Midland property specialists Stoford has turned the first sod to mark the start of construction on its £60million headquarters development for Admiral Group in Cardiff.

Director Tony Nash was joined by Henry Engelhardt, CEO of the insurance giant Admiral and Hector McAlpine from the construction company Sir Robert McAlpine on the former David St car park behind St David’s shopping centre.

The 220,00sq ft, 11-story building - the biggest ever pre-let office scheme in Cardiff - is scheduled for completion in March 2014 and will allow Admiral to potentially increase its number of staff in the capital to 3,000 in a single location.

Mr Nash said: “The building has been designed to meet the very latest standards for sustainability and efficiency, is close to all the city centre amenities and has excellent access for public transport.

“We are confident it will be regarded as one of the best places to work in Cardiff.”