Stone BCI - Set to bring Underfall Yard back to life.

Underfall Yard Rebuild of fire-hit Bristol boatyard dating back to 1800s set for December start

By Ben Butler from Insider Media

Rebuild of fire-hit Bristol boatyard dating back to 1800s set for December start Underfall Big Shed door

A rebuild of a historic fire-hit boatyard in a Bristol neighbourhood is set to start in December. The Big Shed rebuild, alongside its three neighbouring workshops, is the final step to fully restore Underfall Yard in Spike Island following a fire in May 2023. The Big Shed is one of the flagship building of the yard, which was constructed in 1809. The Underfall Yard Trust will use one of the reinstated workshops to deliver new public engagement and education programmes centred on boatbuilding. To achieve this the trust still needs to raise the final £100,000 to ensure the unique 19th century site is suitable for 21st century uses.

Stone BCI, who repaired the Shipwright's building earlier this year, has been awarded the building contract. The design team will include Alec French Architects, MDA Consulting, Max Fordham and Stantec. Sarah Murray, director of Underfall Yard Trust, said: "The support from across Bristol and beyond has been overwhelming.  We couldn’t be at this point without everyone who has stood with us during this challenging time and no amount of "thank yous" will ever be enough.  

"We know that the whole of Bristol is right there with us, wanting nothing more than for Underfall Yard to return to a proper, working boatyard. We’re really down to the final push now and we know that, together, we can achieve the rebuild of Underfall Yard."

Stuart Jones from Stone BCI said: "Working with the team on The Shipwrights’ opened our eyes to just how important the Yard is to Bristolians. We are honoured to be able to come back and finish the job by rebuilding the rest of the Yard’s workshops that were damaged in the fire.  This rebuild will return the Yard to its rightful place at the heart of boatbuilding in Bristol."

Maurice King, project lead at Alec French Architects, said: "Underfall Yard is one of – if not the – last remaining complete Victorian Docks Maintenance Facilities in the world.  The architectural significance is recognised through their Scheduled Monument status – giving them the same standing as sites like Stonehenge. 

"It is vital that Bristol’s heritage is recognised and protected and we are delighted to have worked with the team to ensure the Yard is returned as we all remember it."

The Recovery and Reinstatement Project has been supported by various grants and donations. Underfall Yard, the Visitor Centre, Underfall Cafe and all Yard businesses, throughout the works, will remain open to visitors and customers. Underfall Cafe purchases directly support the work of Underfall Yard Trust. 

A Underfall Yard Trust JustGiving page has also been set up.