We have now publicly announced the re-opening of our walkway and we are delighted to have received such support from local residents, visitors, volunteers and businesses.
Following almost a year of closure, our gates are now open. Visitors are welcome to drop by to this working boatyard and the café is open for food and drink. Last week, we experienced our busiest week in the café since the fire, a very welcome sign of positive progress on our road to recovery.
Recovery and reinstatement
Throughout the year, recovery and reinstatement progress has been ongoing, including clearance of the damaged buildings and the retrieval of architectural elements. We are very grateful to Wring Group Ltd for their sensitive handling of this process.
The first part of the recovery and reinstatement on site is now complete. Contractors have cleared the fire damage and carried out the necessary structural work on the Big Shed and two workshops – the buildings most severely affected by the fire.
“We have our character back”
Our Director at Underfall Yard, Sarah Murray, says: “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.”
Our yard businesses
The yard has remained open to our businesses as much as possible since the fire, with the team working hard to provide alternative workshop space to yard businesses that need it, where available.
Will Raffety, Director of the award-winning boat building company, Star Yachts, said: “Underfall Yard has been through a traumatic year, and we are pleased to be part of its road to recovery. The Trust have supported us at every stage and helped us to continue working as much as possible under very difficult circumstances. I thank them for their efforts and look forward to the future.”
Opening hours
As a working site, the walkway will be closed if there are hazardous works taking place, for example if a boat is being slipped or the Harbour Master team are carrying out essential operations. Gates will be open between 9am and 4.30pm. Underfall Yard Trust will provide updates on opening times via the website: www.underfallyard.co.uk.
Support us!
The Underfall Yard Trust is raising money as part of the reinstatement project. You can donate on our Just Giving page, get in touch on recovery@underfallyard.co.uk , or support by buying a coffee at the café – proceeds are directed straight back into the charity.
Read more about the Recovery and Reinstatement Project, in the aftermath of the fire in May 2023…