Talbot Gateway steel signing marks phase five progress

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

The £45Mlln, 53,000 sq.ft office building – which we’re delivering for the MOD with our long-standing partners, Blackpool Council, and contractor VINCI Building – 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 joined together on site to sign a commemorative steel beam.

The MOD’s move into the heart of Blackpool marks the latest phase in our wider £350Mlln regeneration of Talbot Gateway, 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 workspace is due to complete in spring 2027.

Alan McBride, Technical Director, commented:

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.”

Our partnership with Blackpool Council to regenerate the Talbot Gateway area of Blackpool has already delivered the 125,000 sq ft Number One Bickerstaffe Square council office, a Sainsbury’s supermarket, and a refurbished 650-space multi-storey car park, alongside extensive public spaces for the community to enjoy.

A new 4 star 144-bedroom Holiday Inn hotel and restaurant opened in May 2024, while a tram-train interchange linking to Blackpool Promenade opened in June 2024.

Phase three comprises a 215,000 sq ft, highly-sustainable workspace for The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which completed in May 2025, and work on phase four – which will see the creation of a multiversity campus for Blackpool and the Fylde College – began in 2025.