Construction work is under way on a major city centre regeneration scheme that will bring a new type of development to Bristol while also providing much-needed premium office space.
The Assembly Bristol site on Temple Way has been vacant since 2008 when the former Clerical Medical HQ was demolished.
In total, the project will create up to 300,000 sq ft of office and retail space, with one building alone representing 200,000 sq ft over 11 storeys. Work is due to be completed next year.
Designed by AHMM, it will bring a new type of building to Bristol as it will include multiple uses with a range of flexible office spaces for local and global businesses in the services, creative, consultancy, financial, media and technology sectors.
Significant emphasis will be placed on sustainability and occupier wellness, according to developers AXA IM – Real Assets and Bell Hammer.
They are targeting BREEAM Excellent, WELL enabled and WiredScore Platinum. The building will also provide best-in-class, end-of-trip cycle facilities, including working closely with Brompton to provide a new public hire docking station.
This will be in place from the start of construction to enable workers to have an alternative way to get around town before becoming available to the wider public on completion of Building A.
There will also be a new waterfront public space capable of hosting a rolling programme of events, and a floating harbour pontoon walkway to improve pedestrian links between Temple Meads station, Cabot Circus and Castle Park.
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees was among the guests witnessing the start of construction by main contractor Galliford Try.
He said: “Temple Quarter is one of the most successful enterprise zones in the country and the development of Assembly Bristol will provide much needed high-quality office space near the city centre.
“We look forward to seeing the site develop and welcome the new businesses and jobs Assembly will bring to Bristol.”
Galliford Try West Midlands and South West managing director Simon Burton added: “It’s fantastic to be starting works on what will be a landmark scheme for Bristol. We are excited to be working with all the stakeholders involved to create a high-quality work and leisure space for the people of the city.”
