The re development of the former Grade I listed engine shed is a joint venture between Bristol City Council and the University of Bristol. They plan to transform what was more recently the home of the Empire & Commonwealth Museum into a permanent base for 20 companies and a resource centre for a further 40, with facilities including a business lounge at the centre of the building.
It will be managed by Bristol SETsquared Centre – the University’s business incubator – which will take the majority of the space to provide premium serviced offices for its early-stage technology businesses.
The project is funded principally by Bristol City Council and the University of Bristol, together with central government funding via City Deal.
Rydon Construction southwest regional director Paul Barber said: “We welcome the challenge to work on this unique building and play our role, as a locally based contractor, in presenting Bristol as a focal point for UK business and innovation.”
“Drawing on our experience on complex projects in this region, Rydon will work closely with SETsquared, the University of Bristol and the Council to ensure we manage the build considerately and respectfully so this Grade 1 Listed structure is preserved as it begins its new life.”
Work to the Brunel building forms part of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, a 70-hectare regeneration programme centred around Temple Meads railway station, to create a new, superbly connected entry to Bristol and a hub for creative, high technology, specialist engineering and low carbon companies in the centre of Bristol. Over the next 25 years, the Enterprise Zone aims to attract more than 400 firms and create over 17,000 new jobs.
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