Wales secretary Simon Hart has received the keys for the new UK government hub in Cardiff, which will house 4,000 civil servants in a state-of-the-art city-centre block.
The 12-storey building at the Central Square development, which is adjacent to Cardiff Central Station, is one of 16 hubs being introduced across England, Wales and Scotland and will begin taking on its new occupants towards the end of the year.
Although it will be a base for staff from a range of departments and agencies, but the majority of workers will be from HM Revenue and Customs – for which the building will serve as a regional centre.
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Simon Hart, who was promoted to secretary of state following last month’s general election, said the hub demonstrated the government’s commitment to Wales and the union – and to growing the capacity of the civil service outside of London.
“Today’s event signals an exciting milestone in the construction of Tŷ William Morgan – William Morgan House – which will provide a modern, flexible working environment in the heart of Cardiff for thousands of our civil servants,” he said.
The name of the building recognises the importance of Bishop William Morgan’s role in maintaining the strength of the Welsh language through his 1588 translation of the Bible into Welsh.
Hart, who is one of 14 Conservative MPs who either won or retained their Welsh seats in last month’s general election, served as Cabinet Office minister for implementation until his promotion.
Government Property Agency chief executive Steven Boyd said further hubs would be announced following the 16 currently identified.
"Hubs provide high-quality working environments with great digital connectivity enabling civil servants to deliver excellent public services, and to feel valued for the brilliant work they do on behalf of the public," he said.
The £100m Cardiff hub was designed by architect Gensler for property firm Rightacres, Cardiff City Council and funder Legal & General.
When its fit-out is complete, William Morgan House will be capable of hosting full UK cabinet meetings.
At the time the government agreed to take space at the building, it was understood to be as part of a 25-year lease.