Trio looking to expand after reloaction (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Trio looking to expand after reloaction

2:37pm Tuesday 7th September 2010 in

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A historic building regarded as the cradle of Bradford’s original industrial revolution 200 years ago has become the new base for three firms which are looking to expand .

The Paper Hall, which dates back to around 1640, now houses NRB Construction Management and consulting engineers Furness Partnership which have relocated from Leeds with support from Bradford Council’s inward investment team.

They join architectural practice B3:GLR, previously the sole occupier of the Grade II Listed building, in Anne Gate, close to Little Germany.

Seventeen jobs have been brought to Bradford by NRB and Furness Partnership – and more could be in the pipeline as the firms look to expand.

Invest in Bradford provided funding to support investment by the firms in new lighting, improved security, office partitioning and twin reception areas.

Councillor David Green said: “Bradford is an ideal place for businesses like these as we have great links to four strong universities, a growing population and low operating costs.

“The Paper Hall is a real landmark and it is great to see its potential as a working building being fulfilled once again.”

NRB Director Nigel Booker, whose company undertook the construction work when The Paper Hall was converted into offices in 1993, said: “It is a wonderful building so we are delighted with how the move has turned out. The stature of our firm can only be enhanced through a link to somewhere as historic as The Paper Hall.”

Furness Partnership director John Wardingley said: “We are encouraged by the opportunities presented by being based in Bradford and look forward to a long future here.”

Paul Robinson, B3:GLR partner, said: “There is scope for another professional tenant to round things off. That is something we are looking to pursue.”

The Paper Hall was home to industrialist James Garnett from 1794 until he died in 1829. Garnett is credited for starting the industrial revolution in Bradford by installing spinning machines in the loft of The Paper Hall