Construction of the hub is anticipated to start later this year. Credit: sculpies via Shutterstock.

The UK’s Government Property Agency (GPA) has selected Kier to design and develop the new hub at the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC) in the country.

The preconstruction services agreement has been signed, following the submission of a planning application to Darlington Borough Council last month. 

The upcoming hub is set to join the DEC, which already includes Feethams House and Bishopsgate House. 

It is part of the Government Hubs Programme aimed at fostering economic growth in the UK, revitalising brownfield sites, and providing efficient, sustainable workplaces for civil servants. 

GPA Capital Projects director Clive Anderson said: “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. 

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“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.” 

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Kier and the GPA are collaborating to refine the design and consult with the supply chain, setting the stage for construction to commence.  

Kier Construction group managing director Stuart Togwell 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.” 

Pending planning approval, the project is expected to break ground later this year, with completion set for 2027. 

This marks the GPA’s first venture into owning a new-build freehold property, comprising a four-storey building and the land it stands on, thus eliminating leasing requirements. 

Upon completion, the facility will offer office space for 1,450 civil servants, increasing the total number in Darlington to more than 2,300. 

It will house various governmental departments, including the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and more.