City gets 'massive finance boost'

American Express said the plans represented a major investment

American Express's decision to upgrade its European base in Brighton has been hailed as a massive boost for Sussex.

The firm has announced plans to construct a new building behind Amex House in Edward Street, which employs about 2,500 people.

The announcement comes after three years of talks between American Express and the council.

Brighton and Hove City councillor Ted Kemble said the decision secured the long-term future of the site.

He added: "This is very good news in the current economic situation.

Our current and future plans represent a major investment in creating the best possible working environment for employees James Crotty

"One of the council's key priorities is growing the economy and providing first class office facilities is key to this.

"We will be doing all we can to make this happen in order to benefit local people."

"In terms of job creation and additional money into the economy it's probably going to run to £4m to £5m."

James Crotty, of American Express, said, "Our current and future plans represent a major investment in creating the best possible working environment for employees in our Brighton Service Centre.

"American Express is strongly committed to investing in growing its business and in investing in its service delivery centres to best meet the needs of its customers around the world."

The credit card company wants to build a new 265,000sq ft building on its Edward Street site.

Following a public consultation in October it hopes to submit a formal planning application in the early part of 2009.

It is not yet known what the firm plans to do with the eight-storey Amex building currently in Edward Street.