Science Creates Nominated for Architects Journal Retrofit Award!
Recognition for innovation-led retrofit in Bristol
We are delighted to share that Science Creates Old Market has been shortlisted in the Workplace category of the 2023 AJ Retrofit Awards.
The project, completed in April 2022, transforms a former 1980s industrial warehouse into a vibrant 30,000 sq ft science incubator, providing specialist laboratory and office accommodation for Bristol’s growing life sciences and deep-tech community. It is fantastic to see the scheme recognised nationally for its contribution to retrofit-led innovation within the workplace sector.
Reimagining an industrial building for science and collaboration
The development provides 15 CL2-compliant laboratories, associated offices and a series of flexible collaboration spaces designed to support early-stage scientific ventures.
Organised around a central atrium, the scheme introduces a double-height foyer and mezzanine-level event space that foster interaction, knowledge sharing and community-building - key ingredients for a successful incubator environment. The entire facility is mechanically ventilated from an upper service deck, allowing high-performance laboratory infrastructure to be integrated within the retained building envelope.
Externally, targeted façade interventions, including the introduction of generous curtain glazing, enhance the building’s presence within the streetscape while bringing natural light deep into the plan. The reconfiguration of the surrounding car park further supports the building’s new function and improved connectivity.
A collaborative delivery
Delivered under a Design & Build contract for Science Creates, we worked closely with the contractor and consultant team from Stage 4 through to completion, ensuring the vision established at tender stage was realised in the finished building.
The shortlist recognition reflects the strength of that collaboration and the potential of intelligent retrofit to unlock new value from existing industrial stock.
We look forward to the awards ceremony later this year and congratulate all those involved in bringing this project to life.
