News / Redcliffe Wharf
Redcliffe Wharf development in doubt after funding falls through
The future of a long-stalled development overlooking the Floating Harbour is in doubt after funding for the flats which are part of the plans fell through.
For many years, a mixed-use scheme has been planned for Redcliffe Wharf but hope is fading that construction will start any time soon.
The empty plot of land next to Redcliffe Caves used to be home to a boat building firm and has most recently been the site of Bump roller disco.
is needed now More than ever
While some demolition work took place in April, it is unclear when – and even if – construction will ever be completed.
The developer has struggled with funding the scheme and a joint venture company was recently dissolved.
The development is now thought to be unviable, with no definitive timescale for when it will be finished and Bristol City Council now reviewing its options for next steps on the site.
The Redcliffe Wharf development has been ‘coming soon’ for several years – photo: Martin Booth
The saga was brought up during a meeting of the member forum, during which Labour councillor and former cabinet member Kye Dudd called Redcliffe Wharf “a very important site”.
Dudd said: “This has been going on for a long time, almost ten years now. We’ve clearly got a partner here who’s failed to deliver and now it looks like they’re not in a position to deliver any more.”
The council entered into a legal agreement with the developer in 2015. Planning permission was granted in April 2021 for 45 flats, almost 6,000 square metres of offices, restaurants and 12 new moorings.
In 2022, the council forked out £516,000 of public cash to help the developers relocate a Victorian water main for demolition and remediation work and to prepare the site.
According to its developers, Redcliffe Wharf “marks the final piece in the regeneration of Bristol’s iconic Floating Harbour.” – photo: Martin Booth
Council leader Tony Dyer said: “All the options are on the table. This scheme has been (going on) a long time. They got planning permission in 2021.
“We have 16,000 homes with planning permission in the city. Many of these are being delivered, some of them are still subject to Section 106 agreements.
“But there are quite a few like these, which are not coming forward.
“One of the things I got elected on was seeing if we can find a solution to those.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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