GPA advances plans for new government digital campus in Manchester

Plans for a state-of-the-art government digital campus in Manchester have moved a step closer to fruition following a landmark land deal.

The Government Property Agency (GPA) has exchanged contracts to purchase five acres of the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats from Manchester City Council (MCC).

It marks an important step forward in the GPA’s plans to build the Manchester Digital Campus, a new complex of government offices in the city, bringing together a number of public service departments with a focus on digital skills. Once completed, the digital hub will house around 7,000 civil servants.

The agreement, which is subject to planning, builds on the work undertaken by MCC and GPA last year to put in place an updated strategic regeneration framework and the shared ambition to regenerate the former retail site, creating jobs and opportunities for wider business supported by the digital campus.

Cllr Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The new digital campus, which will be home to 7,000 digital jobs, is a significant investment that will complement the wider regeneration story that has unfolded in this part of our city center over the last two decades. We have worked closely with the GPA to unlock the potential of the former retail site through this development, which will set aside a new council-delivered public green space – improving access to the existing Cotton Field Park.”

Clive Anderson, Director of Capital Projects at GPA, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with MCC to regenerate this important area of ​​Manchester, as well as supporting the Government’s policies for leveling and places to grow. The GPA is also proud to create fantastic, sustainable jobs to support the transformation of the public service and we are committed to growing its presence in Manchester, building on the city’s talent pool.”

The land acquisition is expected to be fully completed next year, with construction set to begin in 2026.