11.2 C
Manchester
Thursday, April 24, 2025
CommunityManchester Digital Campus and city centre park get planning approval

Manchester Digital Campus and city centre park get planning approval

A major government office complex bringing 7,000 civil service jobs to Manchester alongside a new urban park have been given planning consent to be built in Ancoats.
Manchester Digital Campus will be a state-of-the-art hub constructed on the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats after the city’s planning committee approved the Government Property Agency’s (GPA) scheme yesterday.

The campus will bring together a number of civil service departments with a focus around digital skills and create employment opportunities and economic benefits in the region.

The state-of-the-art campus will bolster Manchester’s digital and tech sector, driving economic growth.

New city centre park

Alongside the new campus, the new park will improve access to quality green space in Manchester city centre, creating a connection to the existing Cotton Field Park behind and through to Ancoats and New Islington.

The park space has been designed in collaboration with landscape architects Planit-IE following public consultation.

A central lawn and plaza will create a green buffer to Great Ancoats Street, with various tiered gardens navigating the different level changes across the site, alongside play areas, paths and tranquil areas to escape the noise of the city. The park has been designed to make sure that it is fully accessible.

The site will accommodate new walking and cycling routes, helping to link to other city centre active travel investment in Ancoats, Northern Quarter and out towards the Etihad Campus.

Delighted

Mark Bourgeois, CEO at the GPA, said: “We are delighted with the decision and are grateful for the support of the many stakeholders in Manchester. The GPA team is proud to be working on this exciting project in support of the Government’s growth mission.”

The GPA exchanged contracts to acquire five-and-a-half acres of the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats from the city council in May last year with a view to constructing a state-of-the-art digital campus.

Both the agency and Manchester City Council have been working together on the plans for Ancoats, culminating in a parallel proposal for the digital campus and an adjacent public park.

The council and the GPA held a joint consultation around emerging plans for the former retail site in August and September last year, inviting local residents, businesses and other stakeholders to help guide proposals to create the new government digital campus – delivered by the GPA – and a new city centre park space, delivered by the council.

Council leader Bev Craig said: “Gaining planning approval for both the GPA’s digital campus and the latest city centre park is the launchpad for the transformation of this site.

“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 new digital campus plays to Manchester’s strengths. We have fostered one of the fastest growing tech and digital communities in the UK, with a growing international reputation. The transformation of this brownfield site supports our ongoing growth in the sector, which translates into quality employment and development opportunities for our residents.  

“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.”

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
Latest

Cellcycle and Kerry Logistics Partner to Strengthen Sustainable Battery Supply Chain in the UK

UK-based battery recycling expert Cellcycle, part of the SER Group, has signed a Mutual Cooperation Agreement with Kerry Logistics (UK), a member of the...

FREESMO Rallies to Support Ex-Smokers Ahead of the Disposable Vape Ban with Golden Ticket Campaign

As the UK prepares for the nationwide ban on disposable vapes coming into force on 1st June 2025, FREESMO is stepping up to support...

St George’s Day parade returns to Manchester

The St George's Day Parade, a beloved fixture in Manchester's event calendar for nearly two decades, returns on April 27 with its vibrant celebration...

Police appeal following serious assault in Bramhall

Detectives are seeking the public’s help with enquires after a serious assault took place in a bar in Stockport. Sometime around 12.40am on April 19,...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

St George’s Day parade returns to Manchester

The St George's Day Parade, a beloved fixture in Manchester's event calendar for nearly two decades, returns on April 27 with its vibrant celebration...

Police appeal following serious assault in Bramhall

Detectives are seeking the public’s help with enquires after a serious assault took place in a bar in Stockport. Sometime around 12.40am on April 19,...

Cellcycle and Kerry Logistics Partner to Strengthen Sustainable Battery Supply Chain in the UK

UK-based battery recycling expert Cellcycle, part of the SER Group, has signed a Mutual Cooperation Agreement with Kerry Logistics (UK), a member of the...

Street Eat festival returns to Rochdale in June

Street Eat - the food and drink festival that attracts thousands of visitors every year - is returning to Rochdale Town Hall Square for...

More News

Work to begin on Oldham’s £12.9 million visitor centre

Oldham Council is set to begin construction on the new Visitor Centre and Forestry Skills Centre at Northern Roots - a key part of...

New managing director of Walker Sime named as firm strengthens future vision

Walker Sime is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Neville as its new Managing Director. Jon takes on the role following 18 months as Director...

Works begin to create 81 new homes on disused land in Bury

Work has started to transform the site of the former Seedfield Centre in Bury into 81 new family homes. The brownfield site off Walmersley Road,...