The Guildhall, originally constructed in the 1840s on the site of a 13th-century predecessor, served as Bristol’s main courthouse for over 130 years. The building survived significant bomb damage during the Second World War and remained a landmark of civic architecture until its closure in 1993. Although plans for a hotel conversion were proposed in 2013, the scheme only advanced in earnest in 2023 following major fire damage sustained in 2020.

Our Role in the Basement Waterproofing Design & Installation

Protectahome was invited by the project developer at design stage to consult on the complex waterproofing requirements for the building’s extensive basement area. After a detailed design review and technical consultation period, we were awarded the contract to supply and install the full waterproofing system in multiple phases.

Having impressed during design phase, Protectahome were also approached to assist with some structural repairs to the Gothic style tower. We will be posting more about those works in the near future.

A Complex and Rewarding Basement Waterproofing Challenge

The basement of the Bristol Guildhall presents a unique combination of challenges:

• Two active open wells
• Restrictions associated with a protected, listed structure
• A sprawling, labyrinth-like underground layout
• Numerous unknowns that come with a nearly 200-year-old basement

These conditions have required our surveying team and site operatives to remain agile, creative, and highly technical throughout. To date, we have successfully completed a substantial portion of the installation, utilising a range of advanced basement waterproofing systems, products, and techniques tailored specifically to the building’s heritage and structural limitations.

Transforming a Landmark Building

The wider redevelopment project carries an estimated value of approximately £20 million and will see the 62,000 sq. ft. site transformed into a luxury 5-star hotel offering 90 bedrooms. The new hotel is anticipated to open later this year, marking an exciting new chapter for this historic Bristol landmark.

Why Choose Protectahome for Basement Waterproofing?

All Protectahome waterproofing projects are supported by:

• £5 million design PI cover
• A long-term company installation guarantee
• Optional insurance-backed guarantees
• Single-point responsibility for the entire waterproofing process — eliminating split liability

This provides complete peace of mind for developers, contractors, and end users seeking reliable and compliant basement waterproofing solutions.

Single-Point Design, Installation, Guarantee & Maintenance

Protectahome is one of only a handful of UK specialists that offers a fully in-house maintenance service for Type C basement waterproofing systems. This ensures that every component of the system continues to function as designed, protecting both the building and the investment long-term.

Our maintenance provision covers the inspection and servicing of:

• Sumps and pumps
• High-water alarms
• Control panels
• Battery backup systems
• Perimeter and cross-floor drainage channels that form the core of the drained protection system

Without a single-source approach, there is a significant risk that essential elements of a Type C waterproofing system are overlooked, potentially leading to failures and costly disruption for the end user.

We always advise avoiding split liability — particularly where third-party providers are asked to maintain systems installed by others. A unified design-install-maintain workflow ensures full accountability, consistent performance, and minimal risk.

Importantly, regular maintenance is not only best practice; it is usually a requirement of waterproofing guarantees, insurance-backed guarantees, structural warranties, and even home insurance policies. If a system has not been properly maintained, there is a real possibility that any claim arising under these guarantees or policies may be declined.

Need Specialist Basement Waterproofing for Your Project?

Whether you are working on a listed building, an existing structure, or a new build development, our technical team would be delighted to discuss your project’s waterproofing needs. Protectahome offers expert design, installation, and long-term support for projects of all sizes and complexities.