The ‘iconic’ buildings will be ‘re-positioned as a vibrant, mixed-use campus’
A CGI image showing how the Canons Wharf redevelopment could look after completion(Image: Kinrise)
The transformation of one of Bristol’s most famous and distinctive buildings has got the go-ahead, after council planners gave permission for the conversion.
Canons Wharf, which includes the crescent-shaped building that curves around the harbourside amphitheatre and the circular building behind, will be transformed with what the new owners describe as an ‘ambitious redevelopment’.
The buildings were the home of Lloyds Bank since they were built in the 1990s, but were sold in late 2024 to a commercial building owner called Kinrise. They have now been given permission by council planners to ‘reimagine the iconic Grade II-listed’ site into what they describe as a ‘best-in-class workplace and cultural destination’.
All three buildings that were sold by Lloyds back in 2024 are included – the ‘crescent’, ‘circle’ and ‘link’ buildings, and the plans were approved by council officers late last week without going before councillors.
“The ambitious redevelopment will see the former Canons House building re-positioned as a vibrant, mixed-use campus, delivering 197,000 sq ft of high-quality workspace alongside industry-leading amenities, cultural spaces and public-facing destinations,” a spokesperson for the developers, Kinrise and Mactaggar Family & Partners.
“Located in the heart of Bristol’s thriving Harbourside, the development will combine striking architectural heritage with contemporary design, creating a working environment like no other that reflects the city’s dynamic business and cultural community.
“The scheme will enhance the landmark crescent and circular buildings overlooking Lloyds Amphitheatre, reinforcing their status as one of the city’s defining architectural statements,” they added.
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“The approved plans will deliver a range of premium facilities designed to support modern ways of working and wellbeing, including a coffee house with gardens, creating a social hub for tenants and the public, restaurants over-looking the Harbourside, saunas, cold plunge, a performance gym and PT classes studio, a podcast studio and 200 person auditorium for talks, events and cultural programming and a standout rooftop boardroom and events space, offering panoramic views across the city.
The biggest change for people who don’t end up working in companies that relocate to the new office space will be the restaurants and coffee shops that will now line the ground floor of the amphitheatre buildings.
Kilian Kleine, Kinrise’s investment director and head of development, described the buildings as ‘widely recognised as one of Bristol’s most distinctive buildings’.
“Securing planning permission for Canons Wharf is a significant step forward in bringing this exceptional building back to life,” he said.
Aerial shot of Lloyds amphitheatre, Harbourside 03/02/2011(Image: Western Daily Press)
“Our vision is to create a workplace that is not only best-in-class in terms of design and sustainability, but one that genuinely adds to the energy of Bristol’s iconic Harbourside,” he added.
“By combining architectural design with carefully curated amenities, from social and cultural spaces to wellbeing-led facilities, we are creating a destination where businesses and people can truly thrive. Canons Wharf will be a place that reflects Bristol’s ambition, creativity and sense of community, and we’re excited to move into the next phase of delivery,” he added.
Work on the transformation is expected to begin within weeks.