Update on Blackpool MoD building as cladding appears

Progress continues to be made on the £45 million Ministry of Defence office in Blackpool town centre – with residents now seeing notable changes on site.

The 53,000 sq ft government hub, on Talbot Road, will house up to 1,100 staff.

The six-storey building will become the new Blackpool base for Defence Business Services (DBS), bringing a significant influx of workers into the heart of the town and further reshaping the area around Blackpool North railway station.

This week cladding appeared on the building for the first time, after many months of seeing only the steel framework.

Construction is currently under way directly next to Blackpool North Station, and is  part of the ambitious Talbot Gateway scheme, the £350m+ mixed-use regeneration project in Blackpool, transforming the area around Blackpool North train station into a modern commercial, education, and transport hub.

Led by Blackpool Council and Muse, it aims to boost the economy by creating jobs and attracting thousands of workers as well 3,000 students who will attend courses at the massive £65m Multiversity project also under construction at a nearby site bounded by Cookson Street, George Street, Grosvenor Street, and Milbourne Street

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said the project represents a key part of wider regeneration plans focused on job creation and economic growth.

She added: “The redevelopment around Blackpool North station is central to making Blackpool better, creating jobs and opportunities for local people.

“We’re proud to be working alongside the Ministry of Defence to deliver a landmark building that will strengthen our economy.”

The scheme is being delivered for the MOD by nationwide placemaker Muse in partnership with Blackpool Council and contractor VINCI Building.

Once complete in spring 2027, the fully electric MoD building will feature rooftop solar panels, air source heat pumps and low-carbon façade materials.

Designed by Make Architects to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards, the office aims to combine sustainability with employee wellbeing.

Facilities will include cycle storage, showers and changing areas to encourage active travel, alongside new public realm improvements to better connect the site with surrounding businesses and transport links.

Developers say the arrival of up to 1,100 MOD staff will provide a further boost to town centre footfall and support local businesses.

The new MOD office is due to open in spring 2027.