A YORK commercial property agent has welcomed the Grade A mark given to an out of town business park amid fears over a lack of high class office space in the city.

Richard Thornton, partner with global property consultancy Jones Lang Lasalle, believes there is an “acute shortage” of Grade A office space in the city to accommodate businesses looking to move to York.

Mr Thornton has therefore welcomed the recent Grade A status given to Clifton Park business park by City of York Council.

He said: “York has an amazing history, of course, but it is now reinventing itself for the 21st century.

“For example, a record number of businesses were started in the city in the third quarter of last year, while the Sunday Times has named York as one of the top hotspots for new development in the whole the country.

“ThisGrade A rating is a resounding endorsement of a great business location and is richly deserved. underlining the quality of the park.

“Clifton Park Business Park is one of the jewels in York’s commercial crown and has attracted some first-class businesses and household names since it first opened.”

“The Grade A rating is a telling reminder of its quality and will put it well and truly on the map.”

Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust, who own Clifton Park Business Park, said it was delighted with the grading.

Occupiers of Clifton Park include NFU Mutual Balfour Beatty, the Human Support Group, Signalling Solutions, and Cellhire.

There is a Premier Inn and the Dormouse public house at the entrance of the park.