Manchester City Council’s planning committee has approved the construction of the Manchester Digital Campus, a digital hub to be established on the site of the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats, England.
The UK Government Property Agency’s (GPA) scheme, which received approval yesterday (20 February), aims to consolidate several civil service departments, with an emphasis on digital skills.
GPA’s acquisition of five-and-a-half acres from Manchester City Council in May 2024 marked the first step towards realising the digital campus.
This collaborative effort between GPA and the council aims to generate substantial employment opportunities and economic benefits for the region.
The joint consultation conducted by the council and GPA in August and September last year sought input from local businesses, residents, and other stakeholders. Their feedback helped shape the proposals for the government digital campus and an adjacent new city centre park.
Designed by landscape architect Planit-IE, the new park will enhance Manchester city centre’s green spaces, offering a central lawn, plaza, tiered gardens, play areas, and spots for respite from urban noise. The design ensures full accessibility for all visitors.
Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig said: “Our ambition has long been to bring the former retail park back into active use and working in partnership with the GPA we are delivering a quality, low-carbon development that will bring 7,000 civil service jobs to Manchester in the coming years.
“The transformation of this brownfield site supports our ongoing growth in the sector, which translates into quality employment and development opportunities for our residents.
“At the same time, the new park is a welcome addition to our city centre green spaces and a reimagining of the former retail site that has for many years acted only as a barrier to the community behind – and an eyesore in one of the most exciting parts of our city.”
In January this year, developer Glenbrook submitted a planning application to Manchester City Council for a 44-storey residential tower on Whitworth Street West, featuring 364 modern apartments, following positive public feedback.
