Leading asset manager and developer, MEPC, announces the successful completion of 4 Angel Square, an innovative office building that stands as the newest addition to the thriving NOMA neighbourhood in Manchester.  

This pioneering building sets a new benchmark for sustainable real estate development in the city, and proudly claims the distinction of being Manchester’s first building to achieve the esteemed NABERS Design for Performance Target Rating of Five Stars. 

The significance of this achievement is underscored by two additional accreditations awarded to the project. 4 Angel Square has secured the WiredScore Platinum rating, reinforcing its excellence in digital and telecommunications connectivity. The building also has a Two-Star rating from Fitwel, a prominent certification system for healthy buildings. 

Providing 200,000 square feet of premium, adaptable workspace, this flagship 11-storey Grade A office building has been designed by SimpsonHaugh, the renowned architectural firm, and has been delivered by contractor Bowmer + Kirkland. 

The finished 4 Angel Square offers a business lounge, bookable event facility and wellness suite all designed by Manchester based interior designers JOLIE. As well as long term leases, there are plans for flexible workspace options such as hot desking and co-working facilities and ground-floor spaces dedicated to leisure and retail. 

Commenting on this milestone accomplishment, Dan Hyde, Development Director at MEPC, said: “The completion of 4 Angel Square marks not only a proud moment for us, but also a resounding vote of confidence in Manchester’s status as a premier choice for leading businesses. Occupiers are increasingly seeking sustainable solutions for their office needs, combined with unparalleled physical and digital connectivity, as well as a superb workspace environment for their colleagues and visitors. 

Hyde continued, “Businesses equally want to be part of locations with a sense of soul which foster community, offering diversity, and contributing positively to the urban landscape. All attributes we have in spades at NOMA. 

“We are thrilled to unveil 4 Angel Square, a structure designed not just for today, but with tomorrow in mind as well. It stands as a pioneer among the next generation of sustainable office buildings at NOMA, and we look forward to welcoming the new occupiers to our growing neighbourhood very soon.” 

Bowmer + Kirkland Regional Director, Paul Sykes, stated: “This building is an exemplar in sustainable office spaces, and we take immense pride in being the principal contractor for its construction. Manchester is renowned for its forward-thinking approach, and 4 Angel Square aligns seamlessly with the city’s future-forward ethos, enhancing the wellbeing and productivity of its occupants.” 

4 Angel Square is distinguished as a design for performance project, boasting an array of features crafted to deliver energy-efficient performance throughout its operational life. Among its innovative features is an energy-efficient heating system leveraging air source heat pumps, which harness energy generated from rooftop photovoltaic panels. The building operates exclusively on renewable electricity. 

Furthermore, the building integrates smart-enabled systems including a comprehensive Building Management System, energy monitoring and management mechanisms, climate control, air quality assessment capabilities, and state-of-the-art connectivity from day one, facilitated through fibre-optic connections. 

Spanning 20 acres at the heart of Manchester’s city centre, NOMA thrives as a diverse and vibrant community with excellent transportation links. Its evolution into a premier destination for both business and leisure continues, with the iconic New Century dining and music venue, reopened in late 2022, rapidly emerging as a cultural landmark within Manchester. 

Adding to the vibrancy of NOMA is the latest addition, Allpress Espresso, the international coffee enterprise, which has launched its first café and barista training hub in the North last week. 

Leasing for 4 Angel Square is facilitated by Colliers, JLLand LTL Property. 

Barriers come in all different shapes and sizes and can be made of a range of different materials. You can get plastic, metal and even wooden barriers, each of which is suited for particular uses and offers unique benefits.

However, few materials are as effective when used to construct barriers as concrete. In this article, we explore just what it is that makes concrete barriers so good. Read on to learn more.

Concrete Is Extremely Strong

Concrete has been used by humans for thousands of years. The material has been used to construct everything from houses to bridges and from tunnels to skyscrapers. Concrete’s most highly prized attribute is undoubtedly its strength, it’s extremely strong and tough. It can support an enormous amount of weight, which is why it’s such a valuable building resource.

If there’s one thing you want your barriers to be, it’s strong. Whether they are for protecting a building site or for crowd control, concrete barriers will provide you with the highest level of strength and security.

It’s Durable

Generally speaking, barriers are usually outside. What this means is that they are exposed to the elements and must be able to withstand whatever the weather throws at them, be that rain, wind or snow.

One of the reasons we see so many people use a concrete barrier hire company is that concrete is extremely durable. Your concrete barriers can remain outside for a long period of time, and you’ll never have to worry about them rusting, rotting or degrading. In addition, concrete can not be destroyed by vermin like rats, giving it a significant advantage over materials such as wood or plastic.

Whatever climate you’re in, be it the freezing, arctic north or the sweltering equator, concrete barriers will be able to withstand any environmental conditions and will remain strong and secure for a long time.

It’s Heavy

Concrete barriers are usually used for security purposes. They are often installed to protect building sites, where they can prevent thieves or vandals from gaining access. Without them, your building site could be targeted by criminals, and you could have valuables stolen or seriously damaged.

If you install metal or wooden barriers, it will be much easier for criminals to gain access to your property. They could break through the barriers or simply move them out of the way.

With concrete barriers, this won’t be a problem. Concrete is incredibly heavy, because of how dense the molecules that make up the material are, which makes it the perfect choice for barriers. Criminals will not be able to move your concrete barriers out of the way, they will remain in place and offer you maximum security.

High winds can see other kinds of barriers blown over. This can give criminals immediate access and can cause damage to your property. With heavy concrete barriers, you can ensure your barriers will remain in place no matter how strong the wind is.

Conclusion

Concrete barriers are incredibly strong, extremely heavy and fantastically durable. This makes them the perfect choice of barrier no matter what they are being used for.