Wapping Wharf has quickly become Bristol’s number-one foodie destination since the CARGO containers opened seven years ago. From tasty tacos by Cargo Cantina, fresh pasta at Magari and the veg-led revolution at Root, there’s been no end to fabulous food spots found down here.
It’s not all about food either: grab a refreshing drink from The Cider Box, a good book from Bookhaus or some stinky blue from The Bristol Cheesemonger. Plus, so much more! And with the reopening of Gaol Ferry Bridge approaching, we’re excited to see the area thriving again. But change could be afoot in the area once more.
New and revised plans for Wapping Wharf North have been resubmitted to Bristol City Council. Last year, the owners, Umberslade, submitted plans for a redevelopment of the area. Including removing the CARGO containers and replacing them with a 12-storey high permanent building. Alongside new flats, shops, restaurants, takeaways, a market hall and workspaces.
Umberslade’s plans were widely criticised at the time, especially because of the height of these new buildings. But the Wapping Wharf owners have since revised these plans after taking on locals’ concerns and feedback. These scaled-back designs still include the original ‘landmark’ building but it has been reduced to a 10-storey height.
Next to it, a six-storey terrace of restaurants will overlook the harbour. Big enough to house loads more new restaurants and bars. While further along, a new CARGO hall, with an indoor food and produce market, will continue Wapping Wharf’s growth as Bristol’s leading foodie hotspot.
Other plans for Wapping Wharf North include 245 new homes, of which 20% will be ‘affordable’, and a new flexible workspace. These revised, computer-generated images also show some differences in design too. The new CARGO buildings now aim “to reflect the character of the existing shipping containers”.
The site will be built in two phases. Phase one (blocks 1, 2 and 3) will include the new home for CARGO and around half of the new homes. While phase two (blocks 4 and 5) will include the flexible workspace and remaining homes. To learn more about the developments at Wapping Wharf North head here.