Development to house 2,500 civil servants

A West Midlands firm is involved in a major property development that will host around 2,500 civil servants.

The Government Property Agency (GPA) has signed a lease agreement with developer Ask Real Estate and its JV partner, the Oldbury-based Richardson Family, for a 129,000 sq ft site on First Street.

The hub will host some 2,500 civil servants, including more than 700 roles which will be relocated from London to Manchester.

Departments moving roles include the cabinet office, department for digital, culture, media & sport, department for education and department for business, energy & industrial strategy.

The move of civil service roles to Manchester is expected to generate £31m in economic benefits for the city, down to increased footfall and spending from staff.

Minister for Brexit opportunities and government efficiency Jacob Rees-Mogg said: "This new site will provide a home for civil servants from at least four different government departments, making it one of the largest hubs for cross-government collaboration and operation outside London.

"By the time this site opens in 2025, 2,500 civil servants will have been relocated from Greater London to Manchester. ”

John Hughes, managing director at Ask Real Estate said: “Attracting the GPA to the estate, further establishes First Street as one of the most sought after business destinations in the region.

“We have worked over a number of years to create a community and a neighbourhood with aspiring amenity and established talent.

“This news will enable us to realise and progress our ambition to accommodate 10,000 jobs by 2028 and create a sustainable urban campus. ”