Commissioned by Gardiner Haskins in the 19th century, Soapworks has been home to manufacturing for hundreds of years.
With award winning architects Woods Bagot, the design sensitively respects the original building while infusing a new identity that will reimagine the place for many years to come.
Planning consent has been achieved for a new district with homes, workspace and cultural space; all set around a new public square including biodiverse green spaces, Soapworks will be connected to the city’s commercial centre at Temple Quay and the cultural quarter at Old Market.
Soapworks plans deliver 180,000 sq ft of flexible workspace to meet demand in Bristol, especially as corporates shift to a hub and spoke office model and increase their footprint in key regional cities.
In addition, 243 new Build-to-Rent homes (with 20% affordable) and additional space for independent retail and a vibrant food and drink offer, including Bristol’s first purpose-built food hall.
The full story
Socius acquired the site in 2019 and secured planning consent for 166,000 ft2 of commercial space, 30,000 ft2 of FBLR space, and 243 residential units, as well as a listed building consent for the Soap Pan building. Socius worked with Barings to push the sustainability credentials to a best-in-class level and to build in additional tenant amenities. Strip out and early enabling works took place in Spring 2023.
