Around 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
The steel structure will form the frame of the Darlington Economic Campus 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 Government Property Agency (GPA), explained: “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.”
The Darlington Economic Campus development will cost £118m
Construction at Brunswick Street officially began in January and was marked by a groundbreaking ceremony involving the then Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Kier Group is leading the project after the GPA secured an £118m agreement with the company in December last year.
Creating jobs for regional contractors
“It’s great to see the steelwork going in. I’ve been working hard to ensure this government investment benefits the town’s business community, construction supply chain, and workforce, while also bringing new people to Darlington,” said Lola McEvoy, member of parliament for Darlington.
“This government project has benefited us already by using regional contractors, and once it’s built, everyone who works there will have the same terms and conditions, from building services staff to senior civil servants.”
The Brunswick Street hub will welcome over 1,000 civil servants once construction is complete
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 by redeveloping brownfield sites or repurposing existing buildings to create efficient, sustainable and productive workplaces.
Sean Fenner, managing director, Kier Construction North & Scotland, concluded: “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.”
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