Manchester Digital Campus secures approval for major government hub and green space development

The Manchester Digital Campus project has officially received planning approval, marking a transformative step for the city’s urban landscape and digital economy. The Government Property Agency (GPA), in partnership with Manchester City Council, is spearheading the development on the former Central Retail Park site in Ancoats, with the goal of establishing a high-tech government hub.

This state-of-the-art facility will consolidate multiple Civil Service departments, fostering digital skills development and enhancing public sector efficiency. The project will also introduce a city centre park, expanding green space accessibility and reinforcing sustainable urban development. With a strategic focus on economic regeneration, the initiative aligns with Manchester’s ambition to be a leader in the UK’s digital economy, creating significant employment opportunities while reshaping the city’s infrastructure.

How Will the Manchester Digital Campus Boost the Economy?

The Manchester Digital Campus project is set to become a key driver of economic growth, bringing approximately 7,000 Civil Service jobs to the city. By centralising various government functions in a modern digital hub, the initiative will provide long-term stability to the public sector workforce in Manchester while generating new opportunities for professionals in tech, digital services, and administrative roles.

Mark Bourgeois, Chief Executive Officer of the Government Property Agency, stated that the agency is pleased with the planning committee’s approval, emphasising the importance of stakeholder collaboration in bringing the project to life. He highlighted that the initiative supports the government’s economic growth agenda, ensuring that the Manchester Digital Campus serves as a catalyst for employment, digital innovation, and skills development.

In May 2024, the Government Property Agency secured 5.5 acres of the former Central Retail Park from Manchester City Council, laying the groundwork for the Manchester Digital Campus project. Since then, both organisations have worked closely on shaping a vision that integrates government infrastructure with community-driven urban redevelopment. The campus is expected to attract a highly skilled workforce, further strengthening Manchester’s reputation as one of the UK’s fastest-growing digital and technology hubs.

What Will the New City Centre Park Offer Manchester?

A major component of the development is the creation of a city centre park, designed to enhance Manchester’s green spaces while complementing the Manchester Digital Campus project. The park will provide a seamless connection between Cotton Field Park, Ancoats, and New Islington, supporting a more walkable and sustainable urban environment.

The park’s design, developed in collaboration with landscape architects Planit-IE, has been shaped by extensive public consultation to ensure it meets the needs of local communities. Features will include a central lawn and plaza, offering a green buffer along Great Ancoats Street, while tiered gardens will create structured spaces across different elevations. Designed for accessibility, the park will incorporate walking paths, tranquil seating areas, and dedicated play zones, making it a multi-functional space for relaxation and recreation.

New cycling and pedestrian routes will integrate the park with Manchester’s active travel infrastructure, linking it to the Northern Quarter, Ancoats, and the Etihad Campus. The initiative aligns with Manchester’s broader efforts to promote sustainable urban development, reducing reliance on cars and encouraging environmentally friendly modes of transport.

What Are the Long-Term Benefits for Manchester?

The Manchester Digital Campus project represents more than just a new office complex; it signals a broader economic and technological shift in the city. As Manchester continues to establish itself as a leader in the UK’s digital economy, the presence of a high-tech government hub will attract further investment in innovation, digital services, and technology-driven industries.

Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, described the approval as a launchpad for transforming the former Central Retail Park site, noting that the project plays to Manchester’s strengths in the digital and technology sectors. She emphasised that the Manchester Digital Campus project will support the city’s long-term economic growth, bringing quality employment and professional development opportunities to local residents.

Craig also highlighted that the regeneration of the Central Retail Park site aligns with Manchester’s low-carbon development strategy, reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainable urban renewal. She stated that the project not only repurposes a long-dormant retail space but also creates a modern, environmentally responsible workplace that reflects Manchester’s ambitions as a forward-thinking city.

What’s Next for the Manchester Digital Campus?

With planning approval secured, the Manchester Digital Campus project will now move into its next phase, with detailed design work and initial site preparations expected to begin in the coming months. The Government Property Agency and Manchester City Council will continue working closely to finalise construction timelines, ensuring that the project remains aligned with Manchester’s broader economic and urban development strategies.

The redevelopment of the former Central Retail Park site has long been a priority for the city, and the combination of a high-tech government hub with a major city centre park represents a significant step forward in Manchester’s urban transformation. As the city continues to position itself as a key player in the UK’s digital economy, the Manchester Digital Campus project is set to play a crucial role in shaping its future.