Take up of office space in Bristol city centre fell slightly last year while out-of-town lettings rose, according to latest figures.
Some 409,225 sq ft of space was let in the city centre, down on 2011’s figure and below the national average, the report by property advisers CBRE Bristol shows. Out-of-town take up, at 251,373 sq ft, was higher than in 2012.
CBRE Bristol senior director Philip Morton, pictured, said: “Most demand has been driven by the financial services sector. There has been some restructuring of corporate organisations prior to moving location, resulting in a slight reduction in overall space requirements, which is especially noticeable in the city centre. 
“This is coupled with increasingly advanced workplace solutions that effectively mean occupiers require less space per employee.
“Bristol’s out of town office space has seen a broader mix of demand, including some specialist sectors, such as science and technology, which has helped create a lift in these figures.”
Although 2012 was largely static, CBRE is highlighting Bristol as one of the cities nationally that is poised for growth in 2013.
“There is no doubt that having an elected Mayor has added new impetus to interest in Bristol and with his experience in the sector George Ferguson may well be able help unlock planning issues that have held back some key development opportunities, which will be very attractive and particularly help grade A supply,” Mr Morton added.
