Wapping Wharf shipping containers to be replaced by permanent buildings

All good things must come to an end. To use another well-worn phrase: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

A collection of shipping containers has formed the heart of Wapping Wharf over the last six years, accommodating everything from clothes shops to some of Bristol’s best restaurants.

For them to be replaced comes as a shock; but ambitious plans unveiled by the owners of Wapping Wharf will see the removal of the containers and in their place buildings up to 12-storeys high will rise behind M Shed that will hope to retain the special spirit of the harbourside neighbourhood but in more permanent form.

Wapping Wharf North will see permanent home for Cargo businesses, hundreds of new flats and green public spaces – image: Umberslade

Wapping Wharf North hopes “to create a bold, innovative centrepiece for Wapping Wharf”.

It will contain new flats, shops, restaurants, takeaways, a market hall and office space, with all of the businesses currently housed in the shipping containers of Cargo offered new permanent homes if they want them.

A building with cascading plant-filled terraces is planned to overlook Museum Square with a rooftop restaurant on its tenth floor and a public viewing area.

More than 30 per cent of the site “will be dedicated to striking, landscaped public streets and spaces for everyone to enjoy”, with a new pedestrian route linking Rope Walk and Museum Street.

Wine Street-based architects AHR are behind the designs for Wapping Wharf North, with the tallest building being 12 storeys high, and a further four “wings” of apartment buildings ranging between ten and five storeys stepping down in height towards Wapping Road.

Inside the proposed new market hall within Wapping Wharf North – image: Umberslade

Stuart Hatton, managing director of Umberslade, owners and developers of Wapping Wharf, said: “When we set up Cargo, it was really a temporary innovation – an experiment if you like – and a way of bringing some life to the place as we knew it would take a long time to develop out the whole site.

“Whilst quirky and distinctive, in reality the shipping containers can be challenging for a business to operate in.

“But Cargo has become such a success that we need to provide a permanent and better home for our businesses that they tailor as they want, and enable us to provide a greater range of shops and facilities for our community.

“Over the years, the harbourside area has changed beyond recognition. Our intention is to contribute to the successful evolution of the area as a leisure destination with a development that brings something new and exciting to Bristol, whilst also creating much-needed homes for people and independent businesses, as well as green, biodiverse spaces for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s been wonderful to see the way people in Bristol have taken to Wapping Wharf and we hope they will support us on the next leg of our journey.”

Stuart Hatton is managing director of Umberslade, the family-owned property development company behind Wapping Wharf – photo: Martin Booth

Public consultation on the proposals for Wapping Wharf North takes place from June 21 to July 8. Drop-in consultation sessions will be held at CARGO Work on Tuesday and Wednesday, and then an exhibition of the proposals will go on display on hoardings on Museum Street. The consultation will also be available to view at www.wappingwharfnorth.co.uk.

PROPOSALS vs TODAY

The view from Prince Street:

The view down Rope Walk:

The view from Gaol Ferry Steps:

The view from Lloyds Amphitheatre:

All CGIs: Umberslade; all photos: Martin Booth

WHAT DO CARGO TRADERS THINK?

Imogen and Kieran Waite

Kieran, Imogen and Mostyn Waite – photo: Martin Booth

Imogen Waite, co-owner of Gambas, Cargo Cantina and Bakers & Co, said that she and her husband and business partner Kieran “are really excited” about the next stage of plans for Wapping Wharf.

She said: “The Cargo development has been the most amazing adventure for us up to this point and we have every faith that the next chapter will be even better!

“It is great that this will build a permanent thriving home for the many wonderful independent businesses that make our community at Wapping Wharf. It is a really special thing to be a part of.

“The move from shipping container to bricks and mortar site will create an opportunity for us to build a best in class restaurant with carefully thought out design, some pretty unusual features and amazing eco credentials. We can’t wait.”

Alex Hayes

Alex Hayes opened Squeezed in a single container in Cargo 2 before doubling in size at Cargo 1 – photo: Martin Booth

Award-winning burger chef Alex Hayes owns both Squeezed in Cargo 1 and Dog Town in Cargo 2.

“It’s all about perspective,” said Hayes. “Whilst change can be daunting it can also offer excitement and new possibilities. Everything is transient.

“With this in mind, I was bowled over at the the proposal for the future shape of the harbourside. Cargo, in all its manifestations, has had Bristol at the forefront of its mind, and Stuart has always been sensitive to that.

“I believe that this is still at the heart of the project, to create a long term relationship with independent business, homeowners and progressive architecture.

“What happens in the interim is still relatively unknown, timescales can easily shift. How smooth a transition it will be and if current business decide to stay during this time remains to be seen.

“I haven’t worked it out myself yet. But what I do feel is that what is hoping to be achieved will certainly be worth it.”

Tessa Lidstone

Tessa Lidstone owns Box-E on the first floor of Cargo 1 with her husband, Elliott – photo Chloe Edwards

Tessa Lidstone moved back to her home city of Bristol to open Box-E with her husband, Elliott. Since then the pair have created one of Bristol’s most acclaimed restaurants as well as supporting numerous good causes.

“We always knew Cargo had a five-year planning consent so the fact we are still here nearly six years on is a bonus,” Tessa told Bristol24/7.

“We have known about and been included in the new plans for quite some time and have always been told that there will be a place for us in the new development if we would like it.

“We love our two containers and their position, and will be very sad when they are no more. But I think Cargo will always be a magical moment in time, and one that has given so many new small businesses an opportunity.”

Main image: Umberslade

Read more: ‘I knew early on that Wapping Wharf must have independents at its heart’

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