The nine-storey, 12,000-square-metre facility in Manchester First Street will now undergo internal fit-out work to prepare it for use by around 2,600 civil servants from various government departments.
Manchester’s new government office hub at First Street has reached a significant construction milestone, marking a key step toward its full operational readiness. The Government Property Agency (GPA) announced that it has accepted the handover of the building following the completion of its Category A (Cat A) fit-out, paving the way for the next phase of development.
The nine-storey, 12,000-square-metre facility will now undergo internal fit-out work to prepare it for use by around 2,600 civil servants from various government departments. These include the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), and the Department for Education (DfE). Additionally, over 150 government roles are expected to be relocated to Manchester from other parts of the country, further boosting the local workforce.
This £105 million development, forward-funded by Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), forms part of the Government Hubs Programme, which aims to modernise the civil service’s working environment while supporting regional economic growth. By consolidating government operations and reducing reliance on outdated buildings, the programme delivers sustainable, customer-focused workspaces tailored to collaboration, creativity, and flexibility.
Boosting Regional Growth and Sustainability
Georgia Gould, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, hailed the milestone, saying: “It’s great to see the Manchester First Street Hub move onto this next stage of construction. UK Government Hubs across the country help to consolidate our estate, not only cutting waste by removing old inefficient buildings but also giving people across the country the chance to work in the Civil Service, and driving economic growth in the local area.”
The hub is designed to meet high sustainability and workplace standards. John Hughes, Managing Director of Ask Real Estate, highlighted its achievements in environmental performance: “Achieving a NABERS 5.5 Design for Performance rating – the first building in Manchester City Centre to reach this milestone – supports the high ambitions set by HM Government. First Street and its extended neighbourhood will be boosted significantly when the GPA takes occupation.”
The forward-funded development aligns with PIC’s long-term investment strategy. James Agar, PIC’s Head of Real Estate Origination, noted:
“The sustainability and ESG focus of this best-in-class building are clear to see. This asset will help us pay the pensions of our policyholders while assisting the UK Government in its transition to Net Zero.”
A Hub for Collaboration and Accessibility
Once operational, the First Street Hub will serve as one of the largest cross-departmental government hubs outside London, fostering collaboration among civil servants. Located within walking distance of Oxford Road and Deansgate rail stations, the building is strategically positioned and designed to meet inclusive and accessible standards.
Georgina Dunn, the GPA’s Interim Director of Capital Projects, expressed pride in the hub’s progress: “This new state-of-the-art office will provide a home for civil servants from across the government in Manchester. The GPA remains immensely proud of the industry-leading sustainability, accessibility, and workplace standards delivered by the Government Hubs Programme.”
Next Steps
The competitive tender process for the hub’s internal fit-out is complete, with the GPA set to announce the selected contractor in the coming weeks. Once finished, the facility will not only bolster Manchester’s economy but also set a benchmark for modern, sustainable office spaces in the UK.
