On the night of 6 May 2023, Underfall Yard was the victim of an arson attack. Thankfully, nobody was injured but the Big Shed, workshops and six boats were destroyed. This has devastated the businesses that call the yard home and our wider community. Underfall Yard Trust is working towards rebuilding the workshops we lost. With the help of our partners, we will reinstate the historic structures to modern standard so that we can continue offering workshops for Bristol’s vital maritime businesses.
Post-fire Recovery Timeline
In May 2023, there was a devastating fire at Underfall Yard, destroying several boats and workshops dedicated to maritime crafts. Thankfully no one was hurt, however the loss of these workshops made a huge impact on those who work at the yard, as well as its neighbours, volunteers and local communities.
There was an outpouring of public support for those impacted by the fire. Generous donations and offers of support came from local organisations and businesses, including Bristol Beer Factory, Thekla and the students of QEH School.
Underfall Yard Trust started planning for the Recovery and Reinstatement Project. The project will be delivered in two key phases:
- Phase 1 focuses on site cleanup, roof repairs to the Shipwrights building and developing detailed design plans for full reinstatement.
- Phase 2 involves rebuilding damaged and destroyed structures. This is, of course, subject to planning approval and funding. We are actively working with all partners to get ready for this important phase.
Contracts were put in place with Alec French (architects), MDA (project managers) and Hydrock (specialist engineers) to work on detailed designs and cost estimates.
Public support for Underfall Yard continued, with visitors returning to the Visitor Centre and Café. Despite the events in May, Underfall Yard were able to participate in major city-wide events in Summer 2023 such as Harbour Festival and Docks Heritage Weekend.
The yard remains open to tenant businesses as much as possible, with the Trust working hard to provide alternative workshop space, where available, to businesses affected by the fire.
The works started for Phase 1 of the Recovery and Reinstatement Project. Wring Group Ltd and Brinfield Services cleared the debris from the damaged buildings and undertake reinforcement works to the wall of the Big Shed. The Trust was really impressed with their sensitive approach and the way they assisted in the recovery of historic building material and yard business possessions.
Following almost a year of closure, the harbourside walkway was reopened to the public. Sarah Murray, Director at Underfall Yard Trust, said: “It feels like we have our character back. Whilst it may have appeared shut, work has continued without halt behind closed doors and we have been making plans to re-build with a renewed sense for the future. Opening up the Underfall Yard section of the Harbourside Walk and welcoming the public back in is a huge milestone on our journey to recovery.
“Now that the walkway is open, we’re looking forward to even more people popping in, taking a look at what’s going on in the yard, or simply stopping for a coffee on their trip around the harbour. We have a long road ahead, but this is a real step in the right direction, and we look forward to welcoming more of the public and yard businesses back.”
Designs for the planned restoration works were displayed on our website and in the Underfall Yard Visitor Centre. The new designs aim to preserve the historical fabric of the buildings, whilst bringing them up to modern standards, returning the site to a fully functioning working boatyard as soon as is practical.
The images form part of a detailed planning application to Bristol City Council to restore the building and workshop facilities. Scheduled Monument Consent will be required for all repair works and the Trust continues to regularly update Historic England on the progress of the Recovery and Reinstatement Project.
Designed by Alec French Architects, it is intended that all materials used in the repair and rebuild will be appropriate to the historic context and in-keeping with those that exist throughout the yard.
The planning application for the rebuild of the Big Shed and lean-to workshops was submitted to Bristol City Council and is currently pending approval. The application has received positive comments and support from Historic England, who noted that there is “a huge public benefit with returning this building to use, with a maritime business, and restoring the iconic gable end.”
Patrick McAllister, the councillor for Hotwells & Harbourside Ward, also expressed his support for the application: “Underfall Yard is at the heart of Bristol’s Harbour and its reinstatement will be of immense value to the entire city, with substantial cultural, economic and leisure benefits. I am pleased that Underfall Yard Trust is working to safeguard and retain our industrial heritage and look forward to seeing the Trust’s future plans unfold.” The application is still open for comments and can be found on the Planning Applications section of the Bristol City Council website.
Summer 2024 was an optimistic time at Underfall Yard. On top of a fantastic Yard Fest weekend, the inaugural Underfall Market took place – a new initiative launched by the Trust to support the recovery of the yard. There have also been incredible demonstrations of support from local businesses and community groups, including Bristol Beer Factory and Free Severn Sound:
- Bristol Beer Factory offered their support for two of our busiest annual events: Yard Fest and the Bristol Sea Shanty Festival. We are hugely thankful for being included in their Brewed to Give programme for a second year.
- Bristol-based music collective Free Severn Sound put on a raucous pirate-themed gig at Zed Alley with all ticket sales going to Underfall Yard Trust. Many of the members live on boats and feel a strong connection to Bristol Harbour and the Yard.
The Trust received the wonderful news that planning permission was granted for the rebuilding of the Big Shed and lean-to workshops. In addition, contractors Stone BCI started works on the roof of the Shipwrights workshop. The works include the erection of external and internal scaffolding, roof repairs and the reinstatement of services. The Shipwrights building at Underfall Yard will be the first of the damaged and destroyed buildings to undergo essential repairs. The reinstatement of the Shipwrights will allow Underfall Yard to welcome back a boatbuilding business, marking the latest milestone in the journey to restore the site to its original function as a thriving boatyard.
Sarah Murray, Director of Underfall Yard said: “To have appointed our first contractor on the active rebuild of Underfall Yard is a big step forward for us. We are well on our way towards true recovery. We know Stone BCI are true professionals and experts in the repair of heritage buildings. We are certain they will do an excellent job.”
In addition, a new team member joined Underfall Yard Trust. Mike Day, an experienced project manager, will take over leading the Recovery and Reinstatement Project on the retirement of the Trust’s Co-director Julie Sienesi.
We will be updating this page, as well as our social media channels, with the latest project news. Thank you for your support and we hope to see you at the yard soon.
How can I support
the yard?
→ Make a Donation
Support the Recovery and Reinstatement Project by donating to Underfall Yard Trust.
If you would like to offer any additional support to the Recovery and Reinstatement Project, please get in touch at recovery@underfallyard.co.uk
→ Visit the Yard
You can also support the Trust by visiting the yard’s Café and Visitor Centre. Every purchase made at the cafe goes back to supporting the work of Underfall Yard Trust.
→ Volunteer at the Yard
Register for the volunteer team to help spread the word about the yard’s history and its role within Bristol Harbour.
