the current tower was designed as a replacement by e.n. underwood and partners, a firm of structural engineers, for the sheldon bush and patent shot company limited. it was constructed on a site already in use for other purposes by that company, and is some from the site of its predecessor. the structure is of reinforced concrete, with a twelve sided crucible room at the top, giving it an outline reminiscent of a cotton bud. it is the last such tower to be built, one of the few to be built in the 20th century, and one of only three to survive in england. it received the civic design award from the bristol civic society for the year 1969.