New city centre campus a step closer as partner lined up to develop Central Retail Park

The Council is in late-stage negotiations to begin the redevelopment of part of the former retail park by the Government Property Agency (GPA) to develop a new low carbon office destination.

The Council agreed an updated Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for the land in March 2023 setting out the high-level principles for development at the site, including low carbon, commercial office space and high-quality green space that will support continued economic growth and accommodate 7,000 new and existing civil service roles.

The GPA has been exploring options in Manchester and the North West to meet the needs of civil servants as part of the Government’s commitment to locate more services outside of London and support the Levelling Up agenda.

The initial development proposals by GPA would look to create a new digital campus and office space, with the first planning application expected later this summer – supporting the need for new office amenity in this part of Manchester’s city centre.

In turn, the remainder of the programme of regeneration will deliver significant new green space to the site, opening access to Cotton Field Park beyond for the first time from Great Ancoats Street.

The site will also support new walking and cycling routes, linking other active travel routes through Ancoats and the Northern Quarter to better connect the city centre.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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