Cabinet secretary for social security, Shirley Anne Somerville, said the site will be one of three locations that Social Security Scotland will operate from as it continues to grow its presence in the city.

The Earl Grey Building was delivered by Robertson Group.

Work is due to commence on the internal fit-out of the building with staff moving into the office when work is complete – providing COVID-19 guidelines advise it is safe to do so.

With space to potentially employ up to 900 people in the city, it is estimated that the public body’s presence in Dundee alone has the potential to contribute up to £100 million to the wider Scottish economy when supply chain and spending of wages effects are taken into account.

Social Security Scotland also has a major site in Glasgow city centre and a local presence in every local authority across Scotland.

Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP said: “I’m pleased to confirm that we have secured premises for our permanent head office in Dundee for our growing new public service. This will create new jobs and boost the local economy, as well as provide a social security system that is accessible and meets the needs of those who use it.

“Social Security Scotland has been operating in the city since the summer of 2018. Securing this space further establishes our presence and investment in Dundee, demonstrating our commitment to the city’s ongoing regeneration.

“I look forward to seeing staff and clients making use of this great new space when it’s ready and COVID-19 guidelines say it’s safe to do so.”

David Wallace, chief executive of Social Security Scotland, said: “I’m excited that we have secured this site for our Dundee headquarters – a building with this capacity, accessibility and close proximity to transport links is rare.

“This building gives us three sites in the city. Each building is in a central location served by a range of transport options, and great care has been taken to ensure our accommodation is accessible for people with varying abilities. Each Social Security Scotland facility will offer a space where staff and clients feel welcome.

“This is the next big step in establishing Social Security Scotland as a major employer in the city. We’re looking forward to moving in and offering jobs and contracts that will help boost the local economy and further regeneration of this great city.”

John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council, added: “This welcome announcement on the tenancy for the site 6 office is part of a growing momentum at the waterfront and the latest in a series of milestones including the V&A reopening and considerable progress on work at Waterfront Place, as well as a recent exclusivity agreement with a serious player in the e-sports arena.

“The site 6 building will quickly become Social Security Scotland’s Dundee headquarters, a development that matches our ambition and value with hundreds of new jobs, but their base at Dundee House also remains in place.

“There is further potential for an extension to the current building at site 6 in the lease and I hope that today’s announcement is just the first step to a closer and more mutually beneficially relationship between Social Security Scotland and the city.”