ONE of Southampton's oldest employers is looking to move its 1,200 staff out of its headquarters, the Daily Echo can reveal.

It is understood that the offices of Ordnance Survey, Britain's historic national mapping agency, are simply too big and expensive to maintain.

When the building in Romsey Road, Maybush, was officially opened by the Queen in May 1969, up to 4,700 workers were based there.

However, following cuts in staff over the years, including 350 voluntary redundancies last summer, many rooms lie empty.

Now the government agency is scouting for cost-effective premises "in or around Southampton".

However, Ordnance Survey stressed it was "early days" yet, and no time- scale has yet been given if a decision is made to relocate.

Ordnance Survey, although self-funded, is under obligation to provide good value for money because it is accountable to Parliament.

The Daily Echo learnt of the assessment review before staff heard about it.

They were due to be informed by Intranet today.

Ordnance Survey has been in Southampton since 1841 but was founded in 1791 at the Tower of London.

The nature of its work has substantially changed since the late 1960s, when printing maps was the main object.

Now the emphasis is on cutting-edge computer technology, providing digital maps for the 999 services and phone giants, as well as the commercial sectors, such as retail and insurance.

Some surplus space has been rented out to HM Customs and Excise and P&O Nedlloyd, a global shipping line, to generate income.

However, many rooms are empty, with heating and lighting bills mounting.

Ordnance Survey confirmed it is looking at the amount of money needed to bring the current 22-acre complex up to date, but admitted the building is "very expensive to maintain and operate".

A spokesman said: "In addition to assessing the costs and benefits of investment for the existing site, we are also considering whether it might be more cost-effective to move to another site within the local area.

"This could involve moving to an existing building more suited to our current and future needs, or perhaps designing and constructing a new headquarters from scratch.

"If the eventual decision is to move, it is likely to be in or close to Southampton, so

minimising any inconvenience to existing staff. We will make the decision at the appropriate time."

There were howls of indignation when the Daily Echo revealed two years ago that the mapping agency had signed a £21m deal with an Indian firm to make a digital map of the UK.

Ordnance Survey strongly denied British jobs were lost because of that decision to export work. Last summer's job cuts brought the number of people based at Maybush down to 1,200. Bosses today stressed no other redundancies were in the pipeline.

Southampton City Council leader Adrian Vinson said: "Obviously we value the long association of the city with Ordnance Survey. I appreciate that with any organisation of their nature, changes in technology from time to time mean they need to reconsider the nature of the premises they require.

"I am pleased to hear that they continue to be committed to Southampton and its region and I am sure the City Council will wish to work closely with them to assist in any way we can - in particular to ensure that the best interests of many Southampton people who work there are protected.

"I would hope that when Ordnance Survey say they wish to remain in or close to the city, that's what they mean. My preference would be within the city, but what really matters is the well-being of Ordnance Survey staff."