The largest private employer in Brighton and Hove is getting ready to move.

Work is finished on the exterior of the American Express European Service Centre in Edward Street, Brighton. The road in nearby John Street has now been opened to traffic.

Designed by EPR Architects, the building is on track for completion by the end of the year.

A spokeswoman for the multi-national company said work is continuing on the interior. The building is 111ft tall at the John Street entrance and 137ft at its full height.

About 3,000 people will work in the building when it opens. Employees will gradually move into the new building from the current Amex House office.

The 3,500 employees are currently spread across four main sites at Amex House, Telecom House, 154 Edward Street and Sussex House in Burgess Hill.

Meanwhile the private owner of the firm’s office on the south side of Edward Street has appointed Graves Son and Pilcher as commercial property agents.

Stephen Owen, managing partner at the agent’s office in Old Steine, said the 38,000sq ft office building has a price tag of about £4 million. It has car parking for 20 vehicles.