elevations. The upper block responds to city views towards Victoria Station with a cantilever at 7th floor, while the lower block announces arrival from Sadler’s Yard and Dantzic Street.
The colour of the building takes reference from the nearby context of Sadler’s Yard which exhibits various grey, green and blue hues, again reinforcing its connection to the surrounding NOMA listed estate.