Manchester Digital Campus Receives Planning Approval

Planning approval has been granted for the Manchester Digital Campus, a major government office complex to be built on the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats, which is set to create 7,000 civil service jobs. The project, estimated to cost around £310 million, will encompass 900,000 square feet of office space and is anticipated to act as a catalyst for regional growth and job creation, providing approximately 4,900 direct construction jobs during its four-year build phase starting in April 2026. Mark Bourgeois, CEO of the Government Property Agency (GPA), expressed gratitude for stakeholder support and emphasized the project's alignment with Manchester's burgeoning tech community. The development will also include a new public park, enhancing green space in the city. Both the GPA and Manchester City Council have collaborated on this initiative, which follows consultations with local residents and businesses. The scheme is part of a broader regeneration effort in the Ancoats area, aiming to transform the site into a vibrant hub for digital skills and civil service operations.