A major government office complex is set to be built in Manchester after the city's planning committee approved the Government Property Agency's (GPA) proposal for a state-of-the-art Digital Campus.

The new hub will be constructed on the former Central Retail Park site in Ancoats, a key development in the city's ongoing regeneration.

The GPA secured a contract in May 2023 to acquire five-and-a-half acres of the Central Retail Park site from Manchester City Council, with the aim of creating a modern digital campus. The campus is part of a broader vision for the Ancoats area, which includes a new public park designed to enhance green space access in the city centre.

The joint plans were developed by the GPA in collaboration with Manchester City Council, following a public consultation in August and September 2023. Local residents, businesses, and stakeholders were invited to contribute their ideas for the digital campus and adjacent park. The consultation helped shape a vision for a thriving digital hub alongside a high-quality green space, improving the local area and providing public amenities.

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The park, designed by landscape architects Planit-IE, will feature a central lawn, tiered gardens, and play areas, offering a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city. A green buffer to Great Ancoats Street and improved pedestrian and cycling routes will enhance access and connectivity to surrounding areas, including Cotton Field Park and the wider Ancoats and New Islington districts. The park will also be fully accessible, with a focus on inclusivity and usability for all visitors.

As part of the overall development, new walking and cycling routes will be created, connecting the site to existing active travel infrastructure in the Northern Quarter, Ancoats, and up towards the Etihad Campus.

The Manchester Digital Campus will bring together various Civil Service departments with a focus on digital skills, creating significant employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy. Future development phases will be brought forward to further expand the site, but the digital campus is expected to be a key driver of innovation and growth in the region.