News / Development
New contractor found for abandoned south Bristol tower
Work is set to restart on a tower after the company building it went bust and left it unfinished.
The Boatyard sits on Bath Road in Totterdown and was nearing completion when its developers Mid Group went into administration in July.
Its collapse left 37 workers redundant, buildings empty and the development’s future unclear.
is needed now More than ever
Nearly three months later, a new contractor has been found to complete the project comprising shared ownership and ‘affordable’ homes, including a 17-storey tower and two accompanying buildings.
When planning permission for the Boatyard was applied for in 2019, it was met with fierce opposition from residents who were concerned about the building’s height and scale.
Over 100 complaints were lodged against the proposed mixed-use development on a vacant former Esso petrol station by Totterdown Bridge, with one respondent branding the tower a “monstrosity” and Bristol Civic Society raising safety fears about it.
It was sold to London-based housing association Clarion Housing Group after it was granted permission.
But Mid Group announced its collapse in July, leaving employees jobless and the development of 152 apartments stopped in its tracks.
Richard Cook, group development director for Clarion Housing Group, said at the time: “We were saddened about the news relating to Mid Group.
“While it will mean a delay to the works, we are firmly committed to completing our Boatyard project on Bath Road and delivering vital affordable housing in Bristol.”
Message on Nextdoor from @AndrewJVarney @josclark6 – Thank you!
“We are pleased to report that a new contractor has been found to complete the work on the Boatyard development at Totterdown Bridge, following the collapse of the previous contractors.@Totterdown_ @paintworks_
1/3 pic.twitter.com/amtYogIbEw— TRESA (@TRESAcic) October 3, 2022
Now a new building firm has been found and work could be starting in a matter of months.
Andrew Varney, Lib Dem councillor for Brislington West ward, was opposed the building in the first place but said: “We are pleased to report that a new contractor has been found to complete the work on the Boatyard development at Totterdown Bridge, following the collapse of the previous contractors.
“The new team will be taking on the site from today to manage the health and safety aspects and to do all the necessary surveys. This means that work is likely to be restarting in the next 8 or so weeks.
“We have asked Clarion Housing to prioritise the removal of the cranes and the reinstatement of the footpath, bus lane and cycle path. Clarion are currently in talks with the crane company to take one crane down, which will need a full assessment and probably a road closure.”
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
Read more:
- 15-storey tower among plans for 160 new homes in Totterdown
- Housing development will block Bristol’s views of ‘iconic’ colourful houses, say residents
- Replica of Bristol Castle to be centrepiece of new high-rise ‘Castle Quarter’
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