Darlington Economic Campus Development Advances with Completion Set for 2028
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen (third from right) at the site of the new Darlington Economic Campus off Brunswick Street with Kier Group staff and TVCA Director of Inward Investment and Marketing Craig Peacock (right).
Construction of the new five-storey office building on Brunswick Street, destined to accommodate over 1,600 Government employees, is progressing rapidly and remains on schedule for completion in 2028. This facility will serve as the permanent base for the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC), which currently hosts staff from seven government departments, including HM Treasury.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen visited the site on Monday 27 June to inspect the ongoing work carried out by contractor Kier. He described the development as a significant milestone for the region.
Mayor Houchen stated: “It’s fantastic to see the new Darlington Economic Campus taking shape.” He highlighted the impact of relocating the Treasury to Darlington five years ago, noting it demonstrated the region’s capability to host major national institutions and lead the decentralisation of Government departments from London.
“More than 1,000 civil servants are already based here, and this new campus will build on that success by bringing together nine government departments in one purpose-built facility,” he added. “This is an investment not just in a building, but in the future of Darlington and our wider region. It’s creating good-quality jobs, supporting local businesses through construction and reinforcing Darlington’s reputation as a place where major organisations choose to invest and grow.”
Established in 2021, the Darlington Economic Campus currently accommodates staff from HM Treasury, the Office for National Statistics, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Department for Business and Trade, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Competition and Markets Authority.
The Government Property Agency (GPA) is overseeing the delivery of the Brunswick Street hub. Progress to date includes the installation of over 305 piles, completion of all foundations, and the commencement of structural steel frame assembly. Roofing work is scheduled to begin in October, with the precast façade installation planned for November.
Earlier this year, Darlington Borough Council and Cityheart formed a partnership to revitalise the town centre, leveraging the expansion of the economic campus. Their collaboration aims to create a new commercial quarter designed to cluster businesses and professional services around the DEC.
Additionally, plans include the development of a sustainable town centre neighbourhood and a cutting-edge STEM Centre of Excellence at Central Park, in partnership with Darlington College.
