February 2026

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 £45Mlln, 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, Cllr 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 £350Mlln 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 – a world leading certification for measuring the sustainability performance of buildings – 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% 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.

Activity delivered so far includes the launch of a series of bespoke construction career-focused sessions for students at Montgomery Academy; the provision of training and work opportunities for people from the local area; and support for local charities, including Trinity Hospice via a Christmas Tree collection scheme.

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

Alan McBride, Technical Director at Muse, commented:

“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.”

Cllr 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.”

Blackpool’s £350m Talbot Gateway has taken another step towards full occupancy, with 300 workers relocating to the heart of the town centre.

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) has moved into the Talbot Gateway around Blackpool North train station.

As an Arm’s Length Body of the Department of Health and Social Care, the NHSBSA delivers a range of national services to support the priorities of the NHS, Government and local health economies – including NHS Pensions and Student Services.

This week, staff moved into the first floor of Number One, Bickerstaffe Square, taking up a 22,000sqft office on a ten-year lease.

The deal also moves Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway towards full occupancy, with 99% of the 500,000sqft developed space around Blackpool North train station now occupied. Only one retail unit around Blackpool North tram stop remains available to rent.

The relocation of 300 NHSBSA staff is in addition to the 8,000 workers and students moving to the area from other organisations, as part of an expected boost to the town centre economy and creation of more jobs.

Over 500,000 sqft of commercial property has been developed in the Talbot Gateway over the last ten years, including new offices, supermarket, hotel and tramway extension, as well as gyms, restaurants, shops and education space. A new office for the Ministry of Defence is expected to open next year, while construction work for a new Multiversity college campus will start later this year.

The Talbot Gateway is highly accessible via train, tram and bus, while more car parking space has been created at new car parks on Dickson Road and Charles Street, with a planning application for a new multi storey car park to follow this year.

 

Cllr Mark Smith, Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, said

 

“It’s great that more and more organisations are choosing to move their offices into Blackpool town centre.

“Blackpool is thriving at the moment, with billions of pounds of investment and one of the fastest growing economies in the North West, which means more jobs and opportunities for our local people.

“The Talbot Gateway has completely changed the look of the area around the train station and is really making Blackpool better. It is a vibrant hub of activity and more importantly is bringing jobs and money back into Blackpool town centre.

“That’s so important, because it means businesses can be confident enough to invest in new cafes, coffee shops and retail shops, creating a modern business district that people want to spend time in.”

 

For more information on the Talbot Gateway, visit www.talbotgateway.com or email regeneration@blackpool.gov.uk