One of Liverpool's biggest employers, the UK Border Agency, is set to move into the largest building in the city - The Capital in Old Hall Street.

The office block will bring over 2000 staff, currently located across six buildings in the city, under one roof for the first time.

The move is expected to save taxpayers over £10 million and improve communication among staff.

A strong UK Border Agency presence has developed in Liverpool over the past twenty years which has ensured a well-established and experienced workforce.

The Capital will house public officials who:

• Manage thousands of cases of foreign nationals seeking British citizenship every year;
• Enforce immigration law by arresting people living or working illegally in the North West;
• Issue fines to businesses caught employing illegal workers;
• Issue ID cards to foreign nationals wishing to stay in the UK; and,
• Consider claims for asylum.

Eddy Montgomery, Director of Operations for the UK Border Agency in the North West, said:

"By moving to a newer, more efficient headquarters, the UK Border Agency will save taxpayers around £10 million.

"The Capital will bring together staff from several buildings based across Liverpool into one single, modern, open-plan office space.

"This will improve communication and help play a vital role in providing an efficient and effective service to the public."

Property group Downing has been advancing Liverpool's largest Grade A-equivalent refurbishment scheme at The Capital since acquiring the building in 2006.

The £15 million project has delivered new high quality office space alongside additional business and lifestyle facilities.

George Downing, chairman of Downing, said:

"At 220,000 sq ft, this is the largest office letting in Liverpool's history and is a clear endorsement of the quality of our building, its location and the enduring appeal of Liverpool as a place to work and live.

"Over the past three years, we have invested heavily in the fabric of The Capital, transforming its interior into the kind of contemporary, intelligent space befitting of a cosmopolitan business hub. The Capital is a statement building on the edge of a World Heritage site and as such it is apt that it has been chosen as the new home for such a leading public sector agency as UKBA.

"We trust that UKBA's workforce will enjoy the building's refashioned interior, new facilities and find The Capital a great place to work. We're looking forward to welcoming the team into the Downing portfolio.

"Our investment in The Capital has played a significant role in the wider regeneration of Liverpool's commercial district. The result is regeneration in action - taking what we already have, investing in its future and creating new opportunities for the local economy."

Lorraine Rogers, Chief Executive of The Mersey Partnership, said:

"The Mersey Partnership has supported the UK Border Agency project team throughout this consolidation and we are delighted at this successful outcome.

"This move demonstrates confidence in the Liverpool City Region as an outstanding location for UK Government departments and agencies, offering excellent staffing resources and cost competitiveness.

Lorraine added:

"We will, with partners, continue to champion the City Region as an excellent location for cost efficient delivery of public services and with it, further Government investment."