A brand new identity for Bristol’s Bath Road Studios was unveiled today, marking the next phase in the life of one of the City’s most iconic commercial buildings. No more “ITV building” – cabbies at Temple Meads will now be directed to HERE.
The 60’s landmark started life as television studios. But in true Bristol fashion, the 60,000 square feet of office space has been upcycled and repurposed, and HERE now accommodates a diverse range of businesses, from design agencies to software developers.
Gareth Edwards of Ashville, asset managers for the building, explained: “Celebrating the original forward thinking 60s architecture, the interior of HERE retains the same eye on the future and a commitment to function and practicality, with exposed ceilings and plenty of natural light.
“But office buildings aren’t really about bricks and mortar – what’s important is what happens inside. This has always been a creative space, and it’s constantly evolving with its tenants. So, we took the unusual decision to employ a branding agency. We tasked Colour & Thing, one of our tenants, with renaming and re-positioning the old ITV building as a contemporary new opportunity in Bristol’s commercial property sector. Branding office buildings is usually pretty functional, but they took the decision to reinvent the building as a uniquely meaningful social brand.
“HERE is different to other office spaces – it’s not about a space people fit into. It’s about a space fit for people. Every business under this roof enjoys an inspiring blank canvas they can make their own. HERE is where things happen, where businesses create their own opportunities and forge their own future if you will. That’s what HERE is all about.”
Even HERE’s launch has broken the mould when it comes to marketing. In the run up to today’s unveiling of the new name and identity, Colour & Thing created a cheeky teaser campaign. Mysterious banners and placards have been popping up across the City, posing philosophical questions to Bristol commuters such as “Why are we HERE?” and ‘Where is HERE?”
Located next door to Arnos Vale cemetery, HERE is anything but dead and buried. Substantial refurbishment and refit work continues, providing even more flexible, contemporary air conditioned office space with enviable facilities and plenty of parking – a rare commodity in central Bristol. HERE also boasts meeting rooms, break-out zones, serviced offices and dedicated desks, making it an option for even the smallest of businesses.
And there’s always something brewing HERE, and not just at Friska on the ground floor. Rumour has it there will be drive-in movies and Christmas markets this winter.
