Around half of 19 offices in a new £1.8 million ‘enterprise incubator’ in a Grade II-listed former wool warehouse in Bradford have been let.

City Hub has been developed by the Business Enterprise Fund, a subsidiary of Bradford Chamber of Commerce. The chamber also operates two other business incubation centres around the city.

The renovated City Hub building had been out of use for 12 years following a fire which wrecked the interior. The five-storey building in Little Germany was officially opened by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Joanne Dodds.

Construction firm The Together Group carried out the renovation work to provide a workplace for new and growing businesses in the professional, financial and business support sectors in offices that can accommodate micro to medium-sized businesses.

When fully let, City Hub, which also offers virtual office packages to encourage new business growth, is expected to create more than 90 jobs.

BEF director Stephen Waud said: “We expect demand for the units to be high. Excellent services, clean and modern facilities, good value and easy-in, easy-out terms are vital in today’s marketplace, and we are confident we can provide them all at City Hub.

“Because City Hub is within the Council’s growth zone, and because of other funding that is available, tenants may access rate relief through the Council’s RGF funding and also may apply to BEF for grants to support the growth of their business.

“It’s not just the office space that is second-to-none, our in-house advisers will also be on site to ensure every tenant has the professional support they need. Each business has access to a business mentor whose expertise can help them overcome any obstacles they face when establishing their business.”

Together Group chief Steven Withy added: “The creation of the City Hub is a very positive sign and represents a turning point for the district. The investment in the project is a very good reflection on Bradford and Yorkshire as a whole as new businesses will be created that will bring much-needed employment to the area.

"The Together Group is also based in Little Germany and I am pleased to welcome all the tenants of City Hub.”

Tenants include a mix of new start-ups and expanding Bradford businesses looking to relocate to city centre premises.