Chancellor Rachel Reeves Breaks Ground on Darlington’s New Treasury Hub
Construction has officially begun on Darlington’s new Treasury hub, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves marking the groundbreaking ceremony on January 16, 2024. This significant development will accommodate over 1,600 civil servants in a modern facility that underscores the government’s commitment to decentralizing its operations.
Overview of the New Treasury Hub
The new Treasury hub will be located on a site previously used as a car park, adjacent to the Darlington East End Club and opposite St. Cuthbert’s Church. It is projected to open in the first quarter of 2028.
Part of the Darlington Economic Campus
This hub is a crucial component of the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC), which will feature three major buildings, including Feethams House and Bishopsgate House. The hub will host staff from seven different government departments, including the Treasury.
Key Figures at the Ceremony
Chancellor Reeves was accompanied by Cabinet Office Minister Anna Turley and Darlington MP Lola McEvoy. Reeves remarked on the economic advantages the DEC has already brought to Darlington.
- Chancellor: Rachel Reeves
- Construction Start Date: January 16, 2024
- Expected Opening: Q1 2028
- Total Staff Capacity: 1,600 civil servants
- Government Departments Involved: 7
Local Impact and Job Creation
The establishment of the Treasury hub is part of the government’s broader strategy to create high-quality job opportunities outside London. Currently, there are 1,925 civil service positions across ten major departments in Darlington. These include:
- Department for Education
- HM Treasury
- Office for National Statistics
- Department for Culture, Media and Sport
- Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
- Competition and Markets Authority
Progress on the Project
Last month, the Government Property Agency (GPA) announced that Kier Group would serve as the lead contractor for this ambitious project. Ground remediation works have already begun to prepare for future construction.
Future of the Treasury Hub
Once completed, this facility will not only serve as a bustling office space but will also embody a commitment to sustainability and modern work environments. The GPA has expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing development, viewing it as essential for regional growth and improved workplace conditions for civil servants.
Stuart Togwell, CEO of Kier Group, emphasized the project’s importance for the local community and the benefits it will bring in terms of economic development. Together with the GPA and local suppliers, Kier Group aims to ensure that the project is delivered efficiently and effectively, thereby creating lasting positive impacts for Darlington.
The groundbreaking event marks not just the start of construction, but also a significant milestone in the transformative vision for government services in the North East of England.
