Steel signing marks phase five progress in Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway

A major construction milestone on phase five of Talbot Gateway’s regeneration has been reached after partners gathered for a special steel signing ceremony to mark progress on the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) new Blackpool office building.

Being delivered for the MOD by nationwide placemaker, Muse, alongside Blackpool Council and contractor VINCI Building, the £45m, 53,000 sq.ft workspace is located on Talbot Road and will provide accommodation for up to 1,100 employees from Defence Business Services (DBS). 

With installation of the structure’s steel frame nearing completion, representatives from all key stakeholders – including leader of Blackpool Council, Councillor Lynn Williams, DBS chief operating officer, Andy White, and Muse’s technical director, Alan McBride – joined together on site to sign a commemorative steel beam.

The MOD’s move into the heart of Blackpool marks the latest phase in the Talbot Gateway’s wider £350m regeneration, providing a further boost to the local economy and driving footfall for local businesses.

The DBS project comes from MOD’s Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio which is investing £5.1bn in a more modern and sustainable defence estate.

Designed by London-based Make Architects to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ Standards, the six-storey structure comprises a range of features with sustainability and wellness at their core.

These include photovoltaic panels on the roof which will generate clean, green electricity; air source heat pumps for space heating and hot water generation; and precast concrete façade panels which reduce embodied carbon. The workspace will be powered 100 per cent by electricity, too.

Elsewhere, the building also promotes active, sustainable travel thanks to its cycle storage, showers and changing facilities, while connectivity to surrounding businesses and the local transport network is made simple via the creation of new public realm which supports improved pedestrian access.

All of these features will combine to provide MOD employees with a working environment that supports their productivity, wellness, and wellbeing, while also aiding the organisation with the recruitment of the best talent.

The creation of MOD’s new workspace is also having a significant positive impact for local people and businesses via a dedicated social value programme.

Construction of MOD’s new office building is due to complete in spring 2027.

Alan McBride, technical director at Muse, said: “This milestone in the fifth phase of Talbot Gateway’s regeneration – which we’re delivering with our long-standing partners, Blackpool Council – marks another significant step on our journey to revitalise the town.

"Bringing an additional 1,100 people into the heart of Blackpool will provide a real economic boost to local businesses, while the environmentally-conscious nature of the workspace aligns with Muse’s sustainability ambitions – it’s rewarding to see Blackpool’s renaissance continuing with this forward-thinking workspace.”

Councillor Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: "It's fantastic to see the new Ministry of Defence office building in the town centre reaching this important milestone, with the steel frame now almost complete.

“The redevelopment of the area around Blackpool North train station is a key part of our wider regeneration plans to make Blackpool better, creating jobs and opportunities for local people. The construction work is already delivering meaningful benefits for local residents through employment and apprenticeships on site.

"We're proud to be working alongside the Ministry of Defence to deliver a landmark building that will strengthen our economy and reinforce Blackpool's role as a growing hub for both public and private sector businesses.”

Gary Hughes, VINCI Building’s regional director, added: “Reaching this construction milestone is a proud moment for everyone involved in the Talbot Gateway transformation.

"The MOD’s new Blackpool office represents far more than a building – it reflects the confidence, investment and long-term commitment being made to the town’s future.

This development will bring jobs, opportunity and renewed energy into the heart of Blackpool, while setting a new benchmark for sustainable, modern workplaces.

"We’re delighted to see this next phase taking shape and to continue working with our partners to deliver a project that will have a lasting positive impact on the community.”