One Angel Square

One Angel Square. It is the headquarters building of The Co-operative Group, located in the NOMA district of Manchester, England. Completed in 2012, the distinctive structure is noted for its advanced sustainable design and has received numerous accolades for its environmental performance. The building serves as a central hub for the co-operative society's operations, consolidating staff from over twenty dispersed offices across the Greater Manchester region.

Overview

The building was developed as part of a major regeneration initiative for the northern area of Manchester city centre, specifically within the NOMA development framework. It was conceived to provide a new, consolidated headquarters for The Co-operative Group, one of the world's largest consumer co-operatives. Its location near Manchester Victoria station places it within a key transport interchange, enhancing connectivity. The project represented a significant investment by the group following its merger with United Co-operatives and forms a cornerstone of its corporate identity.

Design and construction

The architectural design was led by the firm 3DReid, with engineering services provided by Buro Happold. The building's striking double-skinned, elliptical form is inspired by the shape of a clover leaf, symbolising the co-operative movement. The structural design utilizes a diagrid system for efficiency, while the façade features a high-performance glazed curtain wall. The main contractor was BAM Construct UK, and construction commenced in 2010 after a planning application was approved by Manchester City Council. The project involved complex engineering to integrate its numerous sustainable systems and was completed on schedule in late 2012.

Sustainability features

The structure is renowned for its pioneering environmental credentials, having achieved an "Outstanding" certification under BREEAM. Key features include a double-skin façade that provides natural ventilation and thermal buffering, and a combined heat and power plant fueled by rapeseed oil grown on the group's own farmland. Other systems incorporate ground source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, and extensive solar shading. The design prioritises maximum daylight penetration to reduce artificial lighting needs, contributing to its exceptionally low predicted energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Tenancy and operations

The building is occupied primarily by The Co-operative Group, housing thousands of its employees from divisions including Co-operative Food, Co-operative Financial Services, and its legal and support functions. It also contains flexible office space, a staff restaurant, and auditorium facilities. The consolidation into this single site from locations such as New Century House and Miller Street in Manchester aimed to improve operational efficiency and collaboration. The building's management incorporates its intelligent building systems to maintain optimal environmental performance and occupant comfort.

Awards and recognition

Upon completion, it received widespread acclaim, winning the prestigious RIBA National Award and being named the RIBA North West Building of the Year in 2013. Its sustainability achievements were recognized with the highest-ever score for a large office building under BREEAM at the time. It also received the British Council for Offices' 'Best of the Best' award. These accolades cemented its reputation as one of the most environmentally advanced commercial buildings in Europe and a benchmark for sustainable design in the United Kingdom.

Category:Office buildings in Manchester Category:Skyscrapers in Manchester Category:Buildings and structures completed in 2012