Ambitious proposals to transform Underfall Yard – part of Bristol’s Floating Harbour – into a national maritime centre of excellence are to be considered by Bristol City Council’s Cabinet next week.
The yard and historic slipway are owned and managed by the Underfall Yard Trust and were rescued from dereliction in the 1990s with support from Bristol City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the South West Regional Development Agency and volunteers.
The objective now is to preserve the yard’s historic assets and unique character through a mix of sustainable commercial, leisure, tourism and educational development that reflects the maritime history of the area.
Bristol’s Cabinet will be asked to confirm its commitment to the Trust and its proposals, which include a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to secure up to £4m. This would cover the costs of a feasibility study, refurbishment works to property at Underfall Yard and the eventual creation of the historic dockside site as a Maritime Centre of Excellence.
Cabinet members will be asked to agree to a two-year exclusivity period to allow the Trust to work up its proposals, which include a robust business plan that demonstrates sustainable viability. In addition, there is a recommendation that the council and the Trust enter into a conditional contract which would result in a 50-year lease at a peppercorn rent.
Council deputy leader and cabinet member for capital projects Simon Cook said: “To create a Maritime Centre of Excellence for one of the city’s key historical maritime areas is an ambitious undertaking. The Underfall Yard Trust has an excellent track record in the preservation and restoration of the Underfall Yard site. The whole area already has a successful mix of uses that need to be nurtured, developed and sustained. The council is committed to working with all the businesses, organisations, water activity clubs and tenants in the locality to achieve the vision for the area.
“I've no doubt that the trust has the expertise and experience to progress its plans – and with council backing it would be well-placed to successfully secure Heritage Lottery Funding and realise its vision for Underfall Yard.”
Ian Wilkinson of Bristol law firm Osborne Clark and chair of the Underfall Yard Trust, added: “Our vision for Underfall Yard is all about seizing opportunities and maximising potential.
“Improving public access and engagement, nurturing maritime skills and industries, preserving historic assets, retaining the unique character of Underfall Yard and enhancing and maintaining its sustainable long-term development are at the heart of our plans. With the council’s support we are confident Underfall Yard’s place as a Maritime Centre for Excellence will set standards for others to follow.”
Ambitious proposals to transform Underfall Yard – part of Bristol's Floating Harbour – into a national maritime centre of excellence are to be considered by Bristol City Council’s Cabinet next week.
