Construction work has finished on Ecclesiastical Insurance's new headquarters at Gloucester Business Park in Brockworth.

And the premises have been formally handed over to the specialist insurance and financial services company by site owners Arlington.

Ecclesiastical, who secured planning permission for the new offices in 2018, has strong links to Gloucester where it has been based since the 1970s and is part of a commitment to remain in the area.

The new office will house all the firm's Gloucester-based teams and provide a modern, flexible working environment with 500 parking spaces for employees and visitors.

Initial construction began in May 2019 with Kier Construction as lead contractor.

Work on the distinctive steel frame started in July 2019 after a year on the site, the final touches including external block paving and landscaping were completed at the end of June.

The internal fit-out will begin at the end of July with the building expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Group HR director and project sponsor Caroline Taplin said: "Despite the lockdown due to COVID-19 we have managed to make fantastic progress and it is wonderful the building is now officially ours.

"While there is a still lot of work to be done internally to get the building ready, we're excited about creating a modern and spacious environment for our colleagues to thrive in.

"Physical space will continue to play a crucial role in how we work going forward and with the move to a brand new office, we have a great opportunity to design our space to support how we want to work in the future."

Arlington chief executive James Raven said: "The new building is a true flagship development, and one which we are all very proud of.

"We are very much looking forward to welcoming Ecclesiastical to Gloucester Business Park and continuing this partnership for many years to come".

Kier operations director Andy Bolas said: "It has been a pleasure working with Ecclesiastical and I hope they will enjoy their new modern and spacious working environment.

"Many thanks to the team, who have worked tirelessly and in line with the Construction Leadership Council guidance throughout COVID-19 to hand this project back to Arlington Properties."