Atom Bank – which now has over 300 employees – has been operating across two sites on the Aykley Head business park since last September.

It has now signed a 10-year lease which will see it move back to Rivergreen Centre.

The decision to return to its former home followed a review of options across the North East and a consideration of future growth objectives.

This review confirmed Durham's suitability for both attracting talent across the area and its access to financial centres in London, Edinburgh and Leeds.

The bank's technology teams were already based in Rivergreen Centre, so the bank welcomed the chance to move its entire operation into a building that uses biofuel and innovative design to keep its environmental impact to a minimum.

Edward Twiddy, chief innovation officer of Atom Bank, said: “After three great – but increasingly crowded – years in Northumbria House, the time has come to bring everyone under one roof and create some space for future ambitions.

“We are extremely grateful to Durham County Council – our landlords at Northumbria House – for their considerable support in making Durham an attractive place to locate our business.”

Real estate specialists at the independent law firm for business Muckle LLP advised Atom on its 10-year lease.

Will McKay, real estate partner at Muckle LLP, said: “Having a major PLC commit to developing its business within the North East is fantastic news for the region and I'd like to congratulate Atom Bank on moving to these top-quality premises.”