The UK’s Government Property Agency (GPA) has taken a significant step forward in Darlington’s urban development by submitting a plan to Darlington Borough Council for a new four-story government hub.
This move is a pivotal part of the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC), a key player in the town’s growth. The DEC houses important government departments, including the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, and the Office for National Statistics.
With a budget of about £118 million ($148.98 million) earmarked for this initiative, the government is demonstrating its commitment to bolstering the regional economy. The proposed hub on Brunswick Street is set to join forces with Feethams House and Bishopsgate House, creating a trio of government buildings at the heart of Darlington.
Marple Community Hub (Credits: GlobalData)
This development is a milestone in the success of the Places for Growth program launched in 2021, which has already brought 762 civil service roles to Darlington.
Clive Anderson, the GPA Capital Projects director, highlighted the project’s aims to build a sustainable, modern, and energy-efficient workplace. This effort aims to revitalize the local economy and attract individuals to civil service roles.
The DEC is a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to distribute investment more evenly across the UK and stimulate growth in northeast England. With plans to create approximately 1,400 civil service roles, the project underscores the government’s commitment to its Levelling Up and Places for Growth agendas.
Kier Group (Credits: GlobalData)
Construction is slated to begin later this year and is expected to wrap up in early 2027. Beyond the immediate benefits of new government facilities and job creation, the project is projected to contribute an additional £180 million in value to the broader UK economy.
This ambitious development marks a significant investment in Darlington’s future. It promises to enhance the town’s role in the national economic landscape and provide valuable opportunities for its residents and the wider region.
