The government has officially approved the outline business case for the Manchester Digital Campus (MDC), a major new civil service and digital innovation hub set to redefine the city’s role as one of the UK’s leading tech destinations.
Manchester Digital Campus confirmed by government
The announcement, confirmed on March 19 2026, marks a critical milestone for the landmark project being led by the Government Property Agency (GPA) under the Cabinet Office’s Places for Growth programme.
The initiative aims to decentralise government roles and strengthen regional economies by establishing major administrative and digital centres outside London.
Manchester Digital Campus – a national digital powerhouse in the North
Planned for a brownfield site in Ancoats, central Manchester, the MDC will bring together around 8,800 civil servants from multiple departments, all focused on advancing the government’s digital capability and data-driven services.
The sprawling 900,000 sq ft campus spanning two purpose-built office buildings will serve as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and the development of new digital tools for public service delivery.
Construction is expected to begin following enabling works in 2026-27, with main works scheduled between 2027 and 2029, and full operation targeted for 2032.
The four-year construction phase alone is set to create 4,900 jobs, boosting local employment and supporting the city’s continued regeneration.
MDC promises 8,800 jobs in digital and technology roles by 2032
According to project data, the MDC is expected to deliver a Net Present Social Value of £2.345bn and generate long-term estate efficiencies worth £4.7bn over 60 years compared to maintaining the current network of regional government offices.
Once operational, annual savings of up to £240m are projected.
This investment forms part of the government’s broader ambition to double the proportion of civil servants in digital and technology roles by 2030, aligning with its digital and data strategy.
Cabinet Office Minister Anna Turley described the scheme as a win for both governance and growth:
“We are turning disused land into a digital centre for government, boosting local growth and supporting the regeneration of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.”
Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig OBE hailed the project as a “landmark programme” that cements Manchester’s fast-growing reputation in the digital and cyber industries.
She noted that alongside the creation of thousands of government roles, the scheme represents an estimated £2.3bn in social value investment, directly benefiting local communities across the city.
“Transforming a derelict site will see thousands of Government jobs concentrating in Manchester. This is also a clear commitment by the Government to invest in Manchester – good for our city, our region, and for UK economic growth,” Craig said.
