Talbot Gateway hits construction milestone

A regeneration scheme in Blackpool has reached a key construction milestone as work progresses on a new Government office building in the town centre.

Partners behind phase five of Talbot Gateway gathered for a steel signing ceremony to mark progress on the Ministry of Defence’s new £45 million workspace on Talbot Road. 

Delivered by Muse in partnership with Blackpool Council and contractor VINCI Building, the 53,000sq ft development will house up to 1100 employees from Defence Business Services.

The six-storey building forms part of the wider £350 million Talbot Gateway regeneration and the MOD’s Defence Estate Optimisation programme. 

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.”

With the steel frame nearing completion, the project is expected to boost town centre footfall and support local businesses.

Designed to BREEAM Excellent standards, the building will feature photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps and a fully electric energy system, alongside facilities promoting active travel.

Alan McBride, technical director at Muse, added: “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 1100 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, added: “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.”

Construction is due to complete in spring 2027.

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