And that's a wrap! ISG completes first TV studios project
ISG recently completed its first TV studios project - the expansion of Bristol film and TV production facility, The Bottle Yard Studios - for Bristol City Council.
Revised 23 January 2023
The Studios' expansion project, procured through the influential Southern Construction Framework, has seen the £12 million redevelopment of industrial property located at Hawkfield Business Park, half a mile from the original Bottle Yard site, backed by West of England Combined Authority investment, resulting in three new stages being added to the Studios’ overall portfolio.
The team redeveloped the buildings on the neighbouring South Bristol industrial site into The Bottle Yard's new premium TBY2 facility, increasing, the overall number of stages offered by the Studios from eight to 11, and thereby helping to grow film and TV production in Bristol and the West of England.
Neil MacDonald, Operations Director for ISG, said: “It’s great to hand over ISG’s first studio project in the region and wider business, and it puts us in good stead for our upcoming Sunset Waltham Cross Studios project, which will support the UK as it secures its global position as the leading investment location for new film and TV studio facilities.”
“The expansion of The Bottle Yard Studios site will provide much needed jobs for the area with around 860 created across the next 10 years for those in the South Bristol area.”
“This highly-significant creative arts scheme for Bristol is yet another example of smart and efficient procurement practice – fast-tracking the project to site through the use of the high-performing Southern Construction Framework.”
Richard Skone, Regional Director, ISG
The project
The project saw the team refurbish an existing warehouse to create three additional studio spaces, create back of house amenities such as bathrooms and break out areas, while increasing space for production vehicles to manoeuvre more freely and adding external roller shutters for access.
Richard Skone, Regional Director for ISG adds: “This highly-significant creative arts scheme for Bristol is yet another example of smart and efficient procurement practice – fast-tracking the project to site through the use of the high-performing Southern Construction Framework.”
Leaving a legacy
Sustainability has been placed at the centre of the design and build process of the expansion. Energy supply for the converted buildings is supported by a large photovoltaic (PV) array, we’ve improved insulation and have installed a sophisticated building management system designed to enable energy conservation. Transport around the Studios’ expanded footprint will be carbon neutral, with electric vehicle (EV) points and ample cycling provision available to support low carbon movement.
There have also been added benefits to the local community through a series of training, skills and employability activities. ISG’s social value team has discussed potential career paths and opportunities with soon-to-be school leavers, provided marketing advice and training to a number of charities and organisations from Bristol and Wales, and worked closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to offer those out of work or changing industries an opportunity in construction.
An award winning project
The studio was also awarded the Southern Construction Framework 2022 Lot 1 (South West) Project of the Year award, with the win recognising the hard work the project team had put in to ensure a successfully delivery of the studio project.
The framework commented "this was a challenging job with really impressive social outcomes. The expansion of the studios will create new jobs and provide skills and training opportunities to the wider Bristol community."
Congratulations to the project team on the award win, and well done to all involved on the project.