Civil service move could be 'catalyst for regeneration'

Directors at GVA Grimley believe that Leeds's strong links with the health sector could prove to be a trump card.

The Ian Smith review on civil service relocations, which was published this week, described Manchester's planned Mayfield site as an "exemplary destination" for civil service jobs from London.

The report also suggests that civil servants who are moved out of London should be grouped with existing regional locations to create clusters. The review states that this feeds into the Treasury's Total Place Report which highlights the need for Government agencies to share property to reduce costs.

Beverley Smith, director at GVA Grimley's Leeds office, said: "Leeds already has more than 2,000 Department of Health staff and almost the same number of Work and Pensions employees at Quarry Hill.

"If the Government is seeking to cluster similar Government agencies outside of London, the North will feature strongly in the relocation process as these regions are significantly cheaper both in terms of property and employment.

"By focusing relocations on the less prosperous areas of the UK, we can start to use the process as a catalyst for regeneration and provision of high quality jobs. Leeds is well placed to offer well suited property, a good standard of living and a large labour pool."

There is around 500,000 sq ft of Grade A space available, with a further 100,000 sq ft being built.

Dan Hodge, head of office agency at GVA Grimley's Leeds office, adds: "There are some prime properties sitting empty in Leeds at present. Buildings such as The Mint, Latitude Red and Broadgate are iconic and deserve to be occupied.

Yorkshire Forward has launched a prospectus highlighting the quality of life, cost-effective childcare, lower office costs and high workforce skills, aimed at targeting Government agencies.

GVA Grimley's research highlights that Leeds has received more than 700 new Government posts since 2004.