A £175m mixed-use scheme that includes modern workspace, new homes, an apart-hotel, cafes and restaurants could be built on a landmark site close to Bristol city centre.
London-based property developer First Base has acquired the 2.25-acre site in Old Market for its first South West project. 
The site, to be called Soapworks, includes an iconic Grade II listed building, pictured, dating back to the 1860s and originally the home of Christopher Thomas & Brothers, manufacturers of soap and candles.
The site was acquired by in 1958 Gardiner Haskins, at the time Bristol’s largest independent department store, to serve as a showroom for its range of homeware.
First Base has bought the site’s freehold for an undisclosed sum from Gardiner Haskins, which has relocated to a smaller nearby showroom.
In total 165,000 sq ft of existing buildings are on the site. First Base has yet to put a timeline on Soapworks or announce how it will re-use these and other areas of the site to achieve its vision. It is to work closely with Bristol City Council on the project.
The scheme is the latest to be planned for the Old Market area, which is emerging as a cultural hub for the city after decades of neglect.
Royal London is developing the 393,000 sq ft mixed-used Glassfields scheme on Temple Way, which will include offices, homes and a 200-room Jurys In Hotel, while ‘super-budget’ chain easyHotel has acquired land on West Street to build a £12m, 145-bedroom outlet, which it plans to open next year subject to planning consent.
First Base director Barry Jessup said: “Soapworks has a rich history and has been at the heart of Bristol’s economy for generations. Our vision is to revitalise the area, creating a mix of modern workspace, homes and amenities which respond to the local need and Bristol’s emergence as a popular destination for business and leisure travellers.
“This is a rare opportunity to create a new district in one of the UK’s most dynamic cities and we look forward to working with Bristol City Council and the local community to develop our plans.”
Bristol City Council cabinet member for housing Cllr Paul Smith added: “We are delighted to welcome developers First Base to Bristol and we look forward to working together to maximise the potential of these important buildings. Its investment in the city will deliver a genuine mix of homes, including affordable housing, jobs for local people and useable public spaces.”
Soapworks is currently advancing a number of urban regeneration schemes in the UK town centres including a 50:50 joint venture with the London Borough of Havering for up to 1,000 homes, workspace and community uses in Romford, and developing the Edward Street Quarter in Brighton to provide 170,000 sq ft of creative workspace and new homes.
