A NEW multi-purpose headquarters for Dorset-based Agincare at a derelict naval bakery on Portland has officially been opened.

Nearly £2million was ploughed into the redevelopment by the care firm to turn the Admiralty Buildings in Castletown into the firm’s new headquarters.

The building was officially opened by South Dorset MP Richard Drax and Weymouth and Portland Mayor Kate Wheller at the end of June.

Around 75 people will be based at the new hub, including admin staff and on-site training for care workers, 10 of which will be new positions.

Derek Luckhurst, founder of Agincare, and Raina Summerson, group chief executive, needed a new central headquarters to cope with the company’s ever-growing business, with the firm already securing £25million worth of new local authority contracts in the first quarter of 2014.

Ms Summerson said: “2014 marks a key point for the Agincare Group, with the many challenges of the social care sector remaining, but with our own business planning working successfully to see Agincare’s future safe and sustainable.”

Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Drax said: “Agincare is a highly successful company, employing about 2,500 staff across the country. For it to locate its headquarters in the former Naval Bakehouse is a boost for the local economy.”

Mr Luckhurst is now looking into other ways of developing the Castletown area of Portland, and planning applications in place for a new dock and facilities for local fishermen, and the development of sea front holiday homes.

Matt Prosser, chief executive of West Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “It is great news that a leading care company investing in our local economy, from the use of local contractors to deliver the refurbishment, to the employment of local staff and a vision to further regenerate the local area.”