GLOBAL insurance firm Hiscox has said it is “keen to get to work” on building its new £19 million flagship office in York.

As reported in The Press last week, the proposals to build the glass and stone structure next to the Black Swan pub in Hungate were given the go-ahead following a unanimous decision by City of York Council’s planning committee.

With work due to start next spring, the move will ultimately bring 500 jobs to York.

Steve Langan, managing director for Hiscox UK & Europe, said: “We are naturally delighted with the planning committee’s decision.

“This is a significant investment for us as a business, as it will be our largest office in the UK outside of London.

“We’re committed to York and to creating a building that represents a progressive and high quality addition to York’s long architectural history.

“We are now keen to get to work and the decision means we can finalise preparations on-site with the council ahead of construction starting around April 2014.”

Hiscox moved into a temporary office in Mallard House, also in Hungate, in February, with about 70 people already based there.

It aims to move into its permanent office in 2015, where it is expected that 300 jobs will be created initially, with a further 200 anticipated within five years.

Coun James Alexander, leader of City of Council said: “York is a city with ambition; to become a word class destination for business and visitors alike. The decision made by the planning committee welcomes Hiscox’s investment formally and signals a further significant step towards this ambition, bringing with it 300 new jobs to York.”