The Engine Shed in Bristol’s Temple Quarter has been an amazing success story since it launched in December 2013, becoming the de facto hub for Bristol’s tech cluster. The only grumble that people have is that there just isn’t enough space there to house all of the companies that would like to be based there.

Now, thanks to planning permission granted by Bristol City Council on Tuesday 9 June 2015, a new workspace called “Boxworks” is going to be developed right next door to the Engine Shed.

“We will be delivering exciting and affordable workspace for the SME technology and creative sectors”

 

The development, consisting of 20 shipping containers transformed and custom-designed for creative, high-tech and digital companies, will provide office space for up to 120 people. The containers will be commercially operated by Forward with completion anticipated for early August.

Engine Shed 2 coming!

This development will address part of the shortage of affordable and flexible work-space before the second phase of Engine Shed opens.  Boxworks will not be a permanent installation, but it is seen as very much part of the strategic vision for the regeneration of the Enterprise Zone in Bristol.

Nick Sturge, Engine Shed Director, said: “We are delighted to be working with such an entrepreneurial business as Forward, to create this space on land made available by our partners, the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA). Only with the continued strong support from our partners – the University of Bristol, the City Council, the West of England LEP and the HCA – can this project be delivered in true entrepreneurial fashion.

“We have been overwhelmed with growth of the enterprises inside Engine Shed and with interest from other businesses and projects wanting to be a part of the community here. Boxworks will be an exciting addition – and feature – of this community.”

Gavin Eddy, Forward CEO said: “Boxworks is a really good example of a public private partnership where a motivated client and an established operator can make things happen fast. Working with Engine Shed we will be delivering exciting and affordable workspace for the SME technology and creative sectors in the heart of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone.”

There’s never been a better time to work in the South West – why not check out the Engine Shed website to see what they can offer you? For updates, follow the team on Twitter @EngineShed_BB, @SETsquared_Br and @WebStartBristol.

Image credit: Artist’s impression of Boxworks @Engine Shed – copyright Childs & Sulzmann / Google Earth

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