THREE hundred jobs are up for grabs for local people.

Asons solicitors announced plans to build a luxury £7 million office as a new gateway to the town centre, on the site of the former Bolton College building in Clarence Street.

And now they have started recruiting the 300 new people needed to work in the new building.

Asons head of human resources, Sarah Ainscough, said: “Over the coming year we have an exciting range of opportunities available; not just in law, but also in marketing, IT, and HR.

“We will be looking at all levels of experience, through our apprenticeship scheme, our graduate programme, and our highly sought after training contracts.

“We also anticipate roles which will require more qualified candidates, for which we are hoping to tap into the expertise of the local area.

“This is a very exciting time for Asons, and anyone joining us now will be well placed to enjoy the rewards of our success”

As well as office space, the luxury development will include a top-end restaurant, space for business networking and corporate events and a rooftop garden.

Founded five years ago, Asons Solicitors now employs 200 people — with 27 per cent of them from Bolton.

Stacey Regan, an employee from Bolton, said: “Bolton is my home town, and the office being located right in the middle of the town centre could not be more convenient.

“Having been with Asons for almost three years now, I can honestly say that the firm has encouraged me to realise my potential.”

Asons specialises in medical negligence, industrial disease and personal injury.

Bolton construction and design consultants Bradshaw Gass and Hope LLP will lead the new project, which should be complete by 2015. Asons has said it wants 70 per cent of the new workforce to be from Bolton.

Meanwhile, Asons is planning to open offices in London, New York, Dubai, Pakistan and Singapore by 2018.

Boss Imran Akram was named Businessperson of the Year at last year’s Bolton and Bury Business Awards.