THE developers behind a recently completed office building are trying to tap into potential demand for regional offices in light of the pandemic.

The 26,0000 sq ft building at Lingfield Point, Darlington, could bring 300 jobs to region and is being marketed as being suitable for office re-occupancy because of its large, single-level floor plate, which means no lifts are required, and its minimal high-traffic areas.

The Baldwin office at Lingfield Point business park was converted from a former industrial unit, part of the former Patons and Baldwins manufacturing plant.

Property agents Knight Frank and Cushman & Wakefield are marketing the space, which was converted by London real estate funds manager Frogmore, internationally to find a tenant and say they are hoping to see increased demand in the regions as a result of the need for more flexible working.

Partner Patrick Matheson said: “This new office is very contemporary with exposed services and lots of natural light.

"The single-floor layout makes it well suited to a customer service provider and possibly a company that is considering ‘north-shoring’ or ‘re-shoring’ its operation to make it more efficient.

“Whilst businesses begin to reassess their office structures to accommodate more flexible ways of working, firms will clearly give greater attention to operational risk in the aftermath of the pandemic.

"This could ultimately drive additional demand into the UK regions, as business strategies may conclude that spreading workforces across a greater number of smaller regional offices could improve resilience.

“Working from home has proved an effective stand-in for the office during an extremely testing time, and will no doubt be a component of businesses’ operational structures moving forward.

"However, it is not a wholesale replacement. The UK’s regions are key to getting the UK’s workforce back into offices.”

The 85-acre site at Lingfield Point is already home to major occupiers such as Student Loans Company, Capita and Wood Group and is next door to Amazon’s £120m fulfilment centre on Symmetry Park.

It was created on a historic industrial site that was previously home to Europe's largest wool manufacturing plant developed by Patons and Baldwins.

The business location also has office space available from 200 sq. ft. to 130,000 sq. ft. and warehousing up to 130,000 sq. ft.

Greg Davison, partner at Cushman’s said: “For any occupier looking to locate their business in the UK regions, Darlington, and Lingfield Point in particular, offers a fantastic opportunity.

"It offers a strong labour pool, combined with an enviable life/work balance for staff, all within easy reach of London and the wider region via the East Coast mainline.”

A spokesperson for the Student Loans Company said: “As a business with multiple offices across the UK, we have found that our large single floor at Lingfield Point has allowed us to be incredibly efficient in the use of space as we plan for the post-Covid-19 workplace. Being able to operate on one level allows us to work in a safe and more efficient environment.”