Crewe, 7 July 2025 — In a seamless fusion of heritage and innovation, Bentley Motors has officially unveiled its new Design Studio – a visionary space housed within one of the marque’s oldest and most historically significant buildings. The former ‘Front of House’, dating back to 1939, has been meticulously restored and reimagined as the creative epicentre of Bentley’s next design revolution.
The occasion was marked by a ceremony attended by Bentley Chairman and CEO, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, the Bentley Board, and its 4,000-strong workforce. Hosted by renowned architect and television presenter George Clarke, the event offered colleagues an exclusive preview of the building before it transitions into a secure facility, where the future of Bentley’s design language will quietly take shape.
At the heart of the transformation is a building that once welcomed dignitaries and royalty – including Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – and which now stands as a beacon for Bentley’s forward-thinking design philosophy. This new studio is not only double the size of the previous facility, but now includes a newly constructed third floor, all realised with sustainability in mind and aligned with Bentley’s carbon-neutral ‘Dream Factory’ in Crewe.
Dr. Walliser captured the significance of the moment:
“We are currently steering the biggest Bentley design revolution in our history and so to inspire our designers and wider team with an innovative and creative environment that enables the ability to drive the creation of Bentley’s future BEV models, is a necessary positive next step to create the next great chapter for Bentley Motors.”
The renovated studio brings together approximately 50 creatives under one roof for the first time – an interdisciplinary collective including exterior and interior designers, colour and trim experts, Mulliner specialists, and UX/UI teams. This unified approach is intended to spark new levels of collaboration, enabling the seamless integration of craft, technology, and bespoke innovation across every future Bentley.
A Building Steeped in Legacy – And Purposefully Future-Facing
The exterior fascia of the building, originally designed in the 1930s, has been faithfully restored by Bentley’s in-house design team. Its centrepiece, a jewel-like new ‘Bentley Wings’ emblem, was revealed last week – marking only the fifth official update to Bentley’s logo in its 106-year history. It’s a bold symbol of the brand’s evolution, honouring its legacy while signalling its electrified future.
Inside, the soul of the building lives on through the restored 1939 brass stairwell – lovingly reinstated in its original location. A commemorative plaque beside it marks the point where tradition meets transformation, bridging the brand’s storied past with its electrified ambitions.
Andreas Lehe, Bentley Board Member for Manufacturing, emphasised the importance of this thoughtful restoration:
“The modernisation of our site, while at the same time respecting our origins, is something I am particularly proud of in this building. It gives me great delight to say that our talented design team have a new home they can be proud of.”
A New Era Begins – On the Eve of a Visionary Reveal
Symbolically, the Design Studio opened just one day ahead of a globally anticipated concept car unveiling on 8 July – a launch that promises to showcase Bentley’s radical new design direction for the electric age. The synchronicity underscores the importance of this space as a crucible for change, where legacy and innovation intersect.
As the luxury marque embarks on its bold transition to a fully electrified future, this state-of-the-art facility – set within a lovingly restored heritage landmark – serves as both an anchor to Bentley’s identity and a launchpad for its most daring design innovations yet.
In Crewe, the past isn’t being erased. It’s being redefined – one detail, one emblem, and one breathtaking concept at a time.
