Goswell Road: A Journey Through Time

From its early days as a bustling gin distillery to its near complete destruction during World War II, Techspace Goswell Road has witnessed the evolution of London. It stands as a testament to resilience and renewal, blending its storied past with sustainable design and modern functionality.

Enduring spirits 

Originally home to the iconic Gordon’s Gin distillery, Goswell Road was at the center of London’s gin craze in the 18th century. Founded by Alexander Gordon in 1769, the distillery quickly became a symbol of quality, producing a gin that would become renowned worldwide. The area buzzed with activity, with the distillery playing a key role in the local economy and culture. Over time, the site developed further, with surrounding buildings evolving from residences to industrial hubs, including a gas works and various manufacturing sites.

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Goswell Road’s story took a dramatic turn during World War II when the building, along with many others in the area, was heavily bombed in 1941. The distillery sustained severe damage, but its sturdy construction prevented complete destruction. After the war, the building was preserved and eventually repurposed. In the 1950s, a new distillery was built on the site, blending the old with the new.

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By the 1970s, the distillery had ceased operations and was converted into warehouse space before transitioning into the modern office space it is today. The building’s history is deeply embedded in its walls, from its origins in gin production to its survival through wartime devastation. Today, 132-140 Goswell Road stands as a symbol of endurance, representing both London’s rich history and its capacity for renewal and adaptation.

Preserving the past 

In recent years, 132-140 Goswell Road has undergone a significant transformation, blending its rich history with modern design. The building was redeveloped using innovative construction techniques, including CLT (cross-laminated timber) and Glulam (wooden supports stronger than steel), which have allowed for the preservation of its historical elements. 

The appeal of heritage in modern workspaces

We know that many younger generations have a sense of nostalgia and a fascination with all things “retro”. Vintage clothes, retro watches and vinyl players are all great examples of trends that carry more meaning because of the role they played in the past. Of course, the same is true for space. Instagram accounts depict popularised New York factory apartments and distressed former warehouses. In many ways structural things such as buildings can live through many lives and eras, that’s what makes architecture so interesting. The fact that buildings can live a life well beyond one single generation. 

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For disruptive companies looking for something different and unique to house their teams, this nostalgic appeal also rings true. Techspace Goswell Road’s character, shaped by its past as a gin distillery, adds depth to the modern workspace it’s been reimagined into. A unique environment where the past and the present coexist. 

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Let’s just say making the rooftop bar a gin bar was an easy decision to make!

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To view Techspace Goswell Road, click here.

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