How Thoughtful Auction House and Bistro Design Transformed an Empty Shell
Projects that blend commercial function with community value are particularly rewarding. Our work on RWB Auctions and Quercus Bistro offered the perfect opportunity to showcase thoughtful Auction House and Bistro Design. Tasked with transforming a vacant former supermarket in Royal Wootton Bassett, we collaborated with the client to create a dynamic mixed-use venue. The project integrates a contemporary auction house alongside a welcoming bistro and event space, revitalising a key High Street location.
This was more than a simple refurbishment. It involved carefully reworking an underused High Street building to deliver spaces that feel practical, characterful, and accessible, while positively contributing to the town centre.
Repositioning a High Street Building
The client’s brief was clear: create a professional auction facility alongside a welcoming bistro for visitors and the wider community. The building – a former Co-operative store, provided generous floorplates but required extensive internal reconfiguration and a complete rethink of its public-facing presence.
Our approach centred on opening up the building and improving circulation. Each part of the scheme was given a distinct identity while maintaining a cohesive material and design language throughout.
Auction House and Bistro Design: Creating Functional, Flexible Spaces
In developing the auction house spaces, our focus was on clarity and functionality. The client required two salerooms suitable for a broad mix of sales, including antiques, jewellery, fine art, and furniture.
We created flexible, light-filled spaces with exposed ceilings, controlled lighting, and clear routes for both public auctions and private appointments. A pared-back, neutral palette ensures displayed items take centre stage. Durable finishes and infrastructure support regular specialist sales, preview days, and online broadcasting without compromising the building’s character.
Quercus Bistro: Hospitality Within a Commercial Setting
Another core element of the project was Quercus Bistro, located at the front of the building to directly engage the High Street. Though connected to the auction house, the bistro was designed to work independently — offering a contemporary, welcoming environment for both auction guests and local residents.
The architectural and interior design teams collaborated from the outset. Together, we established a seamless relationship between the reconfigured structure and the atmosphere of the hospitality space. A palette of natural materials, warm timber, soft upholstery, and layered lighting creates an inviting, informal setting.
Flexibility remained a priority, with a mix of banquette seating, communal tables, and quieter corners to suit everything from morning coffee to evening dining. Throughout the process, we worked to embed the client’s brand identity into the physical environment. Material choices, detailing, and spatial arrangements reflect the business’s values: approachable, refined, and rooted in quality.
The integrated design approach resulted in a bistro that feels distinctive yet harmoniously connected to the wider venue.
A Thoughtful Public-Facing Project
What distinguishes this scheme is its thoughtful combination of distinct commercial uses within a unified design. From day one, our role extended beyond solving spatial challenges. We aimed to create a connected sequence of environments that feel generous, considered, and appropriate for the setting.
Mindful of the building’s High Street position, we prioritised activating the frontage. Large glazed openings, a dedicated entrance for the bistro, and new signage re-establish the building as a prominent, accessible destination in the town centre.
Contributing to Local Regeneration
Beyond its commercial function, this project highlights the potential for meaningful High Street regeneration. In many towns, vacant retail units pose challenges — but also opportunities. This scheme illustrates how such spaces can be repurposed to deliver long-term benefits for both business and community life.
RWB Auctions and Quercus Bistro have already brought new vibrancy to Royal Wootton Bassett’s town centre. The venue has created new jobs and attracted visitors, adding activity and interest to the High Street. For us, it’s rewarding to see practical, flexible spaces paired with quality materials and thoughtful detailing, resulting in a venue that serves both operational needs and public life.
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Exterior frontage after
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Exterior frontage before
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Auction Room After
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Auction Room Before
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First floor gallery terrace after
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First floor gallery terrace during construction
Leading the Way in Auction House and Bistro Design
As many towns look to revitalise their High Streets, this project shows how mixed-use, design-led schemes can provide sustainable, site-specific solutions. Our collaboration with RWB Auctions was a genuine partnership — one where design played a central role in shaping both the environment and the business offer.
At Pier Architects, we believe successful architecture and interior design are always rooted in context. This project stands as a rewarding example of how considered design can support new ventures while enhancing the public realm.
