Wapping Wharf phase two gets go-ahead

Now a vibrant staple of Bristol’s foodie scene, the Wapping Wharf regeneration project is set to expand with the development of another 256 residential apartments.

The £43m reconstruction works on the formerly derelict harbourside area are set to start in May this year after developers secured funding support from Homes England, to the tune of £23.4m.

Wapping Wharf Living, a joint venture between Umberslade and Muse, will see two residential blocks built, providing 256 new one, two and three-bedroom homes.

While an additional 81 affordable homes are promised for the site, these are not part of the same contract.

Commenting on the matter, Stuart Hatton, director at Umberslade, said: “25 per cent of the homes we are creating across the whole Wapping Wharf development will be affordable, including 81 affordable homes as part of phase two.

“We are currently negotiating with a social housing provider to deliver these, which will be immediately after the main building contract with Balfour Beatty. In phase one, we delivered the affordable homes first, but this is a huge and complex project, and the delivery needs to be carefully phased.”

The site as it currently stands

The early 19th Century, Grade-II listed Gaol Gate and Gaol wall structures, which have already been stabilised, will act as a pedestrian feature entrance to the new development, which the developers say will reflect the history and character of the area.

The historic arch structures will be incorporated into the design

There will also be another four retail units to add to the thriving cluster of independents currently in residence in the former shipping cargo containers.

Stuart Hatton

Hatton added: “It’s very exciting to be able to embark on the next phase of building the community at Wapping Wharf and it’s thanks to an enormous amount of hard work from all of our partners that we’re now able to give this the go-ahead.

“We’re delighted with the way that Bristol has welcomed Wapping Wharf and that we can take another step in transforming this once-derelict site into a thriving neighbourhood for the city.”

Most of the one, two and three-bedroom apartments will be offered for sale on the open market, with 93 being sold to Sovereign Housing for private rent and shared ownership housing.

Work will also include the creation of ground level car parking, bicycle storage and landscaping for the new homes.

The funding support that has made the project possible comes from Homes England’s Home Building Fund, which provides loans to help unlock or accelerate the delivery of residential and mixed-use housing developments.

The developers have also appointed international infrastructure company Balfour Beatty to build this phase of the regeneration scheme.

An artists’ impression of the new development

Duncan Cumberland, residential development director at Muse Developments, said: “We are delighted to be moving forward with phase two of Wapping Wharf and replicate the funding structures with Homes England and Sovereign Housing that were so successful on phase one.

“Once again, Muse has brought its funding and regeneration expertise to the table, to play our part in creating a vibrant, new community in Bristol, and look forward to working with our partners once more.”

Nick Walkley, chief executive of Homes England, added: “Homes England is hugely excited by the potential for new homes in Bristol and we want to use our finance and expertise to speed up the delivery of new homes.”

Construction works on phase two are expected to complete in 2020. At the peak stages of construction, the programme will employ over 250 people, including multiple apprenticeship and graduate positions.

The new homes are set to come on the market in 2019 and prospective buyers are invited to register interest online.

Read more: Exploring Wapping Wharf