The development will comprise two separate buildings with distinctive textured facades and a covered internal courtyard.

In addition to the office space, the development will include active ground floor uses including cafes, restaurants and shops.

The site currently has an office block, which would be demolished, and a surface car park that would be built on.

Mr Moore added: “This is the only development taking place in Liverpool that meets the Government departments’ requirement in terms of space and the potential phasing of the relocation.

“I look forward to working with the city’s politicians, and its regeneration and investment agencies, to help attract what would be a fantastic economic boost for Liverpool.”

Andrew Owen, of the project agents Mason Owen, said: “The fact that a development of this scale and ambition is proceeding at the present time says a great deal about the underlying strength of the city as a commercial centre.

“30 Pall Mall is delivering a high-quality and innovative product that will be attractive to a wide range of public sector and private sector occupiers and help the city to expand and diversify its commercial economy.”

Architect Matt Brook, from Broadway Malyan, said the building will be Liverpool’s greenest office development.

“It will achieve BREAM Excellent energy efficiency rating. The design utilises natural ventilation and maximises natural light penetration to reduce energy use as much as possible.

“At a time when companies and public bodies are aiming to minimise their carbon footprint, we are ensuring that these objectives are at the heart of our design approach.”

Mr McKenna added: “This is a good indication of some confidence coming back to the city.

“If Liverpool is going to put itself in a position where it wants to attract the relocation of Government departments, it’s got to have available good quality office space.”