Landmark building on Bristol harbourside to be transformed under new plans

The former Lloyds Bank regional headquarters is set to be redeveloped

One of Bristol’s most recognisable waterfront sites is set to be transformed under new plans.

Workspace firm Kinrise and real estate investment manager Mactaggart Family & Partners (MF&P) has secured planning permission for the redevelopment of Canons Wharf marking a major milestone in the reimagining of the Grade II listed estate on the city’s harbourside.

Canons House is one of the most recognisable properties in Bristol, made up of circular offices around a landscaped courtyard and the large crescent office building overlooking Lloyds Amphitheatre.

The ambitious redevelopment of the site will see the Canons House building – previously home to Lloyds Bank’s regional HQ – turned into a mixed-use campus, with 197,000 sq ft of Grade A offices alongside a range of facilities and cultural spaces.

The proposals include a coffee house with gardens; restaurants overlooking the harbourside; saunas, cold plunge, a performance gym and PT classes studio; podcast studio and 200-person auditorium for talks and events; and a rooftop boardroom and events space with views across the city.

According to Kinrise and MF&P, which acquired the site in 2024 for an undisclosed sum, the scheme will adopt a low-carbon retrofit approach, retaining the existing structure while introducing energy-efficient systems such as water-source heat pumps and all-electric infrastructure.

Kilian Kleine, investment director and head of development at Kinrise, said securing planning permission for Canons Wharf was “a significant step forward” in bringing the building back to life.

“Our vision is to create a workplace that is not only best-in-class in terms of design and sustainability, but one that genuinely adds to the energy of Bristol’s iconic harbourside,” he said.

Canons Wharf has long played a central role in the city’s commercial life. The transformation of the distinctive building will re-establish the site as a focal point for business, innovation and cultural events, while opening up new opportunities for engagement with the local community, according to the developers.

Work on the site is expected to start later this year.

“We are creating a destination where businesses and people can truly thrive,” added Mr Kleine. “Canons Wharf will be a place that reflects Bristol’s ambition, creativity and sense of community, and we’re excited to move into the next phase of delivery.”