National Grid set up a competition brief for designers to suggest functions for disused Gasholder bases. The proposed concept designs were to stimulate interest from potential developers and to explore possible uses of these spaces. It was encouraged not to backfill the voids which was seen as both labour and resource intensive.

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Gasholders were large storage vessels used to store coal gas produced on a gasworks and more recently natural gas. Their function allowed for greater operational flexibility, providing extra supply during high peak demand. Due to improved technology allowing gas to be held below ground, gasholders are now obsolete.

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A cultural arts centre was proposed using the language of the original telescopic steel vessel and spiral rail that was used to guide the gasholder up and down. The form of the proposed Art Centre takes the shape of a series of spiral ribbon pathways leading up to the rooftop from the bottom levels then spiralling back down again. In this way, the visitor and the art work act as a metaphoric symbol of the gas spiralling up and down the building in a telescopic fashion, poetically connecting to it's original function. 

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The ribbon pathways are constructed with bricks and glazing on a steel framework.

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