Bristol’s Engine Shed innovation hub has celebrated its third anniversary by looking back at its success and ahead to its next phase of growth.
Engine Shed houses the world-leading SETsquared business incubator, the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Invest Bristol & Bath and a number of other components with the mission of stimulating long-term, sustainable and inclusive economic growth. 
Since its opening in 2013, Engine Shed has become a key player in Bristol’s growth as a leading tech and creative centre.
Its annual report published this week reflects on its success since opening – what it calls its ‘first chapter’ during which it has “inspired, connected and provoked”.
The ‘second chapter’ will be the development of Engine Shed 2, pictured, which at 44,000 sq ft will be nearly twice the size of Engine Shed. A planning application for the new building on the derelict George and Railway island site near Temple Meads will be lodged with Bristol City Council later this month.
Developer Skanska, which has been behind a number of Bristol schools and other flagship projects such as KPMG’s new Queen Square office, launched a public consultation on its plans for Engine Shed 2 this week.
Engine Shed director and co-founder Nick Sturge said: “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved and learned to with Engine Shed since we wrote the business plan in January 2013, and so incredibly grateful for the support and goodwill we have received.
“There is so much more to do to help create a thriving economy in the West of England that taps into the rich diversity we are so lucky to have – diversity which is at the heart of the innovative, can-do attitude that this region is rightly becoming known for.”
Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Bristol, Professor Hugh Brady added: “In its first three years, Engine Shed has played a major role in helping Bristol and the entrepreneurial businesses located there, to be recognised nationally and internationally as one of the leading cities in Europe in which to build and grow technology-based businesses. I am delighted that the university, working with Bristol City Council, the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership and many other supporters, has been able to achieve so much in such a short time.
“The University of Bristol is fortunate to be located in one of Europe’s most creative, dynamic and liveable cities with which we enjoy a close and synergistic relationship and we are fully committed to playing a central role in ensuring its continuing success.”
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: “Engine Shed, in the heart of the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, has been hugely successful in supporting new entrepreneurial businesses and delivering economic value to the city while also being committed to delivering social value within enterprise development. It brings a different approach to economic expansion developing new business methods and the courage to innovate.
“All this with a commitment to an inclusive economic growth that creates opportunity for people from all Bristol communities. I look forward to Engine Shed 2 making an even bigger impact on our city region, bringing together people with a passion to support our entrepreneurs of the future.”
