It occupies a prime waterfront position with incredible views of the Harbourside
Canons Wharf(Image: Buckley Gray Yeoman)
A landmark building at Bristol Harbourside could be revitalised with retail, food and drink spaces including a rooftop bar. Canons Wharf includes the “iconic” Crescent building next to the amphitheatre, which was formerly used as offices for Lloyds Bank.
Since the offices closed, hoardings have been put up around the building preventing public access.
It was announced last year that the site was set for modernisation and would primarily remain as office space once those works are complete. However, new documents submitted to Bristol City Council reveal plans for leisure space that visitors would also be able to enjoy.
Developers are now applying for permission to refurbish the building, including putting a new bar on the rooftop. Kinrise and Mactaggart Family & Partners are also planning to partially demolish the neighbouring Link building.
This would be rebuilt as an auditorium space that could be booked for talks, events and become a new cultural venue. The office spaces in the rest of the site would be refurbished and upgraded, with a view to being suitable for multiple tenants in need of smaller office space as opposed to one big company taking up the entire building as before.
In planning documents, architects said: “The proposals also include the construction of a rooftop pavilion on the Crescent building. This space will provide a bar and amenity or board room space, offering a unique venue with panoramic views over the floating harbour.
“On the ground floor of the Crescent, new restaurant and cafés will be created on the amphitheatre side, enriching the overall atmosphere and offering diverse dining and leisure options to visitors.
“These proposals breathe new life into Canons Wharf. The proposal aims to be thoughtful of its heritage, whilst positioning it as a vibrant and inclusive landmark within Bristol’s city centre.”
Plans note that retail units should help to “draw the public to the site”, adding: “The introduction of flexible ground floor food and drink and retail uses will activate a building frontage to the Amphitheatre, enhance the pedestrian experience, and reinforce the Harbourside’s role as a cultural and tourist destination.”
Lloyds announced four years ago the building would be sold and staff transferred. The bank owned the building since it was built in 1990 as part of the regeneration of the Harbourside. But after the coronavirus pandemic led to many people working from home, it no longer needed the offices.
In March this year, Turner & Townsend was appointed project manager to oversee the “landmark regeneration”. At the time, a spokesperson for the company said: “Design work is underway to retrofit the iconic harbourside building to include top specification, headquarter office space with independent restaurants and roof terraces.
“Originally designed by Arup Associates and built by Bovis Construction in the late 1980s, Cannons House was designated as Grade II listed in April 2023 due to its significant role in the transformation of Bristol’s docks during the post-industrial era, its rich architectural heritage and its picturesque waterfront setting.
“The project aligns with Kinrise’s mission to revitalise iconic buildings across major UK cities, creating highly activated, community-led spaces that drive economic, social and environmental benefits. Once completed, Canons House will offer 200,000 sq ft of office, retail, food and beverage and leisure amenities, fostering a vibrant, mixed-use environment.”
The amphitheatre in front of the building is still often used for events and concerts throughout the year. It is set to be busy this weekend as it hosts the fan zone for the Women’s Rugby World Cup during the fixtures at Ashton Gate.