Government Property Agency buys former Manchester retail park

The Government Property Agency has exchanged contracts to acquire five acres of the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats from Manchester City Council, where it plans to develop a new digital campus. The campus will bring together some 7,000 civil servants from several departments with a focus around digital skills. Parliamentary secretary for the Cabinet Office, Alex Burghart, said: “This latest expansion in Manchester not only represents our ongoing commitment to investing in digital excellence, but also signifies our dedication to contributing positively to the city’s vibrant community and economy. “We are excited to create more modern and productive work environments in the heart of the city, where civil servants from across the North West can be inspired and take pride in delivering the best possible service to the taxpayer.” The deal is is conditional on planning and builds on the updated Strategic Regeneration Framework. The purchase is expected to complete next year, with construction set to begin in 2026. Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said the deal marks “a significant investment that will complement the wider regeneration story that has been unfolding in this part of our city centre for the past two decades”. Clive Anderson, director of capital projects at the GPA, said: “We are pleased to be working collaboratively with MCC to regenerate this important area of Manchester, as well as supporting the government policies of levelling up and places for growth.”