Refurbishment and Extension of Iconic Bristol Office Building

This project involved the extensive refurbishment of a 1930s, four-storey building in the heart of Bristol, transforming it into state-of-the-art offices for over 500 staff. Commissioned by Immediate Media and delivered in partnership with Stride Treglown, the development also included a new vertical steel-framed extension, a glazed atrium, and a two-storey auditorium, enhancing the building’s functionality and modernising its interior while respecting its historic character.

Craddys were appointed to provide structural and civil engineering design across all relevant RIBA stages. Our scope included the design of the steel-framed vertical extension, structural assessment and modification of the existing building to accommodate the additional storey, and structural support for the glazed atrium and new auditorium. We also facilitated basement and ground-floor opening works for the double-height auditorium and justified the existing steel-framed structure for the increased load without foundation modifications. The project was structurally led, with careful integration of new and existing elements.

Key challenges included supporting a new storey on the existing steel frame without foundation changes, integrating complex glazed features and a central stair core, and ensuring the auditorium’s hanging elements were safely and efficiently supported. Craddys’ innovative structural design enabled the creation of visually striking, functional office spaces while preserving the integrity of this historic building.

Regional Winner – refurbished/ recycled work place (South of England & South Wales) – BCO Awards 2020.

Winner – Fit Out / Refurbishment of the Year – Insider SW Property Awards 2020.