Massive Sheffield office No.1 West Bar taken over by Government department after being left empty for a year
A Government department is set to move into a massive office block that has been empty for over a year.
Since October 2024, Sheffield City Council has been managing the No.1 West Bar office block, a massive development that was set to bring new business to the city.
However now the Department for Work and Pension (DWP) has announced plans to move operations into the office space, which is said to be one of the biggest in the city centre.
Located on Corporation Street, near Sheffield Crown Court, it is understood the building can cater to around 2,000 people, with the DWP set to fully occupy the space.
Sheffield City Council has said this will be the largest office transaction in the city for several years.
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Councillor Tom Hunt, leader of the council, added: “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“Derelict brownfield land has been replaced by high-quality offices and homes connected to the city centre, Castlegate and Kelham Island.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.
“We are proud that many government departments are located in the city and this new deal will further strengthen the work and growing reputation of the Sheffield Policy Campus. We will continue our work with the government and businesses to create new job opportunities in Sheffield.
“Across the city we are working to bring empty land back into use, create new jobs and make Sheffield the best place to live and work. Building on this deal, we will work with our partners to continue the successful regeneration of West Bar."
The office block was built as part of the larger West Bar mixed-use development, consisting of over one million square feet between Castlegate and Kelham Island.
Developers Urbo Regeneration Ltd - with defunding from Legal and General - are behind the £300m development which includes two blocks of flats called SoHo Yard.
Sheffield already has over 7,000 civil servants in the city and with over 1,000 policy makers, has the largest concentration of policy professionals outside London.
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.”