More details have emerged of the regeneration of a high-profile site in Bristol’s historic Old Market, with the developer promising a unique scheme reflecting the city’s strong reputation for innovation, sustainability and artisan food.
London-based developer First Base this week submitted its plans for the former Gardiner Haskins site to Bristol City Council. 
The firm, which has completed similar regeneration schemes in London and Brighton, plans a mixed-use scheme with homes, workspace for creative firms, cafes and green, open space.
The outline planning application is for a £175m district, which First Base says will celebrate the city’s industrial past and creative culture.
It includes two new buildings and a sensitive restoration of the Grade II-listed Soapworks building, pictured, providing a mix of modern workspace, new homes, an apart-hotel, cafes and restaurants.
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, relocated to a smaller showroom adjacent to its previous premises and continues to trade from its iconic Brunel Rooms building on Broad Plain.
The new development, which is expected to create more than £200m in social and economic value for the city over the next 20 years, will include 140,000 sq ft of high-quality workspace for large corporates and smaller, creative enterprises, 166 homes – including affordable housing – as well as open public realm. 
A new food hall will celebrate Bristol’s worldwide reputation for artisan food and drink and will provide space for established restaurants, pop-ups and market stalls.
The car-free scheme will include new pedestrian and cycle links, providing improved connections to Bristol Temple Meads railway station and surrounding neighbourhoods.
First Base project director Lucinda Mitchell 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 aid and advice where we can”.
Destination Bristol chief executive John Hirst 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.” 
Gardiner Haskins managing director Ben Allen said: “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 London-based architects Woods Bagot and focuses on engaging, future-orientated places that respond to the way people actually use space.
