A £1.5m sustainability hub is to open in Bristol to showcase the latest green products, technologies and services, stage events and provide workspace for environmental enterprises.
The first of its kind in the UK, the hub is expected to attract 5,000 visitors in its first year, including businesses and members of the public. 
It will be based in the former Maplins building on the Gloucester Road, pictured, and will be run by Bristol sustainable products and services business The Future Economy Group.
The prominent 1930s art deco building will be transformed into a carbon-neutral facility and will initially create 12 jobs. It will open in April.
The project is the brainchild of Future Economy Group director Alan Bailey.
He said: “We’re really excited to acquire this building and give it a new lease of life. The fabulous location is ideal for our sustainability events space and retail area, which will be showcasing the green tech products of the future.
“Our business model will be an exemplar of how to draw people back on to the high street while utilising space that aligns to current needs and customer demand.
“The second phase of our development will provide working space for innovative enterprises, start-ups, sustainability professionals and anyone focused on sustainable products and services. Therefore, we expect the hub to be a real hive of activity promoting sustainable economic growth.”
The Future Economy Group offers a range of environmental services, including consultancy, recruitment, environmental products and weekly business networking and knowledge sharing events.
It has also created The Future Economy Network, one of the largest green business networks in the South West.
Network director Katherine Piper added: “It’s really exciting to have our own events space and hub, so we can deliver exceptional networking and knowledge sharing events, bringing in expert speakers from across the sector.
“Our new home will give us the infrastructure to help businesses, individuals and organisations across the Bristol region become more sustainable.”
