Flexible workspace operator Clockwise has opened its Bristol hub in the city’s historic Grade II listed Generator building, with 30,000 sq ft of design-led spaces over six floors.
The waterside building, which has extensive views over the Floating Harbour and Castle Park, first opened in 1899 and was once home to the generator that powered the city’s tram system and had been derelict for several decades.
Clockwise, which operates three other sites in the South of England and 13 across Europe, said it had already received signed pre-let contacts with a number of businesses keen to take space in what it says will be one of the South West’s most impressive workspaces.
These include dealmaking business GS Verde Group, which has relocated its 30-plus Bristol staff to the building from The Mill House at Buchanans Wharf. The move more than doubles the firm’s presence in Bristol.
Clockwise said it expects the Generator building’s location on the edge of Bristol’s new Finzels Reach quarter – home to Channel 4’s regional hub – will make it a magnet for creative businesses.
As well as dedicated offices, private desks and event spaces there is also a member’s lounge and on-site café, Two Hands.
London-based architect firm MoreySmith was commissioned for the project with the aim of creating flexible spaces that support the physical and mental wellbeing of its members. 
Its design features bright, airy spaces which help to aid circadian rhythms – the natural internal processes that regulate the sleep–wake cycle and repeat roughly every 24 hours – increase productivity and reduce stress.
Clockwise said a range of public spaces have been created in the building to increase dwell time and interaction for workers, enhancing opportunities for cross collaboration.
The design has also been sympathetic to the building’s rich history, with the original architecture remaining visible on every floor, including stamps on the striking red brickwork, previously labelling the usage of each machine from the original tram generator, as well as two period trusses.
Clockwise also said the clever design and sensitive restoration paid homage to the building’s history, including a bar with overhead light designed to look like a generator silo and a café open to the public. 
Clockwise chief operating officer Alexandra Brunner said: “The creation of Clockwise Bristol in the Generator building is a new flagship site that represents the very best of our design offering.
“The space is flooded with daylight and provides extensive views of the harbour, resulting in high demand for pre-lets.
“All of our team are deeply rooted in the Bristol area and will drive the community spirit that we strive for at Clockwise”
Clockwise Bristol is the second Grade II listed building the business has redeveloped following the opening of Edward Pavilion in Liverpool’s Albert Dock, which was previously a UNESCO heritage Site.
Founded in 2017 with one building in Glasgow, Clockwise now provides contemporary private offices, shared workspace and meeting rooms with flexible membership plans in key business locations across the UK, with plans to expand into Europe.
The Generator building is the latest in a raft of new co-working space to open in Bristol over recent years.
One of the first operators to arrive in Bristol, Desklodge, is to open its second base in the city to meet the demand for post-pandemic working methods.
Its latest co-working space in Beacon Tower on The Centre offers what it is calling a dynamic new option for hybrid working in the city and includes a 5,000 sq ft roof terrace overlooking Bristol.
The 18,000 sq ft space across three floors of the landmark building takes DeskLodge’s total space in the city to 58,000 sq ft, including its base on Redcliffe Way. Desklodge previously operated a centre on Temple Way.
