More office space may be created in Bristol

There is now plenty of office space to rent around the UK and those on the lookout for working bases in the Bristol area may eventually have even more choice available to them, which might be welcome news for bosses.

According to a report in the Bristol Post, plans for two landmark office buildings at the gateway to Cabot Circus are now back on the agenda after being shelved in 2009 because of the recession.

The land, which is located at the foot of the M32, was converted into a parking area for coaches in 2011. However, a new planning application has been submitted to the local council by Bristol Alliance. It is seeking to construct small, cost-effective office blocks on the site.

Indeed, offices must eventually be built on the site because of a contractual agreement in the original plans for the Cabot Circus development. It was specified that at least 15,000 square metres of office floor space would be created.

Bristol Alliance has proposed to build 17,294 square metres of office space across two blocks. These blocks may then be joined by a footbridge. A decision on the application is expected to be made by February.

Meanwhile, a statement issued with the application notes: “In response to changing market conditions, Bristol Alliance has held discussions with Bristol City Council to consider a revised development on the site, which provides a more cost-effective design of the buildings.”

However, even if the plans do get the green light, firms may have to wait for some time before they are able to take up residence in the development. The application requests special permission to be given seven years to build the offices.

In the meantime, there are other business centres in and around the city for managers to make use of, so they should not struggle to find suitable premises.