IT is hoped that the transfer of over 200 NHS staff into Bradford city centre later this year will provide a big boost to local businesses.

In October, staff from the NHS Bradford Districts and Craven Clinical Commissioning Groups will moving from their offices at Douglas Mill, off Manchester Road, to Scorex House.

The office building, on Bolton Road near both The Broadway Shopping Centre and Bradford Cathedral, has under used for a number of years, with entire floors of the buildings vacant.

The move comes after Dixons academy chain announced it would be opening its new Sixth Form college in Douglas Mill in West Bowling in September 2019.

Although the transfer of staff will not create jobs, Council and business bosses hope the influx of 200 workers into the heart of Bradford will help city centre businesses by boosting footfall.

In recent years Bradford Council has been trying to encourage more businesses to locate in the city centre, and numerous council departments have moved to the centre.

The CCG is responsible for commissioning health care services in the area.

Julie Lawreniuk, deputy chief officer at NHS Bradford districts and Craven CCGs, said: “As commissioners of health and care services for people living in the Bradford District and Craven, we agreed it was important for us to retain a presence in Bradford and in the Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven area.

“Being neighbours with Bradford Council and other voluntary and community services will help us strengthen our collaborative working arrangements and deliver our joint plans for improving health and care services for people in our area.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, executive for Regeneration, Planning and Transport said, “We’re pleased to see the CCG taking office space in the city centre.

“The more offices are located in our city and town centres, the more it increases footfall and spending in local shops and businesses.”

Mike Cartwright from the Bradford Chamber of Commerce said: “This transfer of staff, while not creating a massive impact on its own, is still good news for those of us who want to see more footfall in the city centre.

“It’s a pleasant, modern building, with air conditioning and parking; with The Broadway across the road, and a train station just around the corner, these premises should have been snapped up ages ago.”

The CCGs will retain their offices at Millennium Business Park in Steeton.