- New workspace created in response to needs of Bristol’s economic hub
- The Interchange launched on 1st September 2017 and forms part of Engine Shed’s unique offer
- Business West, GW4 and Bristol is Open are amongst the first new tenants to take up space, whilst IBB, the LEP and WECA retain satellite tenancy
As part of its inclusive growth ambitions, Engine Shed has launched a brand new workspace for Bristol, The Interchange. The new space is a managed work area within Engine Shed that hosts the strategic partners in Engine Shed’s mission for inclusivity for the region’s economic growth. Early tenants for the new workspace include Business West, GW4 and Bristol is Open. The Interchange also acts as a soft landing space for Invest Bristol & Bath (IBB) clients.
The Interchange opened on 1st September 2017 to support with Engine Shed’s actions as a contributor to stable economic growth in the West of England, providing around 2,200 sq ft of new workspace for members to work, network and collaborate with partners, enjoying the benefits of a prominent enterprise zone location. A number of organisations have been invited to join The Interchange due to their significant contribution to inclusive economic growth in the West of England including GW4, the research alliance of the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, and Exeter who have recently confirmed their membership.
Owing to their success and evolution into a new organisation, IBB, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), and the LEP are moving from their Engine Shed offices to premises within the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone and will retain satellite tenancy at Engine Shed, the new space provides much-needed growth and networking opportunities for the city.
Engine Shed Director Nick Sturge said:
“Engine Shed has been pretty much fully occupied since we opened in 2013, and while we are sorry to lose two of our founding partners, the LEP and IBB, their recent move into the Combined Authority and relocation creates an opportunity for us to be able to host some emerging strategic partners. This will enhance our ability to learn, share and connect and go even further to stimulate long-term, sustainable and inclusive economic growth. This newly configured space gives us extra capacity in advance of Engine Shed 2 which will make the transition smoother.”
As well as IBB, WECA and the LEP ‘graduating’ from Engine Shed, a number of other tenants will be internally moving to new and larger spaces. Boom Satsuma have moved from the basement to the ground floor, whilst high growth tech company, YellowDog have relocated from SETSquared Bristol’s office space into larger basement area. SETsquared itself has taken on increased occupancy due to its expanding membership.
The initial occupants of The Interchange are:
- GW4 – a research and innovation alliance of the universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter
- Business West – Chambers & Initiative, the organisation that helps businesses of all sizes to successfully start, grow, export and innovate alongside enabling the business community to take an active role in how this area is shaped and influenced, will now have a base for their ‘Initiative’ team here
- TechSpark – the network for ‘all things tech in the West’
- Bristol Is Open – An R&D test bed for future communications and smart city technologies’
- Invest in Bristol & Bath (IBB) – the facilitators for investment into the south west