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

I knew from very early on – and we’re going back 17 odd years now since we acquired the site that is now home to Wapping Wharf – that the vision for the area, then derelict, must have independents at its heart. We could have pulled in higher rents from the big multiples, but we made a conscious decision not to; we knew that with independents you get drive, passion and uniqueness that you can’t find elsewhere.

There are other key advantages to situating independent businesses together in this way, such as combining waste collection. Everything from food waste to cardboard and glass recycling and general refuse is dealt with collectively making it far more efficient and sustainable.

This is a place that’s not only reflects the fierce independent spirit for which Bristol is well known, but also creates a place that offers something really special for the public. It’s safe to say that the eclectic mix of independent shops, restaurants, cafés and other businesses that call Wapping Wharf their home have more than delivered on that expectation.

The enormous challenges that the coronavirus pandemic have brought for the retail and hospitality sectors have only clearly highlighted their ability to innovate and adapt in response to evolving consumer habits, not to mention, major regulatory changes.

Stuart Hutton is managing director of Umberslade, developer of Wapping Wharf. Photo: Wapping Wharf

From launching new websites and online services to partnering up with local delivery companies, from starting up click and collect services to creating new subscription services, and of course numerous measures to keep staff and customers safe, businesses at Wapping Wharf, and across Bristol, have certainly put in the hard graft.

Some examples of this around the city include the #WeAreBS3 website which mobilised quickly during the lockdown, and out of the lockdown came a number of maps available online to navigate some of Bristol’s brilliant independent retailers – such as the Bristol Independent Deliveries’ interactive map, which includes businesses that deliver food.

Other great websites include The Lockdown Economy, Bristol Food Union’s resources and the Bristol Pantry also connects Bristol food lovers direct to producers. Bristol has one of the most exciting food scenes in the UK and by supporting local businesses in these difficult, uncertain times we can ensure that they continue to thrive in the future.

So even during this second national lockdown, there are plenty of easy ways to shop local without needing to physically go into a store – and you can benefit from these when restrictions ease in the future too. Clifton Seafood Company at Wapping Wharf offers local delivery so fresh fish and seafood can be delivered straight to your door.

Wapping Wharf in August 2020, between lockdowns. Photo: Martin Booth

You can even order a subscription from Meat Box situated next door to get pasture-fed organic meat delivered to you regularly. There are so many alternatives to using supermarkets – now even more so than ever, not just at Wapping Wharf, but across Bristol; for example, box schemes like The Community Farm or Sims Hill, and farmers’ markets are an excellent source of fresh, local produce.

As the Bristol Going for Gold campaign highlights, Bristol has come a long way in changing the way it grows, buys and produces food – but there is still plenty more we can do. So, why should we change our ways? Buying local has many benefits, keeping money in the local economy which supports our communities, and there are fewer miles and lower carbon emissions in transporting food from field to plate.

As the pandemic has showed us, there is also an inherent risk in relying only on supermarkets. We need a wider range of options for where we can all buy nutritious food. Also, smaller scale food producers need alternatives to supermarkets in order to get their products to us and thrive as businesses. Retail diversity brings mutual benefits.

The community spirit that exists among independents is also second to none; certainly from what I’ve experienced at Wapping Wharf and more widely in Bristol, they can make positive change happen in a way that really makes a difference – and fast!

Wapping Wharf easter egg trail, back in April 2020. Photo: Jon Craig Photos

I have been so impressed by the work done by Bristol Food Union, which has seen restaurants, food businesses and community organisations come together to support the city council’s emergency food provision during the Covid-19 crisis.

They created secure production kitchens in closed restaurants around the city; they supported Caring in Bristol to feed 500 homeless people each day; provided meals for the vulnerable in the Chew Valley area; delivered weekly food provisions to vulnerable adults who have recently left the foster-care system… the list goes on! And with a second national lockdown underway, they have swung into action once again…

This just goes to show what smaller scale businesses are made of and that supporting them also has a direct positive impact on the wider communities within which we live. At Wapping Wharf, it’s always been very important to me to ensure the mix of businesses we have there complement one another.

I’m proud that we continue to achieve that diversity as I believe this makes for a thriving eco-system where everyone has a chance to succeed. The independent retail scene in Bristol reflects this in many ways, meaning there are so many different routes we can take to shop local – let’s follow the excellent example of our independents and use this opportunity to make positive change happen.

Main image: Wapping Wharf (for illustrative purposes only)

Read more: Lockdown 2.0 diaries: BS1 – Harbourside, Old City and Wapping Wharf