A £1.5million hub that will showcase the latest green technology to members of the public and businesses is opening in the former Maplin store on Gloucester Road.
The hub is the first of its kind in the UK and will be run by sustainable products and services business Future Economy Group.
It is set to open in April and will showcase environmental products, technology and services, as well as hosting events and providing work space for environmental enterprises, start-ups and sustainability professionals.
The 1930s art deco building, which was formerly a Maplin store before it closed down, will be transformed into a carbon neutral facility and will create 12 new jobs.
Alan Bailey, director of the Future Economy Group, said: “We’re really excited to acquire this building and give it a new lease of life.
“The fabulous location is ideal for our sustainability events space and retail area, which will be showcasing the green tech products of the future.”
The hub expects to attract around 5,000 visitors during its first year of opening.
The building is currently being stripped out (Image: The Future Economy Network)
Alan added: “Our business model will be an exemplar of how to draw people back on to the high street whilst utilising space that aligns to current needs and customer demand.
“We expect the hub to be a real hive of activity promoting sustainable economic growth.”
A temporary sign has gone up outside (Image: The Future Economy Network)
Network director Katherine Piper added: “It’s really exciting to have our own events space and hub, so we can deliver exceptional networking and knowledge sharing events, bringing in expert speakers from across the sector.
“Our new home will give us the infrastructure to help businesses, individuals and organisations across the Bristol region become more sustainable.”