EXTERNAL work on a multi-million pound office development in Darlington is now complete.

Work on the 42,000 sq ft Department for Education offices started in December 2013 and is on schedule for completion early next year.

Construction of the £8m offices has involved 350 tonnes of steel which was melted and cast on Teesside before being cut and finished in Peterlee.

The project has provided work for more than 450 North-East tradesmen with an average of 75 on site every day.

The development will accommodate around 400 DfE workers as they move out of their existing offices at Mowden Hall, ensuring that the jobs stay in Darlington.

Situated behind the Town Hall, the new offices will form a public sector hub which will allow both organisations to share facilities, such as reception and meeting rooms.

Leader of Darlington Borough Council, Bill Dixon, said: “I have been privileged to see this building take shape literally outside my Town Hall office window.

“Alongside the physical construction, there has been a programme of shared work behind the scenes as both sides explore how we will work together and realise the potential of partnership working.”

Chris Wormald, permanent secretary at the Department for Education, said: “I am delighted that our new joint office with Darlington Borough Council is taking shape. This innovative project is already allowing us to exchange ideas, expertise and opportunities.

“I am excited to see how this partnership develops as I am sure it will continue to benefit both the department and Darlington.”