Work will start next month on a multi-million-pound office development in Derby.

Developer Lowbridge has said that it will begin building the first phase of the £20 million Friar Gate Square scheme, creating about 250 jobs, on February 13.

Derby City Council is providing an undisclosed amount of cash from its £10 million Regeneration Fund, which was set up to stimulate office developments in the city centre, to help with construction costs.

The first phase, which is due for completion in January next year, will provide 32,000 sq ft of office space over six storeys.

It is believed the development could create 700 jobs when both phases have been completed.

City Council leader Philip Hickson said: “This project will deliver major regeneration benefits and provide an enormous boost for the city.

“If we encourage developers to start work on new schemes, they will become a catalyst for others to follow and the city will benefit from the major inward investment that is generated.”