The government has taken a major step forward on the Manchester Digital Campus (MDC), with the outline business case formally approved by the Treasury.
Built on brownfield land in central Manchester, the campus will bring together approximately 8,800 people from multiple government departments with a focus on digital work.
It is a significant driver for the government digital and data strategy and a key commitment by the government's Places for Growth programme. It is a Cabinet Office programme principally delivered by the Government Property Agency (GPA) in close collaboration with the multiple government departments involved.
Once operational - targeted for 2032 - MDC will provide approximately 900,000 sq ft of purpose-built workspace across two buildings. The new campus demonstrates Places for Growth in action, helping to harness the North West's digital expertise and fostering collaboration across departments and the wider digital sector in the region.
Construction is expected to support approximately 4,900 direct jobs over a four-year build period.
As it gains momentum, the campus programme will also help the government reach its ambition of having one in ten civil servants in technology and digital roles by 2030 – currently just over five per cent. The wider MDC delivery programme will play a highly significant part in galvanising technology and digital functions and operators in the region in anticipation of the campus opening, which will shift momentum towards meeting this ambition.
Cabinet Office Minister Anna Turley said: “We are turning disused land into a digital centre for government, boosting local growth and supporting regeneration of Manchester's vibrant city centre.
“I am a firm believer that the best ideas often come from those on the frontline. Our plans will move decision-making out of Whitehall and into cities like Manchester, to ensure national policy is informed by local expertise. This will deliver real, tangible benefits for communities across the North, as well as saving the taxpayer billions of pounds.”
Philippa Harvey, Senior Responsible Owner for the MDC Programme: “This is the end of the beginning for a programme that has required extraordinary commitment from a huge number of people across government, in Manchester, and across the wider region. MDC is not just a new building – it is a transformation of how government works, bringing together digital expertise at scale in a world-class environment, fully embedded in the community we serve. I am enormously proud of what has been achieved by all involved and excited about what comes next.”
Cllr Bev Craig OBE, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is a significant announcement for our city. The Manchester Digital Campus will be a landmark programme that cements Manchester's growing global reputation in Digital and Cyber industries, creating major opportunities for residents and a huge boost to 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 £2.3bn in social value investment that will directly improve the lives of Mancunians and the communities they call home.
“This is also a clear commitment by this Government to invest in Manchester and a statement that northern investment is good for our city and our region, and it's also good for the economic growth of the UK.”
