Tobacco Factory Raleigh Road, Southville Bristol BS3 1TF UK
The Tobacco Factory is one of the few survivals from the great Imperial Tobacco site on Raleigh Road, Ashton, Bristol. It was saved from demolition by Bristol architect George Ferguson who has turned it into a model of urban regeneration. It is now a multi use building housing the Cafe Bar, Teohs oriental bistro, creative industry work space, live/work loft apartments, animation and performing arts schools and one of the most exciting small theatre venues in the country. Strike a light for Independents! A champion of independent business and a scourge of the multiples and chains, George Ferguson only allows local independent businesses to trade from the Tobacco Factory and intends it to be at the centre of a national campaign. He believes that the local high street, North Street, is characterised by its independent businesses that directly benefit the local economy and that this is a vital element of successful urban renaissance.