The hit Factory is a No. 1 smash

FYOU ever feel you practically live in your office then spare a thought for Leighton Soleas, who actually does. Well, nearly. The 51-year-old project manager has bought a two-bedroom flat in Bristol’s Factory No. 1 in the building where he worked 15 years ago when it was used by Lloyds Banking Group.

- By Deborah Stone

Now it’s part of a residential conversion by City & Country, which specialises in updating historic buildings and creating new homes while maintaining original internal and external features.

“I bought an apartment that used to be the server room of the commercial banking division of Lloyd’s Banking Group,” explains Leighton. “My old office from when I worked here in 2010 is just a quick trip downstairs.”

Previously it was one of the Imperial Tobacco Factory buildings - hence the development’s name - but after the factory closed in 1988 the Grade II listed property became Regent and Consort House, which was rented out by Lloyds.

“When they were subsequently converted into apartments, I decided to come back to buy,” says Leighton, who also grew up in the neighbourhood.