WEST Yorkshire businesses looking to expand struggle to find quality space outside of Leeds city centre, a report has claimed.

But the document, by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, says developments like One City Park in Bradford could help reverse this trend.

A report on business space produced for the Authority’s Economy Scrutiny Committee highlighted the importance of “follow on” space for businesses looking to expand with-out moving out of the region.

The report said: “Occupiers are increasingly seeking flexible office space that can be adjusted easily to accommodate a growing or declining workforce. This includes open floor spaces, social areas and workstations that support a range of tasks.

“We spoke to developers and agents to explore the current challenges facing West Yorkshire SME’s as they try to expand within the region.

“Their responses show that there is a lack of large space available out of Leeds city centre. “Despite this New Grade A schemes will become available across the region including Bradford One City Park, which has received Combined Authority funding.

“This demonstrates that when planning is granted and developers bring forward including a site there is adequate demand to make it commercially viable.”

One City Park is an under construction Grade A office development in Bradford City Centre that has been funded by Bradford Council, WYCA and central Government.

It is due to be completed this year.

The meeting of the Economy Scrutiny Committee, due to be held last Wednesday, was cancelled because the meeting was inquorate.