GPA announces crucial step forward in delivering a new Civil Service office space in Darlington

The Government Property Agency (GPA) has taken an important step forward in delivering a new Civil Service office space in Darlington. Approximately 800 tonnes of steel are now being installed at the site of the Brunswick Street Government Hub, which will become the permanent home of the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC).

The steel structure will form the frame of the building, with installation set to be completed in October this year. The Brunswick Street Government Hub is due to open during the first quarter of 2028 and will accommodate six government departments.

Simon Hulme, Director of Capital Projects at the GPA, said:

“This is another significant milestone for the agency, and we are delighted that we continue to progress our programme to build the new permanent home of the Darlington Economic Campus. The installation of steel at Brunswick Street is a hugely important development for the project and we are proud to be working with regional contractors – highlighting our efforts to invest in the local and regional economy.

“We will now continue to work alongside our strategic partners and suppliers as we deliver this modern and digitally enabled office building that will support the work of more than 1,600 civil servants.”

Construction at Brunswick Street officially began in January and was marked by a breaking ground ceremony involving the then Chancellor Rachel Reeves. It is being led by Kier Group after the GPA secured an £118 million agreement with the company in December last year.

Sean Fenner, Managing Director, Kier Construction North & Scotland, said:

“Installing the steel frame of the Darlington Economic Campus is an important moment for everyone involved in this project, as the scale of the new building emerges. Through close collaboration with the GPA, our partners and local supply chain, we are proud to be delivering this landmark development that will be a key part of the town’s future.

“With the steelwork progressing well, our focus remains on delivering the scheme safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.”

The five-storey building will welcome civil servants currently based at nearby Feethams House, which is the temporary home of DEC. Government departments, including HM Treasury and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), will be based in Brunswick Street.

Building on 750 existing Department for Education (DfE) roles, DEC has now welcomed over 1,000 more civil servants to Darlington. DEC forms part of the Government Hubs Programme, supporting economic growth across the UK through the redevelopment of brownfield sites or repurposing existing buildings to create efficient, sustainable and productive workplaces.

In addition to DfE, the campus also incorporates HM Treasury, Office for National Statistics, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, MHCLG, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Competition and Markets Authority.

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