Final phase of iconic Bristol development close to completion
The fourth and final phase of one of Bristol’s most iconic regeneration schemes is nearing completion.
The Paintworks is one of the most iconic mixed-use development in the city and was the brainchild of architect and former mayor George Ferguson.
Originally dating back to 1850, Phoenix Wharf was formerly a paint and varnish factory for approximately 100 years before manufacturing ceased and the site fell into decline.
By 2003, much of the site was derelict until the developers moved in and began to regenerate the area.
It has become home to a cluster of media and creative companies and one of the buildings on the site was used to film the long-running Deal Or No Deal quiz show.
The development has continued to attract new occupiers with Alder King reporting two units sold and four others under offer.
The final phase is delivering 93 residential units and a further 23,000 sq ft of commercial and public use space, with additional visitor parking.
The commercial space is mainly arranged on the ground floor of two attractive new wharf-style buildings immediately facing the main entrance, separated by a piazza.
The west building, known as The Piazza, has a south facing courtyard, with most studio offices fronting either or both the piazza or courtyard.
The east building, known as The Colthurst, has a distinctive curved end facing the piazza and a range of studios/office and a shop arranged around an atrium courtyard. There are also additional studio offices on the river frontage, where there is also a boat pond and chill-out area.
Alder King, which has been retained as long-term agents on the commercial space since the scheme’s inception in 2004, has now disposed of two of the latest units and has a further four under offer.
Units 102-103 and 107, which provide 1,062 and 1,572 sq ft of studio space respectively, have been acquired by a private investor. Offered in shell condition, these units are now being fitted out and will be offered to rent in the coming weeks.
The remaining Phase 4 units are available in a range of sizes starting from 388 sq ft and can be combined to create larger sizes.
A unit from one of the earlier phases has also secured a new occupier. Unit 5.9 has been leased by Scott Aerospace, engineering specialists in the design, manufacture, repair, servicing and testing of equipment within the aerospace sector.
Tom Dugay of Alder King’s office agency team said: “Paintworks has been a phenomenal success ever since the first previously derelict industrial buildings were converted into a vibrant mixed-use community nearly 20 years ago. It continues to attract a raft of creative-minded people and companies.”
Phases 1 and 2 saw 140,000 sq ft of existing industrial buildings converted by developers Verve into studio/offices, live/work and residential spaces, centred around cobbled streets, courtyards, a café/bar and an event/exhibition venue.
The third phase of development in 2018 comprised largely residential and live/work units by Crest Nicholson with a further 55,000 sq ft of offices ranging from small units to iconic larger buildings.
Work on the fourth and final phase is scheduled for completion in summer 2023.
