Bradbury Works, situated in Gillett Square, Dalston, has reopened its doors to both new and returning tenants, marking the next chapter in the evolution of one of the capital’s most distinctive and community-oriented public spaces.
The revamped building encompasses the refurbishment of 600 sq m of existing affordable workspace, the replacement of ten mini retail units, and the addition of nearly 500 sq m of extra workspace in a two-storey extension. The objective of Bradbury Works is to preserve the building’s best features, including its existing tenants, while introducing additional flexible spaces to cater to a diverse range of businesses.
Facing the square, new 10 sq m retail pods feature fully openable glazed frontages, complemented by profiled metal gates for security and privacy when closed. These pods can be transformed with vibrant signage when open, enhancing the individual spaces.
The original masonry structure of the Victorian terrace has been carefully preserved and refurbished, providing small and medium workspace units while maintaining the existing shops, bars, and restaurants on Bradbury Street. An outdoor terrace space encourages interaction among tenants throughout the year, furnished with picnic tables, evergreen ferns, and climbing plants. On the third floor, new workspaces with private mezzanine levels offer access to a south-facing external deck, promoting a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
The building’s entrance has been retained and improved with a new fully glazed entrance, complemented by branding and wayfinding signage designed by [Y/N] Studio. The stairwell and entrance feature a vibrant colour scheme inspired by the CMYK printing colour range, reflecting the building’s ambition to serve as a diverse hub of cultures and disciplines.
Internally, a simple colour palette of muted grey flooring and white-painted walls provides tenants with the flexibility to personalise their spaces according to their preferences and needs.
Externally, the building is wrapped in a homogenous polycarbonate façade, complemented by a profiled mill-finished aluminium base and roof. This lightweight and reflective skin creates a cohesive appearance, while allowing the original white-painted brick façade and terrace to remain visible. The translucent nature of the façade allows ample light to enter the workspaces and breakout areas, with the cladding reflecting the changing colours of the sky during the day and glowing at night to showcase internal activities.
