All steam ahead for Engine Shed 2

Yesterday, Wednesday 8^th November 2017, Bristol City Council’s planning committee unanimously approved Skanska’s plans for Bristol’s derelict George and Railway pub to become Engine Shed 2.

Since it’s launch in December 2013, Engine Shed has, through its hosted incubators, created over 700 jobs and delivered more than £8m GVA to the Bristol and Bath economic region. The organisation hosts business incubation (SETsquared – the world’s number one business incubator, Oracle Startup Cloud Accelerator), apprenticeship provision (Boomsatsuma), city development projects (Bristol Is Open), networks and collaborations (GW4, TechSpark, BusinessWest), as well as other businesses.

Engine Shed 2 will accelerate and increase development of long-term, sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Bristol and the surrounding economic area. At the same time, it will bring new projects into the community and generate increased operating surplus to fund its outreach projects. The new space will also provide much needed extra accommodation for SETsquared Bristol and other sector hubs reusing an established city building without pressing on the need for new build.

Commenting on the decision, Engine Shed Director Nick Sturge said:

“‘I am thrilled that the Planning Committee has seen the opportunity that Engine Shed 2 presents in a second iconic Bristol heritage site. Following on from the success of Engine Shed, and our proven custodianship of a listed building, we are now able to build on our inclusive economic growth plan that serves communities in Bristol and Bath. These are indeed exciting times.’

Engine Shed is a collaboration between Bristol City Council, the University of Bristol and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership at the heart of Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. As well as housing a number of tenants, Engine Shed is a popular meeting and event venue for the region’s businesses and organisations. Engine Shed also delivers social returns with its unique Diverse Work Force for the Future project alongside several others.