Builder chosen for city centre public sector hub
A £65m contract to build a new public sector hub which will employ thousands of staff in the centre of Cardiff has been awarded to Sir Robert McAlpine.
The project is the latest phase in the wider Central Square development.
The 12-storey building, which will extend to more than 270,000sq ft, is due for completion at the end of 2019.
Designed by architectural firm Gensler, it will house a new tax headquarters for HMRC in Wales, which will relocate from its current HQ in the Llanishen area of Cardiff in 2020.
The move will allow HMRC to sell its existing site for redevelopment, potentially for a housing-led regeneration scheme.
Some 3,600 HMRC staff will be based in the HQ. Also joining them will be the Wales Office, with its Cardiff Bay office moving into the hub.
And it opens up the prospect of the hub being used for cabinet meetings by the UK Government.
As part of UK Government plans to create a major public sector hub, a number of other non-devolved civil service operations in Wales could join HMRC – taking staff numbers to about 4,000.
Six Central Square will be on an undeveloped site which was formerly the location for the offices and printing presses of Media Wales.
Rightacres also has plans for a further 180,000sq ft office building next to the HMRC building, which could also house other public sector departments.
Chief executive of Rightacres, Paul McCarthy said: “Sir Robert McAlpine played a big part in helping us secure the hub to Central Square. They have fantastic local team each of whom has an impressive portfolio and we look forward to working with them to deliver this project.”
Peter Munn, Wales and west managing director of Sir Robert McAlpine said “We are delighted to have been appointed following the collaborative dialogue with Rightacres in developing proposals and reaching contract award.
“The commencement of the construction work marks a key milestone for the project for which we are very proud to be a part of, and we look forward to working closely with all stakeholders in realising this exciting development.”
Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: “This Government is committed to delivering the best quality public services in every corner of the UK. This new build is great news for Cardiff, and will deliver a range of benefits to people in the capital and beyond, from improved public space and transport, to employment opportunities during construction.”
Russell Goodway, Cardiff council’s cabinet member for investment and development, said: “The decision to locate the new UK Government Hub at Central Square effectively confirms how right we as a council were back in 2013 to take the decision to regenerate this part of the city.”
Huw Thomas, leader of Cardiff council added: “Central Square continues to deliver both construction and permanent jobs in what is de facto now our Business District. By 2020, the location will be home to over 10,000 workers – the economic impact will be colossal.”