The campus is planned for brownfield land in Ancoats, Manchester. Once operational鈥攖argeted for 2032鈥攊t will provide 900,000 sq ft of purpose built office space across two buildings, and be used by 8,800 civil servants from multiple government departments. The project, part of the 鈥楶laces for Growth鈥� programme, is being overseen by the Government Property Agency (GPA), alongside the departments involved.
Asked what the construction costs were estiamted to be, a GPA spokesperson said:聽"We'll be getting into the tender process later this year where exact costs will be hammered out. Currently we're talking about hundreds of 拢millions but not being more specific."
The land, formerly a retail park, was acquired by Manchester City Council in 2017. The campus will take up 5.5 acres of the site, with the council planning a public park within the remaining space.
Planning permission was granted in February 2025. Today鈥檚 decision by the Treasury formally approves the business case for project, a key milestone. Enabling works are due to start in 2026/2027, with main construction taking place between 2027 and 2029.
Cabinet Office minister Anna Turley聽said, 鈥淲e are turning disused land into a digital centre for government, boosting local growth and supporting regeneration of Manchester's vibrant city centre.鈥�
Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig said. 鈥淭his is a significant announcement for our city. Transforming a derelict site will see thousands of government jobs concentrating in Manchester, as well as supporting 4,900 construction jobs and an unprecedented 拢2.3bn in social value investment.鈥�