Work has begun on rebuilding workshops at the the UK’s historic Underfall Yard following a devastating arson attack in 2023.
The Underfall Yard Trust which manages and maintains the site has so far achieved the restoration of its Shipwrights’ building and brought boatbuilding firm Star Yachts, builder and restorer of modern classic boats, back to the Yard after it was forced to move following the fire.
The Trust still needs to raise £100,000 to incorporate improvements to meet modern boatbuilding needs and improve its community engagement works and is currently carrying out fundraising efforts towards its Recovery and Reinstatement Project.
The latest stage of rebuilding work is set to take around 12-months and will see the boatyard’s flagship building, the Big Shed, and its three adjoining workshops rebuilt to their original look and with materials appropriate to their historic origin.
Traditional boatbuilding and maritime skills will once again be at the heart of the Yard.
Sarah Murray
Work will also be carried out to improve the buildings to suit modern boatbuilding needs such as through updated electrical services and the addition of doors.
In addition, one of the sheds will be converted into an educational space focussed on boatbuilding and traditional maritime skills such as rope-making.
“Rebuilding Underfall Yard brings the buildings we know and love back to Bristol but, more than that, it is about what happens in the buildings,” said Sarah Murray, director of Underfall Yard Trust.
“Traditional boatbuilding and maritime skills will once again be at the heart of the Yard.”
She continued: “We know how much the Yard means to the people of Bristol and beyond; we want nothing more than to be back to full strength as a working boatyard where visitors can see, hear and smell boatbuilding in action.”
Underfall Yard’s Big Shed, workshops and six boats were destroyed in an arson attack in May 2023.
Underfall Yard dates back to 1809 when its Floating Harbour was created. In the 1880s, the yard was used as a site for the workforce that maintained the city docks.
It is one of the only surviving Victorian dock workshops in the world.
Underfall Yard is currently home to maritime businesses involved in boatbuilding, marine engineering, metal working and training.
The Yard is managed and maintained by independent charity the Underfall Yard Trust
The site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, with Grade II and II* listed buildings.
The arson arrack destroyed the Yard’s Big Shed, workshops and six boats were also destroyed.
