Civil Service hub to take over old Woolworths site
ANEW government hub housing 1,700 civil servants is to be created in Birmingham. The former Woolworths building at 102 New Street will house staff from various departments in a move which the Government said would save taxpayers £6 million annually.
One of several new government hubs across the country, it will take all the available space, covering 110,780 sq ft across nine floors on a 15-year lease.
The building was renamed Platform 21 in 2016 as part of a £13 million overhaul of the site which also fronts onto Stephenson Street next to the new tram extension.
The relocation will free up a number of government buildings in the area, releasing them for other uses.
A similar public sector hub is nearing completion at the Arena Central site, in Broad Street, where thousands of West Midlands staff from HM Revenue & Customs and the Department for Work and Pensions will be brought into a single location.
Simon Hart, minister for implementation at the Cabinet Office, said: “We’re delighted to announce the move of thousands of government workers to the old Woolies site.
“This is a prime location in the heart of Birmingham’s thriving business and retail quarters and benefits from the city’s excellent transport links.
“As well as saving the taxpayer money, the hub will be a massive boost to local businesses who can look forward to increased footfall and 1,700 civil servants using the fantastic local amenities.”
The Cabinet Office said the new hub opened the prospect of more government jobs coming to Birmingham.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “I am delighted to see the Platform 21 development in Birmingham has been chosen as the location for a government hub. Simon and his team have recognised the city’s great transport links and infrastructure and the fact the city, and indeed the wider region, has so much to offer.
“The West Midlands is going from strength to strength and I am delighted that the Government continues to support us.”
Kelvin Craddock, a director with property consultancy JLL, acted on behalf of the Government Property Agency on the lease deal.
He said: “We’re delighted to have been involved in another landmark deal for the city.
“It’s great news for Birmingham and the region, further stimulating economic growth and maintaining our presence as a key destination for the public sector and large corporates looking for greater efficiencies, in a vibrant and rapidly growing city.”
Property developer Evenacre is managing the refurbishment project on behalf of LaSalle Investment Management.