City civil service hub hits construction 'milestone'

Construction of a 2600-job city centre Government office has hit a key milestone.

Builders have completed the core external fit-out of First Street, in Manchester.

Bosses say internal works are now set to begin on the nine-storey, 12,000sq metre site.

Once operational, the base is expected to house about 2600 civil servants from departments including the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Department for Business and Trade, and the Department for Education.

Officials say more than 150 roles will shift to the hub from several departments and agencies.

The building forms part of the Government Hubs Programme, which aims to open more regional civil service bases outside London.

Georgia Gould, parliamentary secretary for the cabinet office, said: “It's great to see Manchester First Street move to this next stage of construction.

“Government Hubs across the country help consolidate our estate, cut waste by removing old and inefficient buildings, and give people across the country the chance to work in the Civil Service.”

External works were completed by BAM Construct UK, under appointment from developer Ask Real Estate.

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