Scottish property investor and developer Artisan Real Estate has opened a base in Bristol as work continues on its first scheme in the South of England – the redevelopment of Bristol’s historic Everards Print Works.
The Edinburgh-headquartered firm, which has also been involved in projects in Leeds and Birmingham and has a track record of repurposing historic buildings, will use its new Bristol base to seek further developments across the South and into South Wales.
Despite the challenges of the past 12 months, it believes Bristol’s transport network, thriving and resilient business community and cultural scene will continue to create investment opportunities.
It says the flagship Everards Printing Works scheme on Broad Street – in the medieval heart of Bristol - is typical of the developments it is seeking. Artisan bought the highly sensitive site three years ago.
The regeneration project, which takes in the modern, former NatWest Court building as well as the listed Everards Building – known for its unique art nouveau façade – will result in a new 255-bed, four-star Dalata Clayton hotel, 24 apartments and co-working office and café space.
The Everards Building will become a showpiece entrance for the new hotel, pictured left. Work started at the end of last year and is due to complete in the first quarter of next year.
Artisan Real Estate regional development manager for the South, Myles Thomas, said: “Bristol was the obvious choice for our next regional office. It has a thriving property market in its own right with top notch road and rail links and continues to grow in popularity as a destination to work and live.
“The pandemic has of course presented us – along with our peers and competitors – with a number of challenges, which will continue as we all navigate new ways to live and do business.
“But looking ahead has helped us to refocus on what is important to our customers when choosing a home, more external space, lower carbon emissions through use of less fossil fuel.
“We are looking to the long term, to a city and a region which has diverse economic drivers and where there is support and drive for recovery. 
“For us it is the right environment in which to live, work and do business.”
Artisan was founded in 2009 and has worked on a varied portfolio of high-profile residential and commercial property projects, including the new Scottish government offices close to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. It also has an office on the Isle of Man.
