A REGENERATION business announced yesterday (Tuesday) that it will expand its operation at its Letchworth GC headquarters, creating more than 70 new jobs in the town.

Willmott Dixon Group, the UK’s third largest privately-owned capital works, regeneration and support services company will increase its existing occupancy of The Spirella Building, owned and managed by Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, to 35 per cent of the building.

Andrew Geldard, head of group communications at Willmott Dixon, said: “This move will be a new base for our central procurement team as we take on even larger, more complex projects across the UK.

“We were founded in 1852 and have strong links with Hertfordshire, including a long-term office in Hitchin, and this was further increased 10 years ago when we moved our headquarters from London into Spirella. Our thanks to the Heritage Foundation for their flexibility and commitment to support our tenure in Letchworth.”

In order to secure a key employer to the town, the Heritage Foundation will relocate its headquarters in mid-March to Icknield Way, making way for Willmott Dixon to accommodate more staff at Spirella.

John Lewis, the Heritage Foundation’s chief executive, said: “This is a tremendous growth story for Letchworth in difficult economic times. By working in partnership with Willmott Dixon, we’ve been able to bring significant additional jobs to the town.

“Our move to new offices at Icknield Way, reinforces our commitment to growing investment in Letchworth’s business district. As well as welcoming visitors to our new offices, we are planning to open our ‘Community Information Hub’ in the town centre, which will provide customers and residents with easy access to the Foundation.”

Oliver Heald, MP for Letchworth, said: “I welcome the jobs boost for Letchworth which fits in with the recent improvement in job creation in the town.”