Subscribe to our Construction Newsfeed
UK Construction Directory
Search our 157,181 companies....

Construction News

14/04/2025

Wates Smartspace Appointed for Fit-Out Of Manchesterss First Street Government Hub

Construction News Image
The Government Property Agency (GPA) has appointed Wates Smartspace to deliver the Category B (Cat B) fit-out of its flagship First Street Hub in Manchester city centre, marking a major step toward the completion of one of the UK’s most significant regional government office projects.

The appointment follows a competitive tender process and will see Wates Smartspace take on responsibility for the full internal fit-out of the nine-storey building, transforming it into a fully functional office space for around 2,600 civil servants.

The new hub is part of the GPA's wider Government Hubs Programme and will house teams from several key departments, including the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), and the Department for Education (DfE). Completion of the project is expected in Autumn 2026.
-- Advertisement --
hss



With the recent completion of the Category A (Cat A) fit-out and lease commencement, the Cat B contract marks the final major hurdle ahead of the building’s full operational readiness. Once complete, the First Street Hub will be one of the largest cross-departmental government facilities outside London and is set to become a key anchor for civil service operations in the North.

In addition to its scale, the hub is notable for its strong focus on sustainability, targeting an impressive NABERS 5.5* rating.

"We are proud of the progress we continue to make as we work to provide high-quality and sustainable workplaces for civil servants across the UK," said Georgina Dunn, Interim Director of Capital Projects at the GPA.

The £105 million development has been forward-funded by the Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), and supports the Government Hubs Programme’s mission to rationalise the public estate, promote flexible working, and drive economic growth across the UK's towns and cities.

Photo credit: Jon Matthews Architects

Latest Construction News

14/05/2025
As crime remains a concern for homes and businesses, CCTV has proven to be one of the most effective deterrents against theft, vandalism, and other criminal activity. Unified Integrated Systems highlights the importance of surveillance technology in enhancing security and providing peace of mind f
13/05/2025
Construction has commenced on a major new £38 million leisure and wellbeing hub in Caerphilly. The state-of-the-art facility is set to become a cornerstone of the Caerphilly Town 2035 placemaking plan, transforming a previously unused area of scrubland into a vibrant, inclusive community space. Co
13/05/2025
Costain has been awarded a significant contract by Urenco to deliver the front-end engineering design (FEED) for a pioneering nuclear fuel production facility in Cheshire. The project will mark Europe's first High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) Advanced Fuels Facility, aimed at supporting the
13/05/2025
Construction has officially begun on a new 38,000 sq ft commercial vehicle workshop and sales facility for Motus Commercials at Ravenscraig, marking a major step forward in the regeneration of one of Europe's largest brownfield sites. A ground-breaking ceremony recently held signalled the start of
13/05/2025
Plans to transform the underused Dorrington Gardens car park into new housing have taken a major step forward, following approval by Havering Council's Strategic Planning Committee. The approved scheme will see the creation of 34 new homes, comprising a mix of houses and apartments. The development
13/05/2025
Construction work on the Alexandra Theatre redevelopment in Bognor Regis is progressing on schedule, as the project continues to reshape one of the town’s most iconic cultural landmarks. The latest project update confirms that key construction milestones have been achieved, including the commenceme
13/05/2025
Cambridge City Council has released updated plans for its Civic Quarter project, which aims to transform three of the city centre's key landmarks, the Cambridge Market, Corn Exchange, and Guildhall, into more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable spaces. The public is now invited to give feedback o
13/05/2025
Kier Natural Resources, part of the Integrated Operational Solutions (IOS) Alliance, has renewed its partnership with Anglian Water through a new five-year contract as part of the company’s AMP8 investment programme. The agreement will support Anglian Water's £11 billion investment initiative, mar
13/05/2025
A major new housing development has been announced in Stechford, Birmingham, as part of efforts to address the West Midlands' deepening housing crisis. Nearly 300 affordable homes, including 150 designated for social rent, will be constructed on the site of the former Yardley Sewage Works in Cole H
13/05/2025
In the realm of workplace accidents and chemical spills, every second counts. The rapid response to emergency situations can often be the line between minor inconvenience and severe injury. With regulations such as those set by both international and European standards, the importance of safety eq
Aqua Direct LtdEfco UK LtdStuart CanvasLakeside HireGreCon Ltd - Measuring technology for the woodworking industryH T Partnership365 vacexMPC Services (UK) Ltd.Window Control Systems UKMarble & Granite Designs Ltd