Wates has completed the Welcome Building®, a 207,000 sq ft, nine-storey commercial space in Bristol.

The project, developed as a joint venture between Trammell Crow Company and EPISO 5, a fund managed by Tristan Capital Partners, sets a new benchmark for sustainability, wellbeing and community engagement in the city.

Designed to support Bristol's net zero by 2030 target and the UK’s 2050 decarbonisation goals, the Welcome Building® is one of the city’s first fully electric workspaces. It has achieved an EPC A rating and a Design For Performance NABERS UK target rating of five stars for building efficiency. The project is also targeting a BREEAM Outstanding certification, demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability.

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The building's construction materials were 100% recyclable, and its operational efficiency is enhanced by solar energy, low-carbon materials, and smart technology. A pioneering feature of the Welcome Building® is its use of a zero-carbon water source heat pump, connected to the Bristol Heat Network, to extract all its heat. These innovations put the building on track to achieve a 40% reduction in both CO2 emissions and water consumption.

A unique aspect of the Welcome Building® is its ground-floor ‘street’—an inviting community hub featuring homely, hotel-style breakout areas, a café bar, an events space, a wellness mezzanine, and commissioned public art. This design fosters inclusivity and collaboration, aligning with modern workplace needs.

Beyond its environmental credentials, the project has made a tangible impact on the local community. Wates provided employment opportunities for local apprentices and trainees, ran work experience programmes, and hosted site visits for students from the University of Bristol Civil Engineering, the University of the West of England, and Women in Property South West.

In addition, £5,000 was donated to The Dings Youth Club, and 440 trees were planted during a community day associated with the project.