More than 3,000 civil servants are to be relocated to a new £100 million office development in Blackpool town centre.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has come to an agreement with Blackpool Council and its partner Muse Developments to develop a new regional hub in Talbot Gateway, Blackpool.

It will result in DWP staff from existing sites at Warbreck House and Ryscar House moving into the Blackpool Hub and Centre for Health and Disability Assessment (CHDA) at Talbot Gateway when the new offices are completed in the autumn of 2024.

The DWP has signed a 25-year lease to occupy the highly-sustainable, purpose-built offices as part of a strategic plan to centralise civil service jobs in the heart of Blackpool.

“The council has been negotiating this deal for several years as part of its stated ambition to rejuvenate the town centre by the introduction of high-quality office developments that will create and protect local jobs, drive footfall and breathe new life into the retail economy,” said Blackpool Council.

The 215,000 sq ft seven storey office block on a 2.4 acre site on King Street is the third phase in the Talbot Gateway regeneration scheme.

The design of the building by London-based Make Architects will draw on Blackpool’s rich Art Deco architectural heritage.

Blackpool Council leader Lynn Williams said: “We have been working on plans with our partners Muse to introduce a new Fylde Coast Civil Service Hub for several years and we are thrilled that DWP share our vision and are committed to this long term investment.

“The relocation of just over 3,000 DWP employees will bring considerably more footfall into the area, with a massive boost to local businesses, retailers, restaurants, cafes and leisure facilities, but also bringing new, high quality job opportunities for local residents.

“The Civil Service has been looking to combine and streamline its UK administrative functions into more modern, efficient, sustainable and fit-for-purpose Hubs, in line with the principles of their own 2020 Vision.

“Talbot Gateway, Blackpool’s Central Business District, offers an ideal location, being highly accessible, well located and supported by excellent transport links.

“The sustainable location and the long list of environmental credentials and innovative design associated with this building, will also have a positive contribution to our climate emergency agenda and promote employee wellbeing.”