Major Sheffield centre office building set to be fully occupied after deal with Department for Work and Pensions
Sheffield Council has agreed a lease with the Department for Work and Pensions which will see one of the biggest office buildings in the city centre fully occupied.
The Department will take up the entire office space at No.1 West Bar, totaling 100,000 square feet. The offices sit within the city’s major West Bar development.
The council described the deal as the “largest office transaction in the city for several years”. Council leader Coun Tom Hunt said: “This is a significant announcement for Sheffield and a major step forward in the ongoing regeneration of West Bar. Derelict brownfield land has been replaced by high-quality offices and homes connected to the city centre, Castlegate and Kelham Island.
“We are delighted that the Department for Work and Pensions will be moving to West Bar. This is a clear commitment by the Government to invest in Sheffield and work with us to grow our economy and create new opportunities for our residents.”
The West Bar mixed-use development comprises over one million square feet between Castlegate and Kelham Island, and will offer a range of office accommodation and residential units once complete. The scheme is being delivered by local developer Urbo Regeneration Ltd and funded by Legal & General.
No.1 West Bar Square is the first office building to be completed within the development.
Minister for Transformation Andrew Western said: “Moving to West Bar is a really exciting moment for us. This isn't just a change of address – it’s about bringing our teams together in a modern, sustainable workspace that's fit for the future.
“Consolidating from two older buildings into this new office will mean we can play our part in a city that's growing and thriving by contributing to the local economy through providing job opportunities and stimulating local businesses.”
Sheffield has over 7,000 civil servants and with over 1,000 policy makers has the largest concentration of policy professionals outside London.