News / underfall yard
‘Final push’ to rebuild fire-hit boatyard
The custodians of the Underfall Yard say they are one step closer to returning the historic asset to its former glory following a devastating arson attack.
Work is set to begin in December to restore the Big Shed, one of three properties that were incinerated in the blaze which broke out on May 6, 2023.
The plan is to maintain the original look and scale of the building and workshops, while bringing them to modern standards required for a working boatyard.
is needed now More than ever
One of the reinstated workshops will be used to deliver new public engagement and education programmes centred on boatbuilding.
But the Underfall Yard Trust said it still needs to raise £100,000 for the “final push” to modernise the 19th-century site.
The Big Shed was the green building that displayed the distinctive Underfall Yard lettering – photo: Underfall Yard Trust
Millions of pounds’ worth of damage was caused to Underfall Yard when a blaze spread through three buildings and six boats.
Proceeds from insurance only covered £2.1m, meaning the Underfall Yard Trust has been forced to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to make up the shortfall.
Director of the charity Sarah Murray says the support from Bristol so far 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,” she says.
“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.”
Artist impressions show what the largest building at the site will look like following its restoration – image: Alec French
Having restored the Shipwrights building, Stuart Jones from Stone BCI says the company is “honored” to return to the site to take on the latest project.
“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.”
To donate to the Underfall Yard Trust visit www.justgiving.com/charity/theunderfallyardtrust
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
Read next:
- Boatbuilders return to Underfall Yard
- £100,000 donation sees Underfall Yard near 50% of fundraising target
- Blacksmith ‘still suffering consequences’ after Underfall Yard fire
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