MoD building rapidly taking shape as resort’s overall £350m development continues

The true scale of the forthcoming new multi-million pound Ministry of Defence (MOD) office building in Blackpool can now be seen as the building takes shape.

Construction got underway in May last year but in recent weeks the building, located on the site of the former Appollo store on Talbot Road, has rapidly developed and can be seen looming over the Blackpool North Train Station car park.

Planning permission for the ambitious scheme, part of Blackpool’s £350m Talbot Gateway regeneration project, was granted by Blackpool planners back in September 2024, with various conditions.

Despite the rapid progress of the work, the office is not expected to be ready for use until February 2027.

Who are the staff that will work there?

Once complete, the six-storey building will play host to 1,100 civil servants who work for Defence Business Services (BDS), the MOD’s shared services organisation.

As MOD’s shared services organisation, DBS provides corporate services across the information and technology, finance, procurement and people function to the whole of Defence, including serving military, veterans and civilian staff, as well as other government departments.

The move from a leased site within the local area concludes the consolidation of DBS’ Northwest Estate into a single, purpose-built office owned by the MOD, securing future jobs and saving the taxpayer money long term.

From Blackpool’s perspective, is also anticipated that the move will boost the local economy by bringing more workers into the town centre.

Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, previously said: “This is another major step forward in our plans to make Blackpool better. We’re very grateful to government for recognising Blackpool’s economic potential and continuing to invest and help us create quality jobs for local people.

“Officers from both the council and government have worked exceptionally hard to make this deal possible. “

Making reference to the other new projects, the forthcoming Multiversity and the already opened Fylde View DWP office with 3,000 employees, she added: “With over 8,000 workers and students coming to the town centre in the next few years, this provides a phenomenal opportunity and confidence for local businesses to continue to invest and hire more local people.”

The firm Brock Carmichael is responsible for architectural and internal design work on the Grade A office building in Blackpool.

The firm has worked directly for construction firm VINCI, which is delivering the project for nationwide placemaker, Muse, and its client, the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The contract, which also includes the full interior design brief, will be led by partner Phil Malthouse, who said: “This is a critical assignment that takes advantage of our office design expertise and depth of resource. To be able to see the job through from first shovel all the way to the furnishings will enable us to ensure we provide the stamp of quality our client expects.”