Factory No.1 Shortlisted for Best Large Development at the First Time Buyer Readers' Awards

Factory No.1, our prestigious redevelopment of the former Imperial Tobacco Company headquarters in Bristol, has been shortlisted as one of best large developments in the UK by judges of the First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards.

After examining the largest field of entries that the FTB Awards has ever seen, the judges selected the sensitive factory restoration and conversion by heritage specialist City & Country to be one of the final six in the Best Large Development category. Choosing Factory No.1 from among entries by some of Britain’s largest housebuilders, judges were impressed by the scheme’s superb location, high specification and attention to detail.

The overall winner from the shortlist will be decided by votes from first time buyers themselves – and Factory No.1, in the vibrant Bedminster district of Bristol, is already proving extremely popular with that demographic, with 60 per cent of sales so far having being made to those who are purchasing a first home.

Jennifer Rhodes-Finch, Head of Marketing at City & Country, explained the development’s appeal:

“First time buyers all too often have to compromise when they are looking for a first home, but at Factory No. 1 that simply isn’t the case. Whether converted or new, the unique apartments here not only have a convenient central location, but they also feature high-specification interiors, beautifully landscaped gardens and range of price points that make it easy for first time buyers to tick all the boxes on their wish list.”

The former Bristol factory was originally designed by Sir Frank Wills in an Edwardian-Baroque style, with the finely detailed facades fronting East Street and Lombard Street, now Grade II Listed, creating one of the most distinctive historic street scenes in Bristol. City & Country’s impressive project has preserved and sensitively restored these classic façades as part of the creation of 101 new homes in Consort House and Regent House, with a further 183 new-build apartments set in five elegant new apartment blocks, rising to nine storeys, behind the restored frontages.

All 284 luxury apartments, many of which feature private balconies or terraces, have high-specification interiors including a contemporary linear kitchen in a choice of three colours, with an integrated SMEG oven, induction hob, dishwasher and fridge-freezer and stylish stone worktops. Flooring is a mixture of Amtico, 100% wool carpets and tiling, and fitted wardrobes are provided in the main bedrooms. Technology includes smart thermostats and ultrafast broadband. The gated development has an on-site concierge, 400 bike parking spaces, underground parking for selected apartments, and electric charging points. Beautifully landscaped gardens, with lawns and trees, create a private oasis set back from the street where residents can relax and revive.

City & Country has created two professionally designed Show Homes at Factory No.1 to help buyers imagine their life at the development. In one of the new apartment buildings, The Cutting Room; spacious and stylish apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows have been released ahead of schedule to meet demand, with a two-bedroom Show Home now ready to view. Meanwhile, in the converted Regent House, the two-bedroom Director’s Suite Show Home has more than 1,600 sq ft of space and features beautifully restored original features including oak panelling, intricate ornate ceilings and statement fireplaces.

Simon Vernon-Harcourt, Design and Planning Director at City & Country, said:

“This award nomination is a welcome recognition of all the hard work that has gone into the conversion of this iconic Bristol building. The restoration of this historic site has revitalised the local area and will be enjoyed by residents for years to come. Factory No. 1 continues to play a significant role in the ever-changing area of Bedminster – once leading the way in the industrial revolution, it is now instrumental in making the area the best new place to live in the city.”

Now in its 13th year, the First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards was created to recognise the effort companies make to help aspirational buyers on to the housing ladder, with the final winner in each category being decided by the buyers themselves and awards presented at a ceremony in September.