WORK has officially started on an online bingo firm’s new £6m headquarters.

Tombola is moving into a new head office as it ramps up expansion plans.

The company, which develops bingo software and online games, says the development will sit next to its existing base at Wylam Wharf, Sunderland.

Bosses are working with Wearside-based Brims Construction and Newcastle’s Ryder Architecture on the development, which is expected to take 12 months.

They added the headquarters will include open plan offices, a café and gym.

Phil Cronin, Tombola chief executive, said the move will be crucial in the company’s growth, having previously revealed it would create 80 jobs to bolster its 300-strong Sunderland team and meet a turnover target.

He said: “It’s exciting to see construction of our new head office beginning.

“We are two years into our five-year 2020 strategy and are on target to double our turnover and our technology team.

“The construction of our new headquarters is an important element of our plans for future growth and further international expansion.”

Richard Wood, Brims’ director, added: “We see this as a landmark project for Sunderland, as well as the North-East.”

“We’ve worked closely with Tombola and their team and it’s great to see the work get underway.”

Founded in 2000, Tombola says it is the UK’s largest bingo site, with its British operations complemented by a presence in Spain and Italy.