Former cinema’s new role in £8m redevelopment
THE former Gaumont cinema site in Bristol city centre has been turned into 92 student flats.
The historic building on Baldwin Street has undergone an £8million redevelopment, which also includes a large retail space on the ground floor.
The property, which first opened as a music hall in 1892, housed the Gaumont before becoming a club called Busby’s in the 1980s.
It later became Ritzy’s and, most recently, was the site of a Sports Cafe bar, which closed in 2007.
Bristol construction firm Beard was behind the full fit-out of the scheme. It said the location and nature of the construction led to “some challenges”, but the project was still completed ahead of schedule.
The company was involved in the design process of the building’s finished aesthetic appearance, internally and externally. The facade and original walls inside have been retained as part of the transformation.
The building is centred around a courtyard framed with curtain walling on the ground floor and windows to the upper floors, providing natural light and ventilation to the building.
Mike Hedges, director at Bristol Beard, said it was “important” to respect the history of the building in the design and build of the new development.
“We wanted to ensure we honoured the history of the building with this redevelopment and preserving the facade was a priority, so the team did an incredible job,” he said.
Beard was also awarded two certifi
cates of excellence from the Considerate Construction scheme for ensuring the construction did not disturb the neighbours.
Mr Hedges said: “To be awarded two certificates of excellence is also testament to how hard the team worked to ensure everything was done to be as considerate as possible.”
Charles Frost, development manager at McLaren Property, said: “Given the cultural significance of the building in the city centre, we wanted to work with a building contractor who understood how to build brand new accommodation while preserving key historic features on site.
“Beard was able to deliver on that as well as complete ahead of schedule, while at the same time creating a fantastic living space for a new generation of students to enjoy in the city, when they arrive in September.”