TODAY more than 450 Admiral Group staff will begin work in the company's newly-built offices in Newport city centre.

The staff, who have been based in Langstone Business Park since October 2008, have moved into the specially built six-storey, 80,800 sq ft office block on Queensway, directly opposite Newport railway station.

The building is the first part of the redevelopment of the Cambrian Centre to be completed. Phase two of the development is currently being marketed.

Admiral Group CEO, Henry Engelhardt and COO, David Stevens will be greeting staff as they arrive for their first working day in the office.

Henry Engelhardt said: “It’s very exciting to move into our new offices in Newport. The building itself looks fantastic and the location couldn’t be better. I’m sure our staff will be taking advantage of the local amenities and will be very happy working here.”

The new office’s proximity to Newport train and bus stations means getting to work will be easier for many staff.

Yvette Watkins, an operations manager in Admiral’s Claims Service department in Newport, said: “I’m really happy to have moved to our lovely new building in the centre of town. I drive from Neath every day and because of the traffic it sometimes takes me more than an hour and a quarter each way, so the office being right across the road from the train station is a godsend to me.

“It’s also great to have shops, restaurants and bars on our doorstep for lunchtime and after work. I’m sure our staff are going to love it here!”

Admiral Group currently employs more than 5,000 staff in South Wales. More than 80 staff currently working in Cardiff will be relocating to the new Newport office in September.

Having hundreds more workers in the city centre every day is a major boost for traders, many of whom have struggled in recent years.