Engine Shed is a collaboration between Bristol City Council and the University of Bristol.
After 10 years with 10,000 sq ft on the University precinct, the Bristol SETsquared Centre needed a new home for the next decade.
The opportunity arose to lease the iconic, Grade I listed, 30,000 sq ft building at Temple Meads - the original GWR railway station and offices, built in 1841 which became Council owned in 2012. At the heart of the city's Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone and on the most connected UK ground transport hub, this was the perfect place to raise the profile and bring the momentum of Bristol SETsquared together with other local assets to kick-start economic growth.
The business plan was written in January 2013, refurbishment started in May and SETsquared relocated in July, with the building to be complete by November 2013. The refurbishment cost was covered primarily by Bristol City Council with significant contributions from the University and the City Deal for Inward Investment activity.
Engine Shed’s aspiration is to be an 'incubator of incubators' with multiple, diverse and independent "Components", each having an incubation-type function and benefitting from co-location.
The initial Components were:
The business model for Engine Shed is a lease by the University of Bristol from Bristol City Council, splitting operating surplus between BCC and to SETsquared, with 30% for development of the facility and for enterprise projects that stimulate economic activity in and around Engine Shed.
All members of University of Bristol staff have free access to the Business Lounge, just minutes from the platforms of Temple Meads station, between 8.30am and 5.30pm, Monday-Friday.
Engine Shed is located right next to Bristol Temple Meads railway station which has links to local, national and international transport. We are committed to sustainability, including how we all travel and are keen to encourage all building users, staff and visitors to consider how they plan to travel to us, and travel sustainably wherever possible.
The information here will assist you with your choices, or alternatively, you can use the TravelWest journey planner.
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