Ministry of Housing’s new headquarters is in … Wolverhampton

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has revealed that what it calls its “second HQ” will be in Wolverhampton, in a building which will open this summer. 

The base will be over two floors of an existing building, with space for Housing Minister Chris Pincher and Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick “to use regularly.”

At least 150 jobs will be based in the new department.

Jenrick says: “This department is leading the effort to level up every corner of the country, so it is absolutely right that we bring decision-making to the heart of the communities we serve … We are already recruiting in Wolverhampton and over time 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.”

The government says recruitment is happening “at pace” in Wolverhampton and the wider West Midlands region across a range of roles and levels from entry grade to senior civil servants. 

Wolverhampton council deputy leader Stephen Simkins adds: “This is a huge vote of confidence in the City of Wolverhampton … We are currently enjoying record levels of private and public investment with £4.4 billion pounds on site or in the pipeline. 

“Now, 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, attracting further investment which is exactly what we want to be able to ‘relight’ Wolverhampton after the pandemic.”