Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical is planning to keep its head office in Gloucester by moving its 650 Gloucester-based staff to a new-build site in the Gloucester Docks development.

The multi-million pound project is expected to be completed in 2011.

Richard Mander, HR Director at Ecclesiastical, said: "We've been based in our present offices for more than 30 years. The buildings are looking tired and are costing increasing amounts to maintain. As we've grown we've also expanded into adjoining buildings which has created a very disjointed environment.

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"Our old office doesn't do us justice at the moment. In our new premises we plan to create a modern environment for staff and design the building completely around our needs. Our new office will make a much bolder statement about what kind of company we are."

Greg Smith, Chair of Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company, which is driving the £1 billion regeneration of the city, said: "The commitment of a top flight company and major city employer to Gloucester's regeneration is a massive boost for the city. Southgate Moorings is widely recognised as the best site in Gloucestershire for an office development.

"Ecclesiastical shares our high aspirations to develop a stunning contemporary new building high in architectural merit which sits well within its historic surroundings."

(CD/JM)