Digital first civil service hub confirmed for Manchester
861,100 square feet of office space will be created alongside a park and public realm on the site of a former edge-of-town shopping centre.
Central Retail Park, which is located less than half a mile from Piccadilly Railway Station, has been earmarked for the scheme, which will see two buildings erected on the site to house government departments. One of the structures will be nine stories high, the other seven.
Once completed, around 7,000 civil servants will work at the new hub, which complements plans already unveiled by Manchester City Council for a new public realm and 1.7acre park, featuring over 100 planted trees and 6,500 square feet of wildflower meadow, outdoor gym area and extensive seating provision. At the ground floor of the buildings retail units will be created, facing Great Ancoats Street, one of the area’s busiest roads.
A ‘canal plaza’ has also been proposed, offering a ‘welcoming and accessible entry to the site, embracing the canal and waterfront swing, opening the view to the conservation area and providing a high quality space to dwell with trees and attractive planting.’ Artwork trumpeting digital technology will also be introduced at points along the boulevard connecting both buildings.
The Government Property Agency is expected to submit a full planning application for Manchester Digital Campus later this year, with the hope of construction beginning in 2026. A deal to secure five hectares at the site has already been signed by the department. The city was selected due to its rapidly developing tech economy, now one of the biggest in Europe.
According to estimates the development could bring around £10billion in benefits to the region over the next 50 years. This includes £300million during the construction phase, which will create 6,000 jobs.
‘The GPA’s vision is to create great workplaces that enable and inspire everyone to be their best. When they started looking for a site for a new civil service hub in Manchester, the former Central Retail Park quickly became the obvious choice,’ a spokesperson for the GPA said. ‘Its size, coupled with its proximity to public transport and city centre amenities, makes it a unique development opportunity within the city.’
Active and sustainable travel are being prioritised as part of the project, with secure storage for between 200 and 400 bikes included in the proposal, and potential for more to be added at a later date. Parking will be limited, but 50 spaces have been designated ‘for those with increased accessibility needs’. A consultation process is now underway and runs until 23rd September, with two in-person sessions planned for 10th September.
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Image: Manchester City Council
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