Historical Bristol building transformed into new student area

Historical building known as Beacon House in the centre of Bristol transformed into student centre, reception and café.

Beacon House, a grade II listed building which  was constructed in the 1850s, was unveiled this week, after ungoing a £12M transformation.

The house was previously a Habitat store, which closed in 2011.

The transformation was unveiled by the University of Bristol on 11 April, in an investment which will give the building a new lease of life.

Construction group Midas have been working on the 2,643 square metre facility, which is on the corner of Queens Avenue and the Triangle for eight months. The flagship investment is now home to a study centre, complete with 388 study seats, 66 computers, social study spaces, a study area and flexible group learning groups.

(c) The University of Bristol

A large reception area will provide a focal point for all visitors of the university, with a café which will be open to members of the public seven days a week.

Professor Judith Squires, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bristol, said: “Beacon House is a really exciting addition to the University as the building is in such a prime position.

“It will accommodate, energise and inspire students in a welcoming and flexible environment, and showcase the best of the University to our visitors. As a site that promotes and celebrates learning we hope that it will become central to the University’s engagement with its students and the wider city.”

Located between the Students’ Union and the central campus, the building has easily moving furniture to accommodate the needs of students who need flexible study space in addition to traditional libraries. The house has sound-insulated booths to ensure quiet study, along with wireless mobile phone charging points.

(c) University of Bristol

The project is part of a £525M capital investment programme by the University in teaching and research facilities.

Beacon House was formerly the Queens Hotel before being used for retail purposes – Gardiners in the 1930s, Debenhams after the war and more recently Habitat.

 

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