A government office complex bringing 7,000 civil service jobs to Manchester specialising in digital skills has been given planning consent.
Described as “a state-of-the-art hub”, the campus will be constructed on the derelict former Central Retail Park in Ancoats near the city centre, and will also include an urban park plaza.
It will bring together a range Civil Service departments with a focus on technology.
Council leader Bev Craig said: “Our ambition has long been to bring the former retail park back into active use.”
She said the 7,000 jobs would be brought to Manchester “in the coming years”.
“The new digital campus plays to Manchester’s strengths,” she continued.
“We have fostered one of the fastest growing tech and digital communities in the UK with a growing international reputation.
“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.”
The council said a central lawn and plaza will create a green buffer to the busy 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”.
It will also accommodate new walking and cycling routes, helping to link to other city centre active travel investment in Ancoats, the Northern Quarter and out towards the Etihad Campus.
The city council’s planning committee formally approved the Government Property Agency’s scheme.
