Kier has formally begun construction of the new Government Hub in Darlington after a groundbreaking ceremony led by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, alongside Cabinet Office Minister, Anna Turley, and representatives from the Government Property Agency (GPA).

The event marks a key milestone for the five-storey office scheme, which will accommodate more than 1,600 civil servants once complete. Delivered on behalf of the GPA, the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC) on Brunswick Street is scheduled to open in early 2028 as a Government Hub, bringing together teams from seven government departments, including HM Treasury, in support of the government’s commitment to regional growth.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: "The Darlington Economic Campus has brought hundreds of skilled jobs and real economic benefits to this town – and today we're breaking ground on its permanent home.

"This new Government Hub demonstrates our long-term commitment to Darlington and to making economic decisions right across the country, not just in Westminster."

Kier started ground remediation works in September to prepare the site. A central feature of the build is the extensive use of offsite prefabrication led by the company’s in-house mechanical and electrical (M&E) team, including fabrication of core elements such as risers, to support safe, efficient delivery and reduce complexity in a busy town centre environment.

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Stuart Togwell, chief executive officer of Kier Group, said: "We're proud to be playing our part in shaping the future and supporting the Government as it expands its geographic footprint across the UK. Today’s groundbreaking is an important milestone for this landmark project in Darlington, which is set to be a new home for a number of Government departments and will create significant economic and social benefits for the local community.

"Working together with the GPA and our network of local suppliers, we have been involved in this project from the design phase, helping us reduce risks and progress seamlessly through to engineering and construction of the main works. This whole‑lifecycle approach helps us deliver the best possible outcomes for our customers and communities, which will be realised at the Darlington Economic Campus."

The façade will be constructed using pre-cast concrete panels manufactured offsite and craned into place, a method designed to cut waste and enhance quality. The project targets BREEAM Excellent and is on track for a NABERS 5-star rating for operational energy performance, supporting the GPA’s goal to deliver greener, more efficient workplaces.

Simon Hulme, the GPA's Director of Capital Projects, said: "We are absolutely thrilled that construction of another Government Hub is now underway. Today’s ceremony is not only a landmark occasion for the Brunswick Street development but also a huge milestone for the GPA as we continue our ambition to provide great places of work for the Civil Service and support regional growth across the UK. Once completed, this building will be a modern, sustainable and digitally enabled office space, supporting the work of over 1,600 staff from across government, while becoming a core building of the Darlington Economic Campus."