McArthurs Yard, Gas Ferry Road - Bristol

McArthurs Yard, a previously neglected plot in Bristol's historic docks, a short walk away from SS Great Britain, had sat empty for two decades. Despite numerous failed attempts at redevelopment, the site remained untouched.

The four-storey malthouse, built in 1896, stood out among the surrounding historic buildings. The potential for revitalising this underutilised space in central Bristol was clear. The Guinness Partnership, a Housing Association, was selected as the preferred bidder in 2016, pending planning permission. Their goal was to create a housing-led development that complements the harbourside location.

The vision included a mix of high-quality homes and commercial spaces, breathing new life into this unique corner of Bristol. With the opportunity to complete the regeneration of Bristol's harbourside, the project aimed to transform McArthur’s Yard into a vibrant and productive part of the city.

For the exterior of the building, Architects BPTW, working with the Hills Partnerships, specified Valcan's VitraDual® A1 Rated Aluminium Cladding panels in a striking Metallic Gold. As well as offering a crisp and sleek aesthetically pleasing appearance, these panels are also A1 fire rated to BS EN 13501-1 and provide exceptional durability and mechanical benefits, due to the marine-grade 5754 aluminium – perfect for this location by the docks.

Dale Taylor, Director at BPTW commented,

“We are delighted to see McArthur’s Yard come to life, transforming a long-neglected site into a vibrant mixed-use community in the heart of Bristol. The team successfully navigated challenges during the technical design, particularly with the specification and detailing of the cladding, despite evolving guidance and regulations, obtaining approval from Planning, Building Control and NHBC”

He continued, “The use of Valcan’s VitraDual® met both the performance and aesthetic requirements on the project, delivering the striking finish that was outlined in the original architectural vision.”

Belfry Façade Systems fabricated these aluminium panels into cassettes and decorative perforated panels, which were then expertly installed by Cladanco Ltd. James Carter, Managing Director of Belfry Façade Systems said,

“The McArthur’s Yard was an exciting yet challenging opportunity for Belfry. We were responsible for fabricating numerous elements, such as rainscreen facades, parapet capping’s, feature panels, and perforated soffits. Using an innovative approach and technical expertise, Belfry devised solutions to meet the project's complex requirements. The fabrication process involved careful planning and precise engineering to make sure each component was up to the highest standard. The distinctive gold finish brought a modern touch to the Bristol waterfront.”

Reflecting on the installation, Cladanco Director Gary March said,

“‘With some of the gold feature cladding, both tapering along and raking towards the building the geometry of this scheme proved to be challenging from a design, manufacturing and installation viewpoint. However, by working closely with the Architects BPTW, Hill’s design team, Belfry Facades, our own, in house, installation team and with the technical support of Valcan, we were pleased to be able to deliver the scheme to everyone’s satisfaction.”

The outcome of this project is truly impressive, effortlessly integrating with the surrounding conversations. The striking gold exterior not only enhances visibility but also exudes luxury, while the innovative perforated panels at the entrance add depth and sophistication to the building's overall design.

Allan O'Brien, Regional Director at The Hill Group, commented,

“We’re proud to have played a key role in the transformation of McArthur’s Yard. This development not only complements the landscape of Bristol’s harbourside but also provides much-needed homes and commercial spaces for the community. Working closely with our partners, we’ve been able to create a vibrant, sustainable environment that reflects the spirit and heritage of this iconic location.”

In summary, Valcan Sales Manager, Kent Diffey, who worked closely with the teams throughout the project concluded,

“It was a pleasure to be able participate in this remarkable project by supporting the installation and supplying our VitraDual® A1 fire rated panels for the gold façade on McArthur’s Yard. Congratulations to all the dedicated teams whose hard work and commitment transformed this vision into reality!”

Case Study published in the November 2024 edition of RCI Magazine.