Bristol’s first retail hub constructed entirely of converted shipping containers has been given the green light.
Called Cargo, it will take shape as part of the Wapping Wharf development off Wapping Road and Cumberland Road over the next few months.
The 10 units are expected to open in the summer and will be occupied by independent food and drink retailers, creating a new ‘foodie’ quarter for the city. 
Approval by Bristol City Council came as Wapping Wharf developer Umberslade revealed plans for a second, similar retail hub on the site, to be named Cargo 2.
Converted shipping containers have proved popular as low-cost retail and business units in London and other cities for several years.
But while Bristol is home to the Boxworks scheme – 20 ‘re-imagined’ containers aimed at creative, digital and hi-tech firms and based alongside the Engine Shed innovation hub at Temple Meads – Cargo will be the first time the concept has been used as retail space in the city.
Cargo’s 10 containers will be of various sizes and will have decking on top to give sweeping views of the Harbourside area.
The scheme will be between Gaol Ferry Steps – the new pedestrian walkway connecting South Bristol and the city centre – and Museum Square, alongside the M Shed.
Umberslade director Stuart Hatton said: “It has been great to receive such an enthusiastic response to our plans for Cargo. We have been inundated with expressions of interest from across the country, from pop-up street food vendors to fine dining restaurateurs.
“With 40 retailer enquiries in Cargo alone, we have decided to submit plans for a Cargo 2 to meet this demand.
“Both Cargo and Cargo 2 will be a fantastic addition to Bristol’s vibrant ‘foodie’ scene and fit in perfectly with our community ethos and focus on independent food and drink at the wider Wapping Wharf development.”
Each container in Cargo will measure around 8ft by 20ft and will have glass frontages to give views onto the waterfront. The lower level have five single units, plus three double units, while a larger unit – equivalent to the size of five individual containers – will occupy the top level, along with another double.
The double containers measure 16ft by 20ft. The ground-level units will have access to the terrace.
If approved, Cargo 2 will add a further 28 containers of various sizes across two levels next to Cargo. The plans are due to be decided by the council in the coming weeks.
Among the tenants at Cargo will be Small Street Espresso, which will open its second café on the site.
Described by Time Out as being at the forefront of Bristol’s coffee revolution when it opened in 2012, Small Street Espresso has since become a popular spot for coffee aficionados.
More than 600 apartments will be built at Wapping Wharf in total, with the first phase – featuring 194 homes – now nearing completion. The site is the final piece in the jigsaw that will complete the regeneration of the Bristol’s iconic Floating Harbour.
Stuart Hatton added: “It is a hugely exciting time for Wapping Wharf now that people are getting settled into their new homes and retailers are gearing up to open on site.
“We are aiming for an eclectic mix of retailers from pop-up juice bars to florists, barbers to burgers, fine dining to street food.”
Cargo and Cargo 2 are being marketed by the Bristol office of property agents JLL.
Pictured: CGI images of Cargo and Cargo 2 at Wapping Wharf
