Government department to open new 'hub' in Manchester city centre creating up to 400 jobs

A government department 'hub' creating 400 jobs is set to open in Manchester city centre.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced it is opening the office as part of Levelling Up plans.

Located in Marble Street, it will be the largest DCMS hub outside London, in a move away from 'London-centric decision making'.

The Manchester HQ will contain the head office for Building Digital UK (BDUK).

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BDUK is behind Project Gigabit, the government’s £5 billion plan to roll out faster broadband to hard-to-reach and rural areas and deliver gigabit-capable connections to 85 per cent of UK homes by 2025.

This Manchester HQ creation comes as part of government plans to relocate 22,000 civil service roles out of London by 2030.

Cardiff, Belfast, Edinburgh, Loughborough and Darlington, are also set to benefit from these plans, with 200 jobs to be created at an 'Economic Campus' in Darlington.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: "The days of London-centric decision making belong in the past. It’s an exciting time for DCMS as we expand our regional offices and tap into a more diverse talent pool.

"Our strength comes from our people and this will allow us to recruit the best, wherever they may be, to deliver the wide range of DCMS policies which drive growth and enrich lives all over the UK."

MIDAS, Greater Manchester’s inward investment agency, helped advise on the relocation.

The news has been welcomed by leaders across Greater Manchester.

Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is welcome news. Not only is it a reflection of Manchester's role as a northern epicentre for