News / Hotwells
Former electrical power house becomes Bristol’s latest listed building
A former electricity power house in Hotwells has been awarded a listed status to preserve it for future generations.
Avon Crescent Substation was built in 1905, a time when electrical power was still in its infancy, to provide power to the city docks.
Historic England said the building is “a rare example of the building type dating from an early period of municipal electricity supply”.
is needed now More than ever
The listing means there will be extra control over the changes that can be made to the building’s interior and exterior.
Great news! Bristol has a new Listed building! The 1906 Underfall Yard substation, Avon Crescent, had been designated for it’s early and innovative use of concrete construction and as a rare survivor from a pioneering period of electricity development.https://t.co/scmZuTYqkL pic.twitter.com/Tly1RRjzvh
— KYPBristol (@KYPBristol) June 23, 2023
The change was part of Historic England’s review of the listed building and scheduled monument designations in and around the Cumberland Basin and Underfall Yard.
Regional director Rebecca Barrett said the review has “helped to uncover what’s special about this historic part of the city, to help shape its future”.
She added: “It confirms the importance of Cumberland Basin as a brilliantly engineered water management system, built and adapted to respond to the rapid growth of international trade in the 19th century.
“It’s an important place in Bristol’s story and in our national story.”
Mayor Marvin Rees said: “It is only right that the review of the designation of the historic structures at the Underfall Yard has been paused following the devastating fire back in May.
“I would like to thank Historic England for their advice and support as we work with the Underfall Yard Trust to find a way forward to reconstruct and preserve the yard.
“Along with the vision for Western Harbour, the listings will inform the future masterplanning of the area.”
The former electricity power house in Hotwells can now be preserved for future generations – photo: Betty Woolerton
The now grade II-listed substation is among a raft of structures around the Cumberland Basin to receive protection from the public body.
The status of the grade II Cumberland Basin walls and junction lock swing bridge have now been listed jointly.
The swing bridges over entrance locks, Brunel’s south entrance lock have also been listed together “with greater detail about their historic and architectural importance”.
More information has been given around the “pioneering” Brunel’s Other Bridge, which has been categorised as grade II* since 1972.
Avon Crescent Substation joins a growing line of listed structures in Bristol, from the Old Duke pub to Canons House on the harbour.
For more information about the substation’s new status, visit www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1485360
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
Read next:
- Vision to turn former pool into ‘jewel of Cliftonwood and Hotwells’
- A-Z Bristol Pub Crawl: The Mardyke, Hotwells
- Sid’s Cafe could recieved listed building status
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