Groundworks phase kicks off at Manchester Digital Campus
Contractors are on site as the early stages of building a 900,000 sq ft civil service campus move into gear, with overall completion in 2032 the aim.
The preparation phase for the project, a two-building development off Great Ancoats Street, is now live, preparing the way for the main construction phase.
Works include breaking up and crushing concrete slabbing, removing redundant drainage and utilities, reducing the levels of the site, and conducting further ground investigations and surveys in readiness for the main build, which is scheduled to start in 2028.
Teams will also lay temporary tracks across the 5.5-acre site for construction machinery.
Built on brownfield land on part of the former Central Retail Park, Manchester Digital Campus is expected to bring together around 8,800 people from multiple government departments with a focus on digital delivery. It is described as a key part of the Places for Growth programme.
Planning permission was secured last year, with Treasury sign-off following this March.
The Cabinet Office programme will principally be delivered by the Government Property Agency.
Philippa Harvey, senior responsible owner for the MDC programme, said: “This is a milestone event as delivery continues to progress on this programme, creating exceptional tangible benefits for the government, the taxpayer, the economy and the skills of the region and the wider UK.
“To get to this point has seen extraordinary efforts from a huge number of people across government, in Manchester, and the wider region; there is of course a lot more to do.
“MDC is not just a new building – it is a transformation of how government works, bringing together digitally focused departments at scale in a purpose-built environment, fully embedded in the community we serve.
”Once open – targeted for 2032 – MDC will provide approximately 900,000 sq ft of purpose-built workspace across two buildings. The new campus will help to harness the North West’s digital expertise and foster collaboration across departments and the wider digital sector in the region.”
The government intends for the MDC project to help it reach its ambition of having one in 10 civil servants in technology and digital roles by 2030, up from the current 5%.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is a significant moment for Manchester. Transforming this derelict site will support almost 9,000 government jobs being concentrated in Manchester and around 5,000 construction jobs.
“This investment by the Government in the future of Manchester, and Greater Manchester, will cement our growing global reputation as a hub for digital and cyber industries.”
