Wapping Wharf plans back on track after winning share of £46 million
A HARBOURSIDE development halted by the recession is set to be revived by a multi-million-pound grant from the government.
The Wapping Wharf project between the New Cut and the Floating Harbour next to the M shed museum has stood empty since 2008, when the land was cleared to make way for hundreds of homes, a hotel and shops and cafes.
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Wapping Wharf as it looks today
Then the recession hit the UK economy and, like so many big building projects, Wapping Wharf was put on the back burner. It is currently used as a car park.
But yesterday the project, which would create 175 new homes and retail and leisure space, was revealed as one of 18 successful bidders for a share of a £46-million fund to "unlock" the development.
Also on the list of successful bidders was phase two of the Locking Parklands development at the former RAF Locking in Weston-super-Mare, which is expected to create 140 new homes.
The former RAF camp – now Locking Parklands – is being redeveloped by St Modwen on behalf of the Homes and Communities Agency.
Plans for the 200-acre site include up to 1,500 new homes, a library, school and a £50-million indoor ski slope.
The Get Britain Building fund was first announced by David Cameron in November. It aims to restart work on sites that already have planning permission, after a number of major schemes were frozen during the credit crunch due to a lack of finance. Around 170 bids from developers have been received to date.
It is not known how much of the cash will be awarded to each of the 18 successful projects, announced yesterday by the Homes and Communities Agency.
The finance is expected to include loans or the government taking equity shares in developments to spread the risk.
The managing director of developer Wapping Wharf Umberslade Ltd, Stuart Hatton, said: "We are going to start Wapping Wharf in May this year."
The government scheme will allow the developer to access the cash needed to complete phase one of the scheme.
It includes a pedestrian walkway, which will be lined with shops, linking Cumberland Road and the M shed, and a new public square which will link up with the city's planned bus rapid transit network.
Negotiations are now once again taking place between the city council and the developer and a detailed planning application is being prepared, with Mr Hatton hoping to receive the final go-ahead in June.
But with outline planning permission previously secured, ground work will begin in May, with the main building starting towards the end of the year.
Mr Hatton said: "It's a tremendous story for Bristol, for Wapping Wharf and for us.
"We are delighted and there has been a lot of support from the local authority and the Homes and Communities Agency. Everyone has worked together."
22 Comments
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by Spiggett
Friday, February 03 2012, 9:26AM
“Prime City Centre land should be for public use, not for yet more Yuppie flats...”
by Tim_M
Thursday, February 02 2012, 11:05PM
“@DockLobster: "Finally! It was impossible before... [to walk and cycle straight from Gaol Ferry Bridge to Prince St. Bridge]" - heh, well of course it was *possible*, but it's neither a particularly pleasant nor safe walk or ride along Cumberland Basin, the mini roundabout and Wapping Rd. And it's longer than a more direct route through the development. And is it really necessary to insult people you disagree with about some miniscule detail?”
by Tim_M
Thursday, February 02 2012, 10:55PM
“@SpinyHedgehog: if you had read my entire comment, you would have found that I'm very aware of the fact that BRT is not the same as light rail. However, the comment I was responding to asked whether provision was made for a light rail route, and the fact is that provisions are made - the drawings in the master plan even show light rail trams rather than busses! I would prefer light rail over BRT as well, but the original commenter was mistaken, and the BRT corridor will be able to accomodate light rail as well should Bristol ever manage to come up with enough money to upgrade the BRT. And anyway, it's hardly the responsibility of a building project like this to solve Bristol's transport problems, the important thing is that all options are kept open for the future, and that is the case.”
by Banjo9
Thursday, February 02 2012, 9:39PM
“The First 10-11 Comments have said it all for me absolutely ......SPOT ON ! every single issue has been covered.
So the Speculators Better look after that HISTORIC PRISON ! surely a protection order or A-listing certificate has been issued to these GREED MERCHANTS who give you nothing in return of value!
and yet make a fortune.”
by DockLobster
Thursday, February 02 2012, 5:59PM
“"People will finally be able to walk and cycle straight from Gaol Ferry Bridge to Prince St. Bridge"
Finally! It was impossible before...
Corporate brown noser award 2012 goes to Tim M...”
by bluecamel
Thursday, February 02 2012, 5:15PM
“How about building the Concert arena we were promised !!!!!!!!!”
by SpinyHedgehog
Thursday, February 02 2012, 4:49PM
“@Tim_M
"@Magrathea2011: "Any plans to reserve space for a light rail transport route - I thought not." - there are two BRT routes that go right next to the development, "
Hate to rain on your parade, but BRT is not light rail - it's a bus route, For Hedgehog's Sake!”
by DazzyBoy
Thursday, February 02 2012, 4:38PM
“Why not build a new Ice Rink on this land or even put Concorde in a glass museum. I know why people will say Concorde should stay at Filton, but as a tourist attraction it will generate more visitors and more money if a central location.
Bristol does not need is more flats and shops on a prime piece of city centre land, please lets be more imaginative!!”
by Spiggett
Thursday, February 02 2012, 3:47PM
“No, in this back-to-front City people LIVE in the Centre and commute to the outskirts for work and entertainment...”
by Robthepoor
Thursday, February 02 2012, 3:05PM
“I'm not sure a football club would fit but it would be cracking site for an arena!!”