DurhamGate gets work underway for new Learning Curve Group HQ

Arlington Real Estate has begun the development of another new headquarters at DurhamGate for the expanding Learning Curve Group, providers of training and recruitment.

Construction of the new 16,000 sq ft office follows North East contactor Meldrum being appointed to deliver the £4m project.

The relocation is part of a £1m investment by Learning Curve Group, and the new facilities will enable the continued growth of the award-winning business, creating up to 60 new jobs.

Delivered to a specification set by Learning Curve Group and its advisers Knight Frank, working closely with Arlington and BNP Paribas, the new headquarters will display the design standards seen at DurhamGate.

Learning Curve Group’s CEO, Brenda McLeish, said: “We are really pleased our new headquarters project is underway as, once completed, it will give us a further springboard for growth and help create new employment opportunities in the business.

“We have worked very closely with Arlington to create the perfect environment in the right location for our staff allowing us to continue our development as a proud County Durham company.”

Set across two-floors, the new building should provide contemporary a contemporary workspace and transport links for both staff and visitors.

Upon completion, Learning Curve will relocate its existing staff from offices in Bishop Auckland to DurhamGate.

Employing more than 280 staff and 500 associates across its seven centres, the business works with 4,500 businesses a year delivering a range of fully funded training and apprenticeship schemes.

Founded in 2004, its extensive portfolio of services includes apprenticeships, distance learning qualifications, innovative online platforms and a recruitment business, which it acquired in 2015.

Allan Cook, Arlington’s managing director, also commented: “This is an exciting time for us at DurhamGate and Learning Curve Group is a welcome addition to our growing business community.

“Securing another occupier highlights that this part of the North East has a valuable contribution to make to the region’s economy in terms of its location, infrastructure and the quality of development we can deliver at DurhamGate.”

Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, added: “It’s wonderful to see the business community at DurhamGate flourishing, and each new addition to the site is a further step towards our ambition to grow County Durham’s economy.”