‘It’s a good design and a welcome addition if it’s just scaled down a bit’

The former mayor of Bristol has strongly criticised plans for Wapping Wharf North.

George Ferguson, also a past president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, said that the proposal for buildings up to 12 storeys-high “will wreck the iconic view” of the M Shed and its historic cranes.

“Bristol desperately needs a skyline policy before it’s trashed”, said Ferguson, whose successor Marvin Rees has encouraged developers “to build up”.

The reaction to the proposals from Wapping Wharf developers Umberslade to remove the current shipping containers and replace them with permanent buildings has been mixed.

“Looks great – bring it on,” said Joshua Geake on Twitter.

“Not tall enough, I like the greenery though,” tweeted Alasdair Irving.

All of the current traders in Cargo’s shipping containers will be offered new homes if they want them in Wapping Wharf North – image: Umberslade

Commenting on Tuesday’s story on the Bristol24/7 website, Azzabat said: “I love the quirkiness of the storage containers. Very Bristolian and very in keeping with the areas industrial past. I’m extremely happy to see a permanent structure along similar ‘industrial’ lines replacing them, but 12 storeys is far too tall.

“A 12-storey block will dwarf the surrounding buildings, irrevocably changing the skyline, and make the area feel overshadowed and cramped. Five stories is plenty and in keeping with other new builds in the area. The rest is just flats which is where the developer makes the real money.

“Also, as a former construction manager, don’t be fooled by all the clean lines and greenery in the artists impressions. These pretty pictures are there solely to sell you on the idea, just like fresh coffee or baked bread is when you’re selling your house.

“I can tell you from over 20 years experience in the construction industry these will never happen or be installed. They’ll swiftly die/be removed due to maintenance costs and/or risk of ‘falling debris’.

“To get a true impression of the building, strip away all the happy people and greenery, and picture day to day items like bicycles chained up outside and industrial sized rubbish bins out front for the residents’ waste.

“It’s a good design and a welcome addition if it’s just scaled down a bit.”

Looking towards Museum Street from Rope Walk – image: Umberslade

The social media manager behind Wapping Wharf’s Instagram account earned their keep on Tuesday after the plans were first revealed.

kjcoxyfaux wrote: “People go there because of the containers! People come to Bristol because it is quirky, original and not full of soulless grey granite developments.”

m_nusiq wrote: “Jeez! Dress this up however you want (mostly by adding a few plants) but this is an eyesore and totally out of touch with the broader surroundings and ethos of a quirky local hub.”

suri299 added: “I own a flat in Wapping Wharf and I’m really disappointed in these plans. The whole novelty and appeal of Cargo is that the businesses are in shipping containers, otherwise it’s just a massive restaurant complex.

“This is also too tall, and overshadows and overpowers the old city gaol and smaller scale relatively low rise existing Wapping Wharf development. When did the ethical responsible drive behind Wapping Wharf become all about maximising the money?”

George Ferguson said that the proposal for buildings up to 12 storeys-high “will wreck the iconic view” of the M Shed and its historic cranes – image: Umberslade

Over on Reddit, users were also fiercely debating the plans.

“Would just hate to see Wapping Wharf turn into another big overpriced generic mall food court area, but outdoors and surrounded by skyline blocking tower blocks that’ll look dated and tired in less than 10 years,” said Perihelion_.

“Let’s hope they stick to their guns and keep it viable for small businesses and somewhat in character for the area.”

blurredlynes added: “I’m sure we can all agree Cargo has been a fantastic development for the city, and really turned the Wapping Wharf area in to the destination that it is. I hope the new development keeps that vibe and continues to support independent businesses.”

The shipping containers that make up Cargo at Wapping Wharf were always envisaged as temporary – photo: Martin Booth

All of the traders currently operating from the shipping containers at Cargo, on Gaol Ferry Steps and Museum Street, will be offered new homes in the permanent buildings.

And while the new development is constructed, the current containers will be moved elsewhere so that the businesses can continue trading.

Frankly boutique owner, Helen Symonds, said: “I’m really impressed that Stuart and Esme have managed to keep the independent spirit of Cargo and that we will all have a chance to personalise the space which is really important to Bristol and to keeping the special feel of the place.

“It’s also great to know that we are all going to have a permanent home. I think the plans are amazing and they will put Bristol even more ‘on the map’.”

Main image: Umberslade

Read more: Wapping Wharf shipping containers to be replaced by permanent buildings

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