The go-ahead has been given to plans to create unique office space for the tech, creative and media sectors within Bristol’s striking Generator Building at Finzels Reach.
The iconic red brick and stone building by Bristol’s floating harbour, which originally housed the generator for the city’s tram system, will offer businesses an inspiring and unconventional working environment. Indeed, it could be the perfect location for Channel 4, which has shortlisted Bristol in its search for a new home for its regional headquarters.
The driving force behind Finzels Reach, one of the South West’s most significant mixed-used schemes, is local developer Cubex, together with its funding partner Palmer Capital. Generator Building is the latest phase of high quality Grade A office development at Finzels Reach, which is also home to Aurora, a major speculative scheme that completes this summer, and Bridgewater House.
Peter Walford, director of Cubex, said: “It is fantastic to have received planning consent for this exciting project to give a new lease of life to one of Bristol’s landmark buildings. With a rich history linking the building to 20th century transport innovation, it will offer something truly unique to the office market at a time when demand for workspace for the burgeoning tech, creative and media sectors is high.”
Designed to make the most of the views across the harbour, the space will include 30,611 sq ft of offices over six floors, for up to 300 people. Interior finishes, including exposed feature brickwork, will complement the fabric of the building. Shower facilities will be provided on each level, and secure cycle storage and lockers, as well as 10 basement car parking spaces will be created.
Extensive renovations will be carried out to Generator Building, with repairs to the limestone ashlar stonework and dramatic windows, to bring the exterior back to its former glory.
The original 1890s arched front entrance on Counterslip with its grand Venetian window will be re-instated with new glass doors at street level. These will open into a triple-height foyer space beyond, allowing people to enjoy the original scale of the internal spaces for the first time in 30 years.
Generator Building is ideally located less than a 10-minute walk from Temple Meads station, whilst Castle Bridge provides easy access to the popular shopping areas of Cabot Circus, Quakers Friars and St Nicholas Market. It is close to an array of bus routes and ferries can be boarded from nearby Castle Park.
Bristol was the first city in Britain to build an electric tram service and the Generator Building was opened in 1899 to supply power to the massively expanding tramways network. The architect William Curtis Green later became better known for designing buildings such as Scotland Yard and the Dorchester Hotel in Park Lane. The Bristol power station contained four steam engines coupled to four generators and supplied power to the tramway system until 1941, when a bomb hit St Philips Bridge and cut the power cables.
Local architects the Bush Consultancy have designed the new office conversion of the Generator Building and have also been responsible for the new design of the apartments in Cask Store, Georges Wharf and Hawkins Lane as well as Castle Bridge at Finzels Reach.