THE Covid pandemic is making it increasingly difficult to market office space for small businesses in Bradford - according to new planning applications.

Three separate applications to convert space in the Centre for Enterprise on Manningham Lane into flats have recently been submitted to Bradford Council.

Each application relates to one floor of the six storey building - which offers small office space to rent for new and emerging businesses.

The plans would see eight apartments created in a floor of the building, with applications for the second, third and fourth floors soon to be decided by the Council.

The plans, submitted by Jade 3 Architecture, say that with Government advice urging people to work from home, there is little demand for the space in the building.

Previous applications to convert parts of the building into flats have been approved by planners - although this permission will soon expire.

The building is run as an Enterprise Hub - a chain that leases space for incubation style offices to small businesses that could not afford larger, more permanent office space.

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Whilst some office space in the building is currently let, the planning application says vacancies within the building are increasing due to the pandemic.

The application says: “Due to the continued harsh economic climate, the lettings agents have difficulty in letting the small offices, and spaces are becoming vacant.

“The Government has started promoting working from home to stay safe during Covid, and this has caused further vacancy.”

It says the previous applications to create “small, compact” apartments in the building has been re-designed to “meet the market demand for the working from home concept, following the advice to stay at home to keep safe.”

It adds: “This regeneration of existing properties in the heart of Bradford will create a proper home with space to work as well.”

The applications go on to say the conversion will create work for local construction companies and will “assist with regeneration and avoid the building from falling into disrepair due to not being in occupation.”

They add: “In this dim and challenging economic climate it is applaudable to seek a grand vision for the change of use from offices to apartment use as a secondary option.

“Hopefully by providing continued occupation for the building it will provide a contribution to the local area and create social vibrancy.”

There are eight parking spaces available at the front of the building and 24 to the rear.

Decisions on the applications are due next month.