It was March 2012 when gcp was invited to prepare a feasibility for the refurbishment and extension of Bristol Water's HQ at Bedminster Down. Bristol Water had decided to rationalise their building stock by disposing of their Bedminster Down Depot site and relocating approximately 150 network staff to head office. With staff in-situ, the iconic 1963 structure was initially over-clad and re-roofed before a two storey wing was added, supported on tapering columns over the rear car park. This enabled a progressive decanting process so that the entire building could be re-serviced and re-furbished without recourse to temporary accommodation.
The new facility benefits from a new atrium café, a new computer suite and reception area as well as open plan office accommodation with a wide variety of workplace settings. The construction works were carried out by Thomas Vale Construction (now part of Bouygues UK) completing the final phase in June 2015.
gcp were architect for Bristol Water through the design phases of the project, and architect for the contractor during construction.
"This has been a very complicated project from a logistical and technical design point of view and Bristol Water's technical team has worked closely with the project delivery team to deliver a fantastic building with the minimum of disruption" - Jeremy Pilling, Director of gcp Chartered Architects.
Image credit: Story Photography