Soapworks

Soapworks, which consists of 165,000 sq ft of existing buildings within a 2.25- acre site, is located on the edge of Bristol city centre, close to Bristol Temple Meads station and between the city’s business district at Temple Quay and cultural quarter at Old Market. First Base acquired the freehold of the site in June 2019 and its masterplan, designed by Woods Bagot, includes high-quality workspace, new homes and social spaces; alongside the sensitive restoration of the listed warehouse.

The ambitious project will deliver 140,000 sq ft of high- quality workspace, more than 2,000 new jobs and 166 new homes (with 20% of these affordable). It will also deliver Bristol’s first purpose-built ‘food hall’ with space for established restaurants, pop- ups and market stalls, as well as over 2,000 sq ft of independent retail space, all supporting Bristol’s emerging status as a global food and drink hub. An apart-hotel will boost Bristol’s emerging visitor economy, with new pedestrian and cycle links will also be established providing improved connections to the station and surrounding neighbourhoods. A vibrant new public realm will be the bond that binds the mix of uses together, with new trees and plant life, in a bid to increase urban biodiversity.

Describe the context and brief for this place?

To deliver the following fundamental elements:

• The creation of new social focal point for an emerging neighbourhood
• Bring together an active mix of uses and a programme of events for the benefit of new and existing local community
• To create distinctive, quality public realm that offers space to dwell spaces, play and host events throughout the year
• The restoration of the Listed Building to retain the character, heritage and sense of place, which are all fundamental ingredients to urban life

The plans for Soapworks are grounded in an ambition to be aligned with the city’s growth. We will provide high quality workspace, homes and social spaces that will attract business, retain talent and strengthen the local economy. Soapworks, which consists of 165,000 sq ft of existing buildings within a 2.25-acre site, is located on the edge of Bristol city centre, close to Bristol Temple Meads station and between the city’s business district at Temple Quay and cultural quarter at Old Market. The principal building, which is Grade II listed, dates back to the 1860s and was originally the home of Christopher Thomas & Brothers, manufacturers of soap and candles.

The site was acquired by Gardiner Haskins, Bristol’s largest independent department store, in 1958 and has served as a showroom for its range of homeware. First Base, which specialises in regeneration and placemaking in UK town and city centres, acquired the freehold of the site from Gardiner Haskins in June 2019.

Describe your design for this place and how it will contribute to urban life?

First Base will reinvigorate a site, rich in history, that has been at the heart of Bristol’s economy for generations. Placemaking is more than just buildings; it’s about people. That’s why the plans for Soapworks are grounded in delivering long term social, environmental and economic value. Designed and masterplanned by award winning architects, Woods Bagot, this genuine mixed use place includes high-quality workspace, new homes and social spaces; alongside the sensitive restoration of the listed warehouse.

The ambitious project will deliver over £200 million of social value, 140,000 sq ft of high-quality workspace, more than 2,000 new jobs and 166 new homes (with 20% of these affordable). It will also deliver Bristol’s first purpose[1]built ‘food hall’ with space for established restaurants, pop-ups and market stalls, as well as over 2,000 sq ft of independent retail space, all supporting Bristol’s emerging status as a global food and drink hub.

An apart-hotel will boost Bristol’s emerging visitor economy, with new pedestrian and cycle links will also be established providing improved connections to the station and surrounding neighbourhoods. A vibrant new public realm will be the bond that binds the mix of uses together, with open and welcoming spaces for all, including new trees and plant life, in a bid to increase urban biodiversity. This will be a safe and inclusive place, open from morning until night and celebrating arts and culture, supporting local aspirations for an improved evening economy.

What was your process in coming up with the design? What research, consultation, workshops or conversations did you undertake?

First Base and the project team undertook the following research shaping the design concepts for Soapworks.

• Bristol University Professor Madge Dresser prepared detailed reports on the history of Old Market to ensure that the scheme acknowledged Bristol’s past
• Donald Insall Associates undertook detailed research on the history of the buildings. Revealing that the original soap pan building was based on the Palazzo Vecchio which contributed to the design of the public realm around the building
• Rigorously investigated Bristol Byzantine and reinterpreting it to create a modern architectural language sympathetic with its historical context
• Worked with design team to test pedestrian flows to ensure location and scale of public space were appropriate
• Extensive research to ensure that Soapworks is future enabled, by designing in capability for autonomous vehicles and drone deliveries

Soapworks was the first development in Bristol to employ Built-ID’s innovative digital consultation techniques. The tool is easy to use, allowing the local community to view proposed developments through their smartphone and instantly provide their feedback. To incentivise consultees to complete and submit their response, they were also given the choice of three local charities for First Base to support, similar to the Waitrose green token scheme.

The online approach was complemented by traditional face-to-face consultation with local people at a series of public exhibitions. Overall, the plans received an overwhelmingly positive response, with almost 6,000 people responding to the consultation and over 80% of respondents indicating that they were supportive of the proposals.

How does your design respond to future changes in demographics, transport and the climate emergency to create a resilient place?

New developments are more than just buildings and must do more for the city. We have undertaken detailed research into the City and have engaged extensively with local stakeholders. We reviewed the local demographics through quantitative and qualitative research, tailored our approach to address specific challenges and improve local outcomes. Example, the immediate area has a major issue around childhood obesity, we partnered up with the neighbouring school to promote healthy eating and exercise.

We know that the community is disparate and as such, we have designed in opportunities for collision points across the workspace and public realm; spaces for people to meet, exchange information, become inspired and share ideas. The development will re- vitalise and enhance an underused existing brownfield site, with energy efficient design.

Our car free proposals will dramatically reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. Everyone will have access to sustainable travel options alongside related infrastructure including cycle parking and repairs, showers and improved pedestrian links. Soapworks will run on renewable energy, plugging-in to the Bristol Heat Network. Solar panels will supply zero carbon electricity to the buildings. There will be a net gain in biodiversity with new trees and planting, ideal for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Green roofs will provide ‘grow your own’ spaces for herbs or small vegetables. Insects, butterflies, hedgehogs and bees have spaces to nest, pollinate and thrive on site. We will also support the city’s sustainability objectives; aiming to be waste free; promote healthy eating and support local and seasonal food.