A firm of Bristol architects has created a state of the art, landmark building in Avonmouth – cementing a firm’s link to the area and securing jobs.

Vista – an architectural and interior design service for commercial schemes –
has just handed over the building at Crowley Way to its owner, a leading South West welding supplies company.

Vista was formed last year as a niche division within Colliers CRE, bringing together its architectural and interior design expertise to provide clients with creative building design.

The new building replaces a worn out, single storey, 1940s building and is now being hailed as one of the most successful buildings of its type in the area.

The project was carried out for Wellington Welding Supplies Ltd, which supplies welding equipment and consumables in the South West.

“It is a state of the art industrial building and will be the envy of many firms around here,” said Vista’s project leader Martin Wright.

“Wellington owned their depot on the site which was dilapidated and in a very unattractive state – a single story with an asbestos cement roof and was no longer fit for its purpose in the 21st century.

“Wellington asked Vista to design them a modern, efficient building that would suit their needs now and in the future and we are sure that we have now done that.”

Wellington Welding’s managing director Mr Philip Goldney said: “We are delighted with the building. We have now been in occupation for around four weeks and the design and quality of the building exceeds our expectations.

“The building has two floors, and now gives us far more room to stock items to keep the welders and allied trades going in all the industry around the Bristol area.

“We have seven depots around the South and South West, and this building is the flagship of the group.

“I’m very grateful to both Vista and Ikon Construction for their involvement in this project. Both companies worked extremely hard to deliver our building on time, on budget and on spec.”

Vista encountered some objections to the building during the planning process but these were overcome after close consultation and negotiation with all parties.

Planning permission was obtained in June 2007 and Bristol firm Ikon Construction Ltd was appointed to construct the new building.

Ikon’s managing director Mr Steve Chant said: “It was an excellent brief and our job was made simple by the clarity of the plans and the imaginative use of materials. We are proud to have been part of such a successful project.”

Vista Architecture was launched in London and Bristol last year with the backing of Colliers CRE, one of the world’s leading property consultancies.

In the retail sector the team has recently completed a £300,000 scheme designing and project-managing the fit-out of a new car showroom for Lamborghini London in South Kensington and a £650,000 project creating the Hugo Boss Orange Concept store in Carnaby Street.

They have also been involved in rural farm conversion projects and designs for both new build and modernising existing care homes.

Vista operates from offices in Marylebone Lane, London, and Broad Quay House, Bristol, with plans to open further offices soon.

Vista Business Development Director Rob Huthwaite said: “This new niche division brings to the market skills that we have had within Colliers CRE for some time.

“The architectural services include new build, change-of-use conversions and renovations while the interior design team will look at planning for relocations, refreshing existing space and creating inspiring showrooms, reception areas, sales floors, and offices

“Our focus is on designing and delivering creative buildings within strict cost parameters. We also work closely with our colleagues in Colliers CRE who carry out everything from land acquisition to planning, surveying and property management so that clients get a joined-up approach to their property needs.”

Email: Bob@empica.com