• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Thursday June 26 2025

First look at new homes designed for former Aardman warehouse

Property developer StudioHIVE is seeking feedback from the public before it submits a planning application for a crucial component of a major urban regeneration scheme in Bristol.

One of six ongoing plots in the 12-acre, £375 million Silverthorne Lane development, Plot 4 – along with Plots 2 and 3 – will see the creation of the Iron Works, a new canal-side community of homes and commercial employment space due to be delivered by StudioHIVE and its partners.

Planning permission was originally obtained in 2022 for new employment space at Plot 4 as part of a wider planning consent submission in 2019.

StudioHIVE and StudioHIVE Architects have been carrying out work to refine the initial proposal for the former erecting sheds previously occupied by Aardman Animations, with a focus on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the Grade II listed structure – an ironworks which dates back to the 1830s.

The Silverthorne Lane scheme forms part of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone and also includes:

• Oasis Academy Temple Quarter – a new 1,600 place comprehensive secondary school and sixth form
• New academic and office space for the University of Bristol
• New purpose-built student accommodation
• New cycle and pedestrian routes within landscaped areas and public open space

Matt Scott, director and studio lead at StudioHIVE Architects, said: “The design revisions at Plot 4 will create an efficient, contemporary providing 85,000 sq ft of Grade A office space and a true destination workspace.

“By pulling the building away from the historic western facade, we aim to significantly improve pedestrian movement between Silverthorne Lane and the proposed canal-side community at the Iron Works, creating a new ‘heritage walk.’

“The new building will also align with the latest British Council for Offices guidelines and deliver a healthy and sustainable working environment.”

StudioHIVE is looking to submit a new planning application for Plot 4 next month.

Kyle Slatter, development manager at StudioHIVE and project lead, said: “We welcome any and all feedback from the local community on the revised design approach.

“Working in partnership with Sulis, we have set up a website where people can complete a short feedback questionnaire and sign up to receive updates on the project.”

The building was used by Aardman Animations as a storage warehouse until a devastating fire ripped through the building in 2005, destroying props and sets from the early Wallace and Gromit films.