10.10.19
Government investment to transform key city centre sites
Two major city-centre sites will benefit from dramatic regeneration aiming to help growth in the region and save taxpayers’ money.
Birmingham and Peterborough city centres will be the bases for thousands of civil servants as a way to enhance local business.
The scheme is part of Government’s Hubs programme, which has so far seen 14 office hubs pop up around the country.
By providing civil servants with modern working environments the aim is to increase efficiency and drive economy savings.
It sees the union of different departments under one roof, keeping civil servants in close proximity to public transport connections, shops and city-centre amenities.
Peterborough and Birmingham can look forward to a huge boost in local business as well as a combined 2,700 extra people using the local services.
The minister for implementation at the Cabinet Office, Simon Hart, said:
“The opening of these new hubs is great news for local businesses in Birmingham and Peterborough.”
“Developing Government Hubs helps to bring forward vital regeneration projects across the country and boost local economies.”
“It also makes sure government workers have the best possible facilities and saves taxpayers’ money by replacing outdated office blocks which are expensive to maintain with more modern facilities.”
The Birmingham Hub alone, set to be based at Platform 21, is predicted to save taxpayers £6m a year thanks to improved efficiency.
The Mayor of the West Midlands, 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.”
In Peterborough, the development will be on the Fletton Quay site, close to the city centre, and government employees are expected to move in in 2021.