A ‘digital skills’ hub is approved for Manchester, bringing 7,000 civil service jobs and a new urban park to revitalise the Ancoats area.
They’ll build it on the old Central Retail Park. This park was unused in Ancoats, near the city’s center. The plan includes a nice urban park too. Various Civil Service departments will work together, focusing mainly on technology.
The council wants to reuse the old retail park, bringing 7,000 jobs to Manchester soon. The new digital campus really suits Manchester and its fast-growing tech community, which has earned an international name.
The new park is a plus for city green spaces. It renews the old retail site that, for years, blocked the community behind, and was also an ugly spot.
A central lawn and plaza will be created to act as a green buffer for Great Ancoats Street. Tiered gardens will handle site level changes. Play areas and paths will enhance the space, while quiet spots provide peace from city noise.
New walking and biking paths are planned, with routes connecting to other city investments. Active travel improvements are near Ancoats, reaching the Northern Quarter and Etihad Campus.
The city council planning committee approved the plan. The Government Property Agency created this scheme.