Punch Taverns to build new multi-million pound HQ

Punch Taverns has secured planning permission to build a new three-storey, multi-million pound office building in Burton on Trent.

The pubco said it planned to build a new 70,000 sq ft office opposite its headquarters in Second Avenue, Centrum 100, to house employees from both its managed and leased businesses.

Nigel Turpin, the group's corporate affairs director, said: "The site will be used to build a new purpose-built office for the company's enlarged team, following the acquisition of Spirit Group.

"Punch will also retain its existing head office building, Jubilee House, in Second Avenue. Plans are now underway for construction to commence on site in spring next year and we expect the building to be finished in spring 2009, with departments moving in by August 2009.

"At this stage we are not sure which departments will be based in the new building, but we will be talking to our teams about this over the coming months."

The building would feature the latest technologies "to minimise our carbon footprint," Turpin added.

"We are working closely with the Carbon Trust to ensure that the design is as energy efficient and environmentally friendly as possible," he said.

"This demonstrates our long term commitment to Burton on Trent, the regional 'home' of the pub industry. It will be a great opportunity to bring both of our teams together and gives us a positive platform for the future."