The Government Property Agency (GPA) has appointed Kier as its initial delivery partner to create a new state-of-the-art hub at the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC).
A planning application for the four-storey building on Brunswick Street in Darlington was submitted to Darlington Borough Council last month and subject to consent, construction is scheduled to commence at the end of this year with completion expected in 2027.
The GPA and Kier have agreed a pre-construction services agreement and the two parties will now develop the design of the building and engage with the supply chain ahead of construction of the hub commencing. The freehold of the building and surrounding land will be owned by the GPA.
Alex Burghart, parliamentary secretary for the Cabinet Office, said: “We are committed to creating modern and productive working environments for civil servants in Darlington, enabling them to deliver the best possible service to taxpayers. I am pleased to see the progress being made to deliver this new government hub on Brunswick Street. Our growing presence in Darlington will allow us to attract and retain talented individuals from across the North of England in key civil service positions.”
Clive Anderson, director of capital projects at the Government Property Agency, added: “The GPA is looking forward to working with Kier Construction on this exceptional freehold project to deliver a next-generation government hub at the DEC. This development will continue to support Levelling Up and Places for Growth, creating considerable regional economic benefit as well as helping to transform the civil service to better represent the public we serve.”
Stuart Togwell, group managing director of Kier Construction, said: “We’re delighted to have been appointed to support the delivery of the Government Property Agency’s latest government hub in Darlington. Working in partnership with the GPA, we will create an exemplar building to support and create a new flagship regional hub for the government and a sustainable, inclusive and collaborative environment for its employees.
“Our strong regional footprint also means we will deliver the scheme through local supply chains and create employment opportunities including apprenticeships.”
