BT have signed up for 75,000 sq ft of office space at Stoford’s new £55 million All Saints office development in West Bromwich.

The building - a key plank in the town’s regeneration programme - will support BT’s Transform Sandwell partnership with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and create up to 450 new jobs in the area.

The Birmingham based property specialists have secured outline planning consent for the 245,000 sq ft scheme which occupies a seven acre site and has been designed by Glenn Howells Architects with a view to achieving a BREEAM excellent rating.

The development is to be built in collaboration with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough council and the regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, which has committed £11million to the project.

The building, with its spacious open plan configuration, will include a central atrium looking out on to a new fully landscaped public square.

The plans extend to pedestrian and cycle links to the town and on to a proposed major new retail development.

Fred Lynch, CEO of Transform Sandwell, said: “The building of the regional business centre is a real demonstration of how BT contributes to economic regeneration within the Borough.

“It will be a strikingly modern ‘green’ office space for our staff and will also bring much needed economic activity to an important part of this area.”

Mick Laverty, chief executive at Advantage West Midlands said: “Today’s announcement with BT demonstrates that the West Midlands has a great deal to offer businesses locating their operations here in the region.

“It is the first major new office development in West Bromwich for 30 years. We are confident that this announcement will prompt many others as the high quality office space and attractive location entices businesses to the area, creating more quality jobs for local people, and kick starting further regeneration in the town.”

Coun Bob Badham, cabinet member for regeneration for SMBC commented: “We are delighted to be working with the high-quality development company Stoford on a major scheme in West Bromwich which will bring prestige building and much-needed jobs to the town.

“These are exciting times in West Bromwich. All Saints is a landmark scheme for us and its attractive design will make a major statement on one of the prime sites in the town centre area.

“It is an important part of a major town centre redevelopment which will also bring a high profile supermarket, new stores, restaurants, bars and leisure facilities.”

Tom Watson, MP for West Bromwich East, said: “This announcement is great news for the people of West Bromwich. It’s another milestone in the redevelopment of the town bringing forward job opportunities and new amenities, and demonstrating that real progress is being made in the plans to revitalise the area.”

Stoford has been hailed as one of the region’s most influential developers following its success at a recent regional property awards.

The company was presented with the acclaimed Regeneration Award for its work on three highly sustainable developments including All Saints.

Director Jon Andrews said: “The project is a great example of teamwork and an acknowledgment of the importance that business transformation can have on efficiency and productivity.

“It is, without doubt, one of our most outstanding schemes.”