The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced plans to establish its second headquarters in Salford, Greater Manchester.

The government said the decision to open a second headquarters will position DSIT at the heart of a community that has played a “pivotal role in shaping scientific and technological advancements in the UK”. It added that the city had been involved in one of the most “significant breakthroughs in nuclear physics”, with the first artificial splitting of the atomic nucleus and the discovery of isolated graphene taking place there, sparking numerous innovations in materials science and technology.

“By establishing our second headquarters here, we not only tap into a pool of exceptional talent but also ensure that policymakers responsible for the growth of science and technology live and work alongside a dynamic community of sci-tech leaders,” said secretary of state for science, innovation and technology Michelle Donelan.

DSIT and Building Digital UK currently has nearly 200 staff based in Greater Manchester – a number it said it is committed to doubling over the coming years.

The announcement forms part of the government’s Places for Growth programme, a civil service wide commitment to grow the number of roles outside of London and the South East to 22,000 by 2027.

Greater Manchester is one of DSIT’s active growth locations, along with Birmingham, Bristol (from Winter 2024), Cardiff, Darlington and Edinburgh, with the department stating it remains committed to grow and build communities across all of these locations over this period.

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