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.
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.
