Transformation of Bristol’s former tram generator building into creative and tech hub

A striking red building that was once a powerhouse of 20th century transport innovation will be given a new lease of life under new £12m regeneration plans.

The Grade II listed premises on Finzels Reach that originally housed the generator for Bristol’s tram system is to be transformed into offices for up to 300 people from tech, creative or media companies.

CGI of the interior of the building

Welcomed as a chance to make a major contribution to regeneration in the city, the plans include repairs to the limestone ashlar stonework and dramatic windows, to bring the exterior back to its former glory.

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 went on to design buildings, including Scotland Yard and the Dorchester Hotel in Park Lane, London.

“We think this striking building is likely to attract companies from the creative, media or tech sectors who are looking for an inspirational environment in the heart of the city,” says Gavin Bridge, director of Cubex, the developers behind the regeneration project proposals.

“This building has a fascinating history as the place that powered 20th century transport innovation, and it’s good to think it could become home to some of the companies at the forefront of today’s technology revolution.”

The exterior of the generator building in 1900

The original arched front entrance on Counterslip, with its grand Venetian window, is currently sealed off and will be re-instated with new glass doors at street level.

These will open into a double-height foyer, enabling people to enjoy the original scale of the internal spaces for the first time in 30 years.

Cubex, in collaboration with funding partner Palmer Capital, is proposing to build five-storeys of office space, covering 28,300 sq ft, that will be designed to make the most of the views across the harbour.

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 Philip’s Bridge and cut the power cables.

CGI of double-height foyer in the generator building, Finzels Reach

People can see proposals for the building and talk to the developers at a public consultation event on Wednesday (November 29), from 2.30pm-7.30pm in the Project Office at Malt House, East Tucker Street, Finzels Reach.

Bush Consultancy, the architects behind the new design of apartments in Cask Store, Georges Wharf and Hawkins Lane, as well as Castle Bridge at Finzels Reach, have designed this office conversion.

The public consultation is the final step before a full planning application is submitted to Bristol City Council in early December. Developers say work could begin on the building in summer 2018.

Main image: CGI drawing of how the renovated exterior will look.

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