It is now a multi-use building which houses animation and performing arts school, loft-style apartments, a café bar, offices and a theatre.

Inspired by the Manchester Independents campaign, George Ferguson decided to launch a Bristol-based campaign from the Tobacco Factory, the purpose is to encourage the support and patronage of independent outlets and businesses to help redress the balance that has swung strongly in favour of the multiples at the expense of local character and enterprise.

[7][8] The Tobacco Factory Café Bar opened in November 2001, serving Mediterranean style food in a post-industrial setting.

[9] The Tobacco Factory also has every Sunday a market in their car park where stalls come to set up and sell fresh produce, including fish, fruit and vegetables but also takeaway meals and drinks.

Wills, who originally developed the site as a factory for processing tobacco, are held at Bristol Archives (Ref.