IT'S official – Ecclesiastical is moving to Gloucester Docks.

The big insurance firm, the largest private sector employer in Gloucester city centre, has signed a landmark deal to relocate by the end of 2015.

The company employs more than 600 staff at its Brunswick Road headquarters, and all will move into a purpose-built HQ by the water.

The signing of a deal with landowners the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), which is being wound up, is a major boost for the city centre.

Councillor Paul James, leader of the city council, said: "It's very good news for Gloucester, this is the simple most important site left at the Docks."

There were fears the firm could decide to move away from Gloucester but the company is now expected to build the new HQ on Southgate Moorings, which is currently being used as temporary car park off of Southgate Street.

The next step in the move will be drawing up building and design costs for the site, and submitting a planning application to the council.

Graham Johnson, transformation director at Ecclesiastical, said: "We're pleased we've reached the next milestone of this project.

"Obviously signing the agreement is only the beginning for some of the next crucial steps in the process, but it is an important one both for us, SWRDA and Gloucester City Council."

The signed deal commits the firm to sticking to a timetable for completion by 2015 and Ecclesiastical has now appointed Gleeds, a well-known consultancy firm, to manage the move.

Terry Langdon, regional director for Gleeds, said: "We have gained a great deal of experience working on similar high profile office projects in the area and look forward to bringing together a team of experienced local professionals to work with Ecclesiastical."