Rodboro Buildings, Grade II listed building in Guildford, England
Rodboro Buildings is a three-level structure in Guildford comprising connected sections with exposed steel frames, brown brick walls accented with red brick details, and expansive windows throughout. Skylights pierce the roofline across multiple areas, bringing natural light into the interior spaces.
The structure was built between 1901 and 1904 as one of England's first purpose-built automobile factories, producing around 300 vehicles annually. After World War I, it transitioned to shoe manufacturing, marking a shift in the region's industrial focus.
The ground floor hosts a well-known pub while upper levels house a music academy, creating a split personality where the building serves both casual visitors and serious students. This blend of social drinking and artistic training shapes how locals experience the space throughout the day.
Located on Bridge Street, the building welcomes visitors daily with a pub on the ground floor featuring outdoor seating and wireless internet access. Modern audiovisual equipment is available in upper areas to support events and activities.
The building was constructed with steel frame technology, which was unusual for early 1900s automobile manufacturing and allowed for efficient factory layouts. This construction method was progressive for factory buildings of the era and contributed to its later recognition as a listed structure.
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