Bath Quays South – Newark Works

Bath, UK

Project details
Client

TCN

Architect

Ferguson Mann

Duration

2019 – 2022

Services provided by Buro Happold

Bridge engineering and civil structures, Building Services Engineering (MEP), Environmental consultancy, Ground engineering, Structural engineering, Water

Bath Quays is a flagship regeneration project that will establish a thriving commercial quarter at the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Overlooking the River Avon, Bath Quays South is a focal element of this transformative initiative. Conceived to address the city’s shortage of grade A office facilities, this development mixes historic and modern architecture to produce an inspiring environment for creative minds. 

The site encompasses a new office building, No.1 Bath Quays, alongside the refurbished industrial Newark Works. A river bridge for pedestrians and cyclists connects to a sister development, Bath Quays North, and provides easy access to the city centre.

Newark Works is the last remaining premises of Stothert & Pitt, a world-renowned engineering company that was best known for making cranes. The heritage structure has been sympathetically revitalised to offer a range of studio and office units aimed at start-ups and microenterprises. Buro Happold was engaged to provide structural, civil, geotechnical, geoenvironmental and building services engineering (MEP).

Challenge

Stothert & Pitt was founded in Bath in 1855; the Newark Works was constructed two years later. After the company folded in 1989, the site was divided into a series of commercial units before closing altogether and becoming increasingly dilapidated.

The client vision was to retain accent industrial features in regenerating the building – which comprises several independent blocks consisting of a neoclassical Bath stone facade with early steel and timber roof structures – to create flexible workspaces with special character. Most of the required work involved repair of the existing fabric.

Newark Works tired looking facade
Our experts played a pivotal role in transforming this Victorian industrial building, located on a challenging site, into a sensitively restored and inspiring workspace. Image: Buro Happold | TCN.

Solution

Our engineers took responsibility for repairing the Grade II-listed building. Original window and door openings that had been altered over time were carefully restored. The structure was generally in good condition, though some floors had suffered significant water damage and had to either be fixed or replaced.

The west machine shop retained some original crane rails. Most of the space was double height with a first-floor perimeter walkway level around a central void. In the redevelopment, much of the void was infilled, retaining the existing structure. The roof structure was in good condition and was reused. Where necessary, strengthening was undertaken to support a heavier covering to improve insulation.

The east machine hall had roof trusses made of timber and iron, with a bottom chord made from a single piece of timber spanning over 17m. Additional floors have been constructed to create a mixture of single and double height spaces.

Newark Works is an engine room for business. Built as a home for industrial innovation, its rebirth continues that ambition, providing a creative hub for entrepreneurs and established businesses. Image: TCN.

Value

This project benefited from our team’s expertise in applying the latest engineering technology to imaginatively restoring heritage buildings for modern use. More than just a key part of a concerted plan to bolster and diversify Bath’s economy, the Newark Works project preserves a piece of engineering history without compromising either utility or comfort.

A truly unique place to work, 40,000ft2 of quality space now accommodates businesses ranging from one-person operations through to established companies with up to 40 staff. The potential of the structure has been fully realised through the addition of lightweight mezzanine floors within the double-height machine halls. This scheme is carefully interwoven with the existing crane rails to maximise lettable floor area while showcasing heritage features in line with client goals.

Image: TCN.

Awards

2022

Bath Property Awards – Commercial Development of the Year: Winner