ONE of the biggest housing associations in the country is moving its headquarters to a landmark office building in Worcester.

Sanctuary Housing Association has moved its head office from Hertford to the Chamber Court building, in Castle Street.

Chamber Court was previously occupied by the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire, now housed in Enterprise House.

The move means Sanctuary Housing will be among the biggest employers in Worcester, with 100 employees due to work out of the new head office. Seventy of the positions will be new ones and will be filled locally.

"This move marks the start of a long-term commitment to Worcester," said David Bennett, managing director.

"We've outgrown the offices in Hertford and are really pleased to have found a location that can offer so much.

"It means we can truly bring together all the diverse aspects of our business - the new head office is going to be a place where things happen.

"Our state-of-the-art facilities will enable us to deliver first-class training on site."

Mr Bennett said the investment made by Sanctuary Housing, and the contacts already established, meant the move was "the start of new partnerships with local business and the community".

Carl Wyard, senior economic development officer for Worcestershire County Council, said the move was great news for Worcester and showed the West Midlands offered a "genuine alternative" to the South East.

"We worked closely with local partners and Sanctuary Housing to secure their relocation to Worcester," said Mr Wyard.

"We'd like to welcome them and are looking forward to seeing these partnerships become even stronger.

"Worcestershire is increasingly being seen as a location for quality inward investment.

"It's our proximity to the UK market and transport network, the skilled workforce and unrivalled quality of life that all contribute to our success."

Sanctuary Housing Association is a not-for-profit charity, established in 1969, that provides quality affordable housing and also works to regenerate deprived areas.

"Within the industry, we are one of the leaders in the provision of quality services, whether in housing or care," said Mr Bennett.

"It's a reputation we are proud of but never take for granted and work hard to maintain."

The keys to Chamber Court were handed to Mr Bennett yesterday by Christine Jones, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce.

A recruitment open day is due to take place at Chamber Court on Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28.