Midland landlord whg has opened its landmark new office at the gateway to Walsall’s proposed office corridor.

The building 100 Hatherton Street – has already won a Built in Quality award in recognition of the high standard of construction and workmanship and has also been shortlisted for a British Council for Offices corporate workplace award.

The building is the first in the Gigaport office corridor developed by Walsall Council to offer high calibre office space with 21st century internet connections. whg, one of the biggest employers in the borough, has brought together the majority of its workforce at the town centre site to increase efficiency and improve customer service. Chief executive Gary Fulford said: “Our new office represents whg’s long-term investment in the local economy, our customers, the communities we serve and our colleagues.”

It is hoped 100 Hatherton Street will inspire other commercial investment in the office corridor, which has the potential to create more than 3,000 jobs and will specialise in sustainable office developments fit for the 21st century.

Planning consent was granted by Walsall Council last year for an exciting masterplan, which has been called ‘the Gigaport’. Plans include 127,000 sqm of office space, a data centre, hotel with conference facilities, 23,000 sqm of live/work space, a health and sports facility and retail/non-retail floorspace.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council deputy leader, said: “This is another step towards the future success of the office corridor.

“I am delighted with the council’s role in making this happen by providing the land for a pound.”