Historic shipyard shed reconstruction commences

Efforts have commenced to restore a historic boatyard in Bristol that suffered extensive damage from a 2023 fire. The blaze, caused by repeat arsonist Robert Boyd-Stevenson who is now serving a life sentence, resulted in millions of pounds in destruction at Underfall Yard.

The current phase focuses on rebuilding the yard's central structure, The Big Shed, along with three neighboring workshops. As part of the Big Give Christmas Challenge, all donations received between December 2-9 will be doubled up to 10,000 to support the restoration.

The restoration project is projected to take a year to complete. The Underfall Yard Trust has highlighted the need to raise a total of 100,000 to modernize the boatyard and enhance community engagement through a dedicated community space. Supporters aim to raise 10,000 during this week alone, with contributions matched by Seetru, Reed Foundation, and Wring Group Limited.

Sarah Murray, Director of Underfall Yard Trust, said: "Rebuilding Underfall Yard is about restoring not just the buildings, but the activities inside them. Traditional boatbuilding and maritime skills will return to the heart of the yard. The yard has always meant a lot to the people of Bristol and beyond. We want to bring it back as a fully active boatyard where visitors can experience boatbuilding firsthand."

Since the fire, the Shipwrights' building has already been reconstructed, allowing boatbuilding company Star Yachts to resume operations at the site. The visitor centre reopened in 2024, welcoming the public back to the yard.

The full restoration of the 19th-century site is estimated to cost 2.6 million. The Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK's largest match funding campaign, raised over 44.7 million for 1,267 charities in 2024.

The Underfall Yard restoration is expected to be completed in 2025, bringing the historic site back to life and ready to host community events and markets once again.

Author: Sophia Brooks