A milestone in the creation of a vibrant new quarter on Bristol’s Harbourside has been reached with the opening of a route connecting south Bristol to the city centre.
Gaol Ferry Steps is the latest section of developer Umberslade’s Wapping Wharf scheme. The tree-lined pedestrian route provides access from Gaol Ferry Bridge in Cumberland Road straight down to the waterfront and Museum Square and will improve many people’s commutes to work or trips to the floating harbour. 
The route will be lined with independent retailers, including food and drink outlets such as Small Street Espresso’s second café, Little Victories, due to open in the coming months.
Some 112 apartments are now occupied at Wapping Wharf which, when finished, will include more than 600 apartments.
The first phase features 194 apartments, including 26 affordable homes, and plans are well under way for phase two. The area, between Wapping Road and Cumberland Road, will also include Cargo, a retail scheme made up of 10 converted shipping containers expected to open in the summer. The containers are being offered to independent food and drink retailers to create a new ‘foodie’ quarter for the city.
Umberslade also has plans for Cargo 2, a second retail hub, again with an independent food and drink focus.
The Wapping Wharf area is the final piece in the jigsaw that will complete the regeneration of Bristol’s iconic floating harbour. 
Umberslade director Stuart Hatton said: “We are thrilled that Gaol Ferry Steps is now open, providing a pleasant and much more convenient new route to the waterfront for local residents and the wider Bristol community.
“This area is really going to come to life this year with our new container yard for independent retailers, Cargo, due to be completed in early summer and further announcements about retailers for Gaol Ferry Steps expected soon.”
