Wates has been appointed to deliver a £32.8m Category B office fit-out at a major government hub in central Manchester.
Issued by the Government Property Agency (GPA), the contract covers the internal fit-out of the First Street development, with works programmed to run from 16 February to 23 November 2026.
The appointment was made via a call-off under an existing framework agreement and is not open to SMEs or voluntary and community sector organisations.
The scheme forms part of the GPA’s wider strategy to consolidate public sector office accommodation into regional hubs, helping to reduce costs across the government estate while also cutting carbon emissions.
Once complete, the First Street hub will house around 2,500 civil servants from multiple government departments. It will be one of several regional centres being delivered through the government’s Places for Growth programme, which is aimed at relocating civil service roles away from London.
Outline planning consent for the 130,000 sq metre First Street South site was secured in 2022. Under the plans, the GPA has agreed to take 18,000 sq metres of office space at Plot 9A, which is being developed by Ask Real Estate alongside Tristan Capital Partners and listed investor Richardson.
Wates’ role includes responsibility for the detailed design, the appointment of all designers and subcontractors, and the delivery of the fit-out works. The contract is being delivered under a bespoke NEC pre-construction services agreement, followed by an NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract using Main Option A.
