Telecoms giant BT is looking at making a multi-million pound move into new offices in Dundee as it commits its future to the city.
BT is one of Dundee’s largest employers, with around 1,000 staff based at its vast premises at West Bell Street, which it leases.
Following an internal review, BT has selected Dundee as one of its key locations – which safeguards those jobs – and it is now looking to provide a “future-fit” workplace.
The firm said it would “review its property options in the city, which could involve looking for a new home for its operations”.
The Courier understands there is no single existing site available in Dundee that could accommodate an operation of BT’s scale.
The company is working with partners, including Dundee City Council, to review opportunities which may include sites at the Waterfront development.
Jane Wood, BT Group director in Scotland, said: “This is a real sign of BT’s commitment to Dundee and Scotland generally.
“I’m so pleased we are able to announce this investment at a time when it’s more important than ever to demonstrate our confidence in Scotland’s ability to make a sustainable recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We’ll continue to work with our partners in Dundee on potential options to ensure our colleagues have a future-fit workplace.”
Between direct employment and contractors, BT supports around 1,200 jobs in Dundee.
The announcement is part of BT’s Better Workplace Programme – one of the largest workplace improvement and consolidation schemes of its type ever undertaken in the UK.
Dundee joins Glasgow and Edinburgh as currently confirmed locations for the company in Scotland.
The five-year programme, due to complete in 2024, is a major investment for BT that will significantly improve and consolidate the company’s footprint of corporate offices, contact centres and specialist sites across the country.
John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council, said: “We will be working closely with BT, who are one of Dundee’s largest employers, on a range of topics to help the company develop its plans.
“I am delighted that BT has now confirmed that Dundee will be one of its key locations.
“Our focus is on supporting companies who want to invest in high quality jobs, skills and training, particularly in the growing digital economy that BT underpins and especially at this difficult time during Covid-19, it’s great to see a commitment to investment and employment from this announcement.”
Teams based at BT’s new and refurbished buildings will benefit from the company’s investment in the latest technology, including full-fibre broadband. The programme is due to complete in 2024.
