MHCLG selects Wolverhampton for location of second HQ

Communities Secretary confirms the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government's (MHCLG) new second headquarters will be based in the i9 building in the heart of Wolverhampton, creating 150 roles in the near future. Opening in the Summer, this is the first government headquarters with a ministerial office based outside London.

The announcement is part of wider governments plan to move roles out of Westminster and increase diversity of thought in the Civil Service. 

The i9 building, funded and developed by the City of Wolverhampton Council, is in the historic heart of Wolverhampton, close to landmarks such as the Chubb Building whose design it reflects and complements. MHCLG will take two floors, including the top floor with views over the regeneration area of Wolverhampton. It will also include a space for ministers to use regularly, making the first of its kind outside of London.

MHCLG plays a key role in levelling-up and boosting the regions by moving hundreds of roles out of Westminster and ensuring that more local voices influence the creation and delivery of government policy.

"We are delighted to have been chosen to host this historic move away from Whitehall for the MHCLG dual-headquarters," said City of Wolverhampton Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins. "The kudos of being the first place outside of Whitehall to host a government department will create a real buzz and interest in our city.When the idea of MHCLG moving out of London was first discussed last year, the council, local MPs and other stakeholders lobbied hard to make it a reality and that has paid off."

This new headquarters will support the government’s ambitious levelling-up plans by providing an economic boost to the area. It will also bring people with different experiences and viewpoints into the Civil Service and provide improved career paths for those in Wolverhampton and across the West Midlands.

"It is absolutely right that we bring decision-making to the heart of the communities we serve," said Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick. "I hope this move will bring hundreds of jobs and exciting careers in the UK Civil Service to the city and the West Midlands. I look forward to welcoming staff to our new headquarters and as a Wulfrunian myself, will be working from the office as often as I can and enjoying the city once again.

Recruitment is happening "at pace" in Wolverhampton and the wider region across a range of roles and levels from entry grade to Senior Civil Servants.