Revamped offices to accommodate more than 1,000 staff

BT has released new images of its Doncaster Contact Centre – currently undergoing a multi-million-pound refurbishment – and confirms the project will complete early next year.

The centre in Wilmington Drive has undergone a major revamp to modernise it and create a workplace for more than 1,000 staff – nearly double the number of employees based there currently – around 600.

The first phase of works, which started at the end of last year, is now complete.

Once the entire project is finished, the premises will feature café and restaurant facilities, flexible workspaces and a leisure area with table tennis, pool and games consoles.

Refurbishment is taking place in two stages, allowing staff to continue operating in another section of the building whilst work takes place.

The state-of-the art building will be one of the first of BT’s offices in the UK to open as part of its ‘Better Workplace Programme’.

BT says the investment demonstrates its commitment to Yorkshire and will help transform the way it works.

Nick Lane, managing director for consumer customer services at BT, said: “The refurbishment of our Doncaster Contact Centre has been progressing well, with the first phase now complete.

“Throughout the refurbishment, some of our colleagues have chosen to remain on site while others have worked from home.

“Everyone has done a fantastic job ensuring our customers have been able to stay connected with family and friends during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Although it’s the same building, the capacity will be significantly increased thanks to this refurbishment. We plan to recruit further roles next year, providing new job opportunities in Doncaster.”

BT’s Doncaster contact centre first opened in 1997 and the company says the refurbishment will safeguard its long-term future.

Damian Allen, CEO Doncaster Council, said: “I’m delighted to see the progress that has been made on the refurbishment of BT’s Doncaster Contact Centre and it is undoubtedly a great vote of confidence that the company is planning to increase the number of staff they have based here.

“The centre makes a vital contribution to our local economy and community in Doncaster and I look forward to seeing the new centre when it is completed next year.”

Under the five-year ‘Better Workplace Programme’, first announced in 2018, BT will consolidate its UK footprint of more than 300 locations to around 30.

Liz Needleman, BT Group regional lead for the North of England, said: “Doncaster is an important town for BT and a strategically important site for us in the region.

“When it comes to doing the best thing for our customers and colleagues, the buildings we work in play a huge part in how we feel about being here.

“We are bringing our people together in a brilliant space that will transform the way we work.

“This is a bold and ambitious programme for BT and we are committed to this major investment for Doncaster even in these challenging times.”