BUILDING work is well under way at Staffordshire County Council's Tipping Street development in Stafford.

VolkerFitzpatrick, the contractor, has completed work on the piling which will support the structure.

The team created about 450 concrete piles, starting 23 metres below ground level, which will hold the weight of the buildings.

The state-of-the-art office and retail space is on schedule to open in September 2011.

The buildings will provide the focal point for county council services. They will also be the base for more than 1,700 staff from 170 teams.

The scheme will play a vital role in regenerating Stafford.

Councillor Mark Winnington, cabinet member for assets, performance and organisation, said: "It is great to see the hive of activity taking place at the site."