Regional law firm Birketts has secured planning permission for a new headquarters building in Ipswich.

Work on the four-storey building in Princes Street is now cleared to start early next year, with Birketts due to complete the move from its current offices in Museum Street during the first half of 2017.

Birketts chief executive Jonathan Agar said: “We are absolutely delighted that our planning application has been successful and are very much looking forward to construction starting.

“Birketts has had a presence in the town for over 150 years and our roots are very firmly based here. After several years of expansion we’ve simply outgrown our existing premises and our new headquarters will be over 50,000 sq ft.

“Securing this site is essential to executing our long-term plans and continuing to provide our clients with a first class service,” he added.

The planning application for the new headquarters building was submitted to Ipswich Borough Council on behalf of Birketts by regional development company Churchmanor Estates.

Churchmanor said the application reflected the “Vision for Ipswich” put forward by town centre Businiess Improvement District company Ipswich Central and would be a significant addition for the planned “Civic Quarter”.

Stephen Clark, managing director of Churchmanor Estates, said: “The granting of our application is wonderful news and this bespoke office for Birketts will be at the forefront of new investment into Ipswich which supports the development of the Civic Quarter of the town.”

Birketts, which also has offices in Chelmsford, Cambridge and Norwich, has 59 partners and nearly 500 staff across its four sites.

It is accredited under Lexcel, the Law Society’s practice management quality standard, and in the year to May 31, 2014, generated turnover of £32.1m.