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Bristol City Council implemented a £70 million transformational programme designed to modernise its offices and introduce new working practices and technology. Known as the Bristol Workplace project, it has improved the working environment of thousands of staff by delivering modern, flexible spaces that support agile and collaborative working. At the same time, the project has contributed to substantial cost reductions for Bristol City Council by consolidating the number and location of its offices.
The most visible element of this change programme has been the refurbishment of both Bristol’s 1930s Grade II-listed city hall and an architecturally-distinctive 1970s office building close to Bristol Temple Meads rail station, 100 Temple Street. Renewal of Bristol City Hall involved opening up internal spaces to create larger, more flexible areas to enable agile working – an approach that has increased the capacity of the building from 400 to 2000 people. The building’s new spaces facilitate collaborative working styles and provide a home for the elected, strategic and policy making functions of Bristol City Council. Meanwhile, 100 Temple Street is the council’s operational centre, home to a new ‘control hub’ as well as flexible workspace.
Working in partnership with Alec French Architects and PlaceMaking, Arup’s team designed and developed a governance structure for project delivery and reporting. We also provided financial and change management and NEC contract advice. Our programme support helped define and manage project workflows, and included creation of a programme template for phased staff moves.
Specialist services
Arup also delivered multidisciplinary building engineering design for the two building refurbishments from concept through completion. Structural and building services engineering design was provided alongside specialist services, including ICT design, fire and acoustic engineering, and health and safety consultancy. Our transport planners developed a sustainable travel plan for staff to commuting to and from the newly-refurbished buildings.
