A new record for rental of an office building in Brighton and Hove has been set.

Standard Life has moved from Security Pacific House in Dyke Road to Trafalgar Place - the city's flagship office development - next to Brighton station.

The insurance giant acquired the entire fourth floor of Lanchester House for £17 per sqft per year on a ten-year lease.

The office suite has 8,700sqft and 11 car parking spaces.

Chris Oakley, of Oakley Commercial, said: "We concluded the transaction within three weeks of identifying Lanchester House as the right location for Standard Life.

"It was keen to retain its operation in Brighton and Hove and was attracted to Trafalgar Place.

"It is one of the few office developments in the city which offers open plan, modern accommodation."

The development is run by Threadneedle Investments on behalf of owners Eagle Star.

Both were represented by Stiles Harold Williams.

Martin Clark, of Stiles Harold Williams, said: "£17 per sqft represents a new high and we are now quoting £19 per sqft at Trafalgar Place."

Mr Oakley and Mr Clark said the letting reinforced the city's popularity as an office location and bucked the national trend with continued rental growth.

Standard Life has now instructed Oakley to sub let 2,900sqft, which is surplus to its requirements, with the benefit of on site parking at £17.25 per sqft.

Stiles Harold Williams with Knight Frank and FPD Savills are marketing two self-contained floors, each of about 12,500 sqft.