WORK to expand a thriving business park is now underway in Baildon.

Businesses at Sapper Jordan Rossi Park - named after the first Bradford soldier to be killed in Afghanistan - have already filled 120,000sq ft of space at the site, which is aimed at small to medium sized enterprises and was formerly known as Baildon Business Park.

Plot 1 is the latest addition and will offer 22,000 sq ft to growing companies when it is completed.

Five of the eight units at the Otley Road site have been bought off-plan. The remaining three are currently under offer and are expected to exchange soon.

The steel frame has been constructed and work is set to complete this summer. Finishing works are also being undertaken on Units 3a and 4a, where sales have also now been agreed on the previously built stock.

Agent Richard Heslop, of Dale Eddison Commercial, said: "Demand for space at this business park continues to outstrip supply, and so it is great to see work progressing on Plot 1.

"The fact that we’ve sold five for this plot off-plan, and have the other three under offer, just goes to show how businesses are crying out for new, purpose-built facilities like this in a great location, with good transport links."

Plot 1 is a terrace of eight hybrid units of between 2,000 sq ft and 5,000 square foot, with a mix of offices and workshop space.

Buyers include Smith Butler Chartered Certified Accountants from Bradford; home security specialist Patlock Ltd relocating from Shipley; and Select 1 a security and electrical contractor which is moving from Guiseley.

Elsewhere, the 15,000 sq ft Unit 3a, which was built last year, has been acquired by Produmax, a precision engineering firm which also owns the 28,000 sq ft Unit 2 in 2016. Unit 4a, which is 9,000 sq ft, has been acquired by another business which is relocating from Bradford.

Mark Taylforth of developer Pendle Russells added: “We’re really pleased with the latest sales at the business park, in particular the interest in Plot 1, and welcome the new firms which will be moving in later this year.

"It’s also hugely satisfying to see Produmax, one of our earliest occupiers, is expanding already, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to accommodate their growth. Together, it’s great news for the economy of the local area."