WORCESTER-based solicitors Harrison Clark Rickerbys is the latest name to move to the city's £20 million Cathedral Square.

Salmon Harvester Opportunity Fund (SHOP) has agreed a deal with the firm to move into the largest single office space letting in the city for 20 years.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys has signed a 15 year lease for 10,225 sq ft space on the second floor of 15 High Street.

The solicitors practice is paying £112,000 a year and is taking space previously occupied by Slaters Menswear, which has been converted to top grade office space as part of the £20 million redevelopment of Cathedral Square.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys has more than 450 staff and six offices based across the Midlands and south of England, with its heart in the Three Counties.

Some 339 tonnes of steel have been used for the new look Cathedral Square, 415 retail jobs being created once it is open, and already announced for the site is Starbucks, Ask, All Bar One, Byron Hamburgers, Cosy Club, steakhouse Miller and Carter, Yo! Sushi, Jung Fu, Fitness4Less and Wilko.

Nick Webb of SHOF said: “Starbucks complements our new line up perfectly and the deal with Harrison Clark Rickerbys secures a major employer in Worcester city centre.

"This redevelopment brings 10,000 sq m of floor space back into use, redefines the retail and leisure pitch in Worcester and brings much needed regeneration to this part of the city centre.”

David Blake, managing director at Worcester City Council said: “The new look Cathedral Square will be a fantastic leisure and shopping destination for Worcester city centre.

"Securing the presence of a top law firm like Harrison Clark Rickerbys and the international brand Starbucks is the icing on the cake for this major boost to our city’s economy.”

Rod Thomas, managing partner at Harrison Clark Rickerbys, said: “Although now a regional firm, we value our roots in the heart of the city and are delighted that our long term future here has been secured in a fully refurbished modern office.

"The location gives our staff a great place to work and socialise from, as well as keeping them near the local community they give so much back to.

“This deal allows us to continue to attract and retain the talent we need to maintain our growth, as we increasingly recruit our experts from city and top national firms.

"Drawn to Worcester by the attractions of the local area, our staff expect both top level client work and modern office facilities.

“We would like to thank the city council generally and David Blake in particular. Their support and understanding has been crucial to this project as they supported our goal to remain in the city.”

Charles Warrack, partner at Johnson Fellows added: “The letting to Harrison Clark Rickerbys is a major boost to the Worcester city centre office market, proving its attractiveness to occupiers when given a compelling choice for Grade A offices.”

Cathedral Square includes a new public square, jointly funded by Worcestershire County Council, Worcester City Council and the Worcestershire LEP. It will provide a new space for public events and for residents, visitors and shoppers to dine and relax, overlooking Worcester Cathedral.

Some restaurants are expected to start trading in mid-July, ahead of the grand opening.