Repairing the fire-damaged Underfall Yard is expected to finish in the summer next year and cost millions of pounds. Bristol City Council is working closely with the trust that runs the yard, on the western end of the harbour, to raise the cash needed for reconstruction.
The fire destroyed workshops and boats in May 2023 and was started by an arsonist who began a job there as maintenance coordinator just three days before. Later that year Robert Boyd-Stevenson, who had previous convictions for arson and bomb hoaxes, was jailed for life.
The whole project is estimated to cost £2.8 million, but the proceeds from insurance only cover £2.1 million. This means the Underfall Yard Trust has to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to make up the shortfall, although they have already raised a “five-figure sum”.
Councillors on the strategy and resources policy committee voted to approve transferring insurance proceeds to the trust on Monday, January 20. They hinted at further news to come shortly about how the council will support the Underfall Yard too.
Labour Councillor Ellie King said: “It was a really devastating event for the city, and it affected a lot of businesses and people personally. It’s quite hopeful to see this coming forward.”
Green Cllr Tony Dyer, leader of the council, added: “It’s not just about the buildings and the structures. At least one individual lost all their equipment, which was largely irreplaceable, and that has essentially ruined their livelihood.
“We’re keen first and foremost to get the Underfall Yard back on its feet again. We’re supporting them in other ways as well, and there’ll be an announcement shortly on one of the ways in which we’ve been trying to support them, including how we can attract footfall.”
The fire-damaged section of the yard has been fenced off and parts are covered in scaffolding, with contractors already working on the extensive repairs. The walkway through the Grade-II listed boatyard reopened in April last year.