May 30, 2025
Manchester News
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Thousands of civil service roles will be relocated from London to Manchester, in a brand-new office hub in Ancoats.
This comes as part of a wider plan to move 12,000 roles outside of London, to 13 different towns and cities across the UK, by 2030. This will mean 11 office building closures in the capital, and will save the government around £94m a year.
The new Government Digital and AI Innovation Campus was confirmed by the cabinet office earlier this month, which will sit on the former Central Retail Park, on Great Ancoats Street. The 10.5 acre site was bought by Manchester Council for £37m back in 2017, and after an 8-year long debate on what to use the plot for, the government’s planning applications have been approved.
Construction of the 9-storey offices will create 6,000 jobs, and 7,000 civil service roles are expected to be opened there, around half of these being new roles. The site will also feature ground-floor amenities, and new parkland.
The complex isn’t expected to complete until 2028 though, which means some of the relocated roles will be based in other government buildings in Greater Manchester until then.
“Locating Government jobs in Manchester is a boost for our residents, and also helps national government deliver better services, tapping into our growing and talented workforce and helping get stuck in with real life issues that can improve services, lead to better Government and improve lives.
“Over the last decade Manchester has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in Europe and one of fastest growing tech and digital ecosystems in the UK.”
– Bev Craig, Manchester Council Leader
Since 2020, 2,000 civil service jobs have already been relocated to Greater Manchester from London; the ‘second HQs’ for Departments for Science, Innovation and Technology, and Culture, Media and Sport are also located in the northern city.
What does this mean for investment?
This announcement is huge for Manchester – and not just politically. From an investment perspective, it reinforces what we already know: Manchester is one of the strongest cities for long-term growth.
Increased Housing Demand
Thousands of civil service roles moving to the city means more professionals looking for homes, especially in central areas like Ancoats. Demand for quality housing will only grow.
Capital Growth Potential
Areas like Ancoats, New Islington and the Northern Quarter have already seen major regeneration – this new hub will accelerate that further. Early investors stand to benefit from strong capital appreciation.
Economic Confidence
6,000 construction jobs and 7,000 civil service roles will drive local employment and spending power, feeding into a strong rental market and increased buyer interest.
Backing from Government
With over 2,000 roles already relocated and departments setting up second HQs here, this move confirms that Manchester is a long-term strategic priority for the government, and should be for you as an investor too.
If you’re eyeing off-plan opportunities in Manchester, now’s the time to act. Momentum like this doesn’t come around often, and by the time the campus is complete in 2028, prices could look very different.
Want help finding the best investments to make the most of this? Contact us now.
