Peterborough and Birmingham are the latest places to benefit from a government programme to regenerate city centre sites.

The Government Hubs programme has so far seen the development of 14 office hubs around the country designed to boost regional growth and save taxpayers’ money.

It brings different departments together under one roof, moving civil servants to inner-city sites located close to public transport connections, local amenities and shops.

The Government says the two new hubs will mean a total of 2,700 civil servants using local amenities, and the Birmingham hub alone will save taxpayers £6m a year because of increased efficiency.

Simon Hart, minister for implementation at the Cabinet Office, said: 'The opening of these new hubs is great news for local businesses in Birmingham and Peterborough.

'Developing Government Hubs helps to bring forward vital regeneration projects across the country and boost local economies.'

West Midlands mayor, Andy Street, said: 'The West Midlands is going from strength to strength and I am delighted that the Government continues to support us.'

Cllr John Holdich, leader of Peterborough City Council, said the new hub represented 'a new age of growth and regeneration'.