Construction and property services group Willmott Dixon is opening a new office in Birmingham city centre.

The company has taken 4,000 sq ft on a nine-year lease on the first floor of One Snowhill but will retain its West Midlands headquarters in Coleshill.

Established in 1852, Willmott Dixon is today one of the UK's biggest construction companies, employing more than 3,500 people with a turnover of £1 billion.

In Birmingham, it has been involved in a number of major projects, including the construction of Birmingham City University's new £150 million city centre campus at Eastside and the £18 million refurbishment of The Lewis Building, in Bull Street.

Deputy managing director Nick Gibb said: "The office at One Snowhill will provide us with an operational space in the heart of Birmingham, close to many of our partners, suppliers and customers."

Liz Bailey, from the office agency team at CBRE which advised Willmott Dixon, added: "Willmott Dixon is part of a growing trend of businesses seeking high-quality accommodation in the city centre where there is easy access to transport links, both for business and commuting, and a range of amenities available on the doorstep.

"There is a real buzz and hive of activity in Birmingham and businesses want to be part of it. It's great that a company of Willmott Dixon's calibre will be in the city centre."

Savills acted for the landlord Union Investment Real Estate.