NOMA - Angel Square
Driving Sustainability Across a Landmark City Centre Regeneration
Mainer Associates is proud to support the ongoing transformation of NOMA - Manchester’s mixed-use business neighbourhood - with sustainability consultancy across multiple high-profile developments including 4 Angel Square, 2 Angel Square, and 3 Angel Square.
Working alongside development teams and key stakeholders, we’ve delivered a wide range of integrated sustainability services tailored to each building’s unique role in this vibrant, future-focused district.
Through this work, Mainer Associates continues to help shape NOMA into a benchmark for sustainable, low-carbon, and socially responsible urban regeneration in the UK.
NOMA - 2 Angel Square
NOMA 2 Angel Square will deliver 211,000 sq ft of best-in-class, Net Zero Carbon workspace, wrapped in a bold, red tiled façade that reflects the site's rich industrial heritage.
Located on the historic site of Richard Arkwright’s Shudehill Mill, where Manchester’s first steam engine powered the Industrial Revolution, the development continues a legacy of innovation in the heart of the city.
Mainer Associates is supporting the project with:
BREEAM Outstanding and Fitwel 3 Star targets
Passive design optimisation including high-performance glazing and thermal zoning
A circular economy strategy and pre-demolition audit focused on low-impact materials and future adaptability
2 Angel Square sets a new standard for sustainable commercial space in Manchester.
Highlights
Specification
Mixed Use: Office, Retail, Public Realm
Services
BREEAM, Fitwel, Circular Economy, Pre-Demolition Audit
NOMA - 4 Angel Square
Mainer Associates supported the transformation of Manchester’s NOMA estate, delivering sustainability, wellness, and ESG consultancy across key office developments.
Working alongside Federated Hermes, MEPC, and Bowmer & Kirkland, we led efforts to achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, Fitwel 2 Star, and Net Zero Carbon in Operation - beginning with NOMA 4 Angel Square, completed in 2023 and setting a new benchmark in sustainable, occupier-focused design.
Our role also covered Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA), LCC, ESG strategy, and carbon planning for future phases 2 & 3 Angel Square, continuing NOMA’s evolution as one of the UK’s leading sustainable urban districts.
Highlights
Specification
Mixed Use: Office, Retail, Public Realm
Services
BREEAM, BREEAM AP, Fitwel, Whole Life Carbon Assessment, Carbon Management, Life Cycle Costing, ESG
Case Study: NOMA - 4 Angel Square
Client: Federated Hermes
Development Manager: MEPC
Contractor: Bowmer & Kirkland
Location: Manchester
Services: BREEAM, BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP), Fitwel, Whole Life Carbon Assessment, Carbon Management, Life Cycle Costing, ESG Strategy
Certifications Achieved: BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, Fitwel 2 Star, NABERS 5 Star, Net Zero Carbon in Operation
Overview
4 Angel Square stands as a flagship development within Manchester’s NOMA estate, a 20-acre site with deep historical roots and a bold sustainability vision. Completed in Q4 2023, the project exemplifies the next generation of commercial offices - designed to meet ambitious environmental goals while enhancing occupant wellbeing.
Mainer Associates was appointed to lead a wide-ranging sustainability consultancy role, supporting Federated Hermes, MEPC, and Bowmer & Kirkland in delivering one of the UK’s most advanced and responsible office buildings.
Historical Context
NOMA has played a pivotal role in Manchester’s industrial and cultural evolution since the late 18th century. In 1780, Sir Richard Arkwright tested steam-powered cotton milling nearby - marking the district as a key site in the Industrial Revolution. Later, the area became the heart of The Co-operative Group’s operations, featuring landmark buildings such as Hanover, Federation, and the iconic CIS Tower - Manchester’s first skyscraper, completed after WWII.
This legacy of innovation evolved into a sustainability-led agenda in 2013 with the completion of 1 Angel Square, one of the most energy-efficient commercial buildings in the UK at the time.
Project Highlights
4 Angel Square marks the next phase of this journey, achieving:
BREEAM Outstanding
Fitwel 2 Star
NABERS UK 5 Star
Net Zero Carbon in Operation
The development prioritises:
High-performance building fabric and systems
Comprehensive wellness amenities, including dedicated Wellness Suites
Data-driven sustainability and post-occupancy performance tracking
Mainer’s Contribution
Mainer Associates provided integrated sustainability and ESG consultancy, supporting the project from early design through to completion. Our scope included:
BREEAM Assessment & BREEAM AP Services
Fitwel Certification
Whole Life Carbon Assessment & Carbon Management
Life Cycle Costing (LCC)
ESG Strategy Alignment
By embedding sustainability principles into every stage of the project, Mainer helped ensure long-term environmental performance, reduced operational emissions, and improved health and wellbeing outcomes for future tenants.
Looking Ahead
With 4 Angel Square now complete, the next phases - 2 & 3 Angel Square - are set to continue the NOMA estate’s commitment to sustainable development. Mainer Associates remains actively involved, helping shape a future-proof commercial district rooted in innovation, history, and sustainability.
