A law firm celebrating its 125th anniversary this year is to mark the occasion by opening a new office in the centre of Canterbury.

Brachers, based in Maidstone, will open the site in the spring. However, it will signal the closure of its existing office at Sandwich's Discovery Park.

It will move into 24,800sq ft offices in Watling Street, which will provide space for 22 lawyers.

Joanna Worby, managing partner at Brachers, said: “The time is right for us to make this significant investment to support our growing client base.

"In today’s highly competitive legal world, firms need to be more aware of their clients’ needs, and to be agile to opportunities while remaining focused on delivering the best possible service.

“Operating from Canterbury and Maidstone means we will be perfectly placed to serve our clients across the whole of Kent and Sussex, as well as in London.”

The office will be led by Lee May, a partner with more than 16 years’ experience advising businesses, developers, landowners and local authorities.

He will be supported by James Bullock, a partner and head of corporate and commercial; Alexandra Gordon, a private client partner specialising in tax and estate planning; and Antonio Fletcher, an employment partner specialising in education and the SME sector.

The managing partner added: "The Canterbury expansion will replace our smaller Discovery Park space but the investment in mobile technology will enable our solicitors to continue to visit and work with businesses on the site.”

Lisa Carlson, chief executive of Canterbury BID (Business Improvement District), said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming Brachers and their staff to Canterbury, and to helping them celebrate their 125th anniversary. We admire their community outlook and commitment to the area and wish them all the very best as they settle into this wonderful city.”

Read more: For the latest business news for Kent

Read more: For the latest news for Canterbury