The historic Gardiner Haskins

Plans for the former Gardiner Haskins site in Bristol’s historic Old Market have been submitted to Bristol City Council by mixed-use property developer, First Base.

The outline planning application for the new £175 million district will celebrate the city’s industrial past and creative culture with two new buildings and a sensitive restoration of the Grade II-listed Soapworks building, providing a mix of modern workspace, new homes, an apart-hotel, cafes and restaurants.

The new development, which is expected to deliver more than £200 million in social and economic value for the city over the next 20 years, will comprise of 140,000 sq. ft. high-quality workspace, both for large corporates and smaller, creative enterprises, 166 new homes - including affordable housing - and a green and open public realm.

A new food hall, which will celebrate Bristol’s recent accolade as the world’s best food destination, will provide space for established restaurants, pop-ups and market stalls, enabling people to come together, socialise and try a wide variety of cuisines.

The car-free scheme will include new pedestrian and cycle links, providing improved connections to Bristol Temple Meads train station and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Lucinda Mitchell, Project Director at First Base, said: “Our plans for Soapworks will reinvigorate a site that has been at the heart of Bristol’s economy for generations. We are grateful to the hundreds of local residents and stakeholders who have helped shape the plans and in these extraordinary times, it’s more important than ever to build on these important relationships and provide assistance and advice where we can”.

John Hirst, Chief Executive at Destination Bristol, added: “We welcome today’s news that First Base has submitted plans for the Soapworks site. The long-awaited development of the Grade II-listed building and former Gardiner Haskins warehouse will revitalise the area and create a welcoming place for residents and visitors to experience and enjoy. Delighted that they have embraced the rich cultural history and heritage of the area.”

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.

Ben Allen, managing director at Gardiner Haskins, commented: “The plans for the new Soapworks district look fantastic and are a real reflection of what the local community wants for the area, which already has an abundance of character and charm. We’re so pleased that these plans will breathe new life into the place we’ve called home for so long and we can’t wait to see how the development progresses in the next few months.”

The masterplan and design for the landmark mixed-use development has been led by award-winning architects, Woods Bagot, which focuses on engaging, future-orientated places that respond to the way people actually use space.

The existing Soapworks building dates back to the 1860s and was originally the home of Christopher Thomas & Brothers, manufacturers of soap and candles, and subsequently local furniture company, Gardiner Haskins. The retailer, which was founded in Bristol in 1825, recently relocated to a smaller showroom adjacent to its previous premises. It will continue to trade from its iconic Brunel Rooms building on Straight Street in Broad Plain.