Imagineering Global were given the task to look at the former James Brindley Public House located in the Gas Street Basin area of Birmingham. With an instruction to rejuvenate a now disused, dated and deteriorating building, in turn breathe life back into the local area. Our aim was to rejuvenate and develop a destination bar and restaurant which would sit happily in its local environment and enhance its surroundings.
Historically, the area was originally occupied by factories at the height of Birmingham’s industrial period. It was the Old Wharf terminus of the Birmingham Canal, where narrow boats picked up and off-loaded their goods to continue their journey along the extensive waterway network. The area also housed the offices of the Birmingham Canal Navigation company.
The Inspiration
This became our inspiration; to create a building which addresses its surroundings and takes on elements of this rich history - a building in which narrow boats where built or a trading post which supplied and served them or a simple storage warehouse – in essence a building which passers-by could look at and imagine what it once was in the hay day of industrial canal life.
The Interior
The interior concept was inspired by the life and work of James Brindley, one of the most notable engineers of the 18th century. After delving into his life and work we divided the build into two chapters; The Engine Room and The Residency.
The ground floor designed to represent his workshop and a place where workers would drop by for narrow boat repairs and a much-needed brew.
The first floor was designed to represent his living quarters. Expect a light and elegant residence with soft furnishings and feminine detail, Complete with drawing boards, unique feature chandeliers and a quaint office space fit for James Brindley himself.
