OUR COMMUNITY

OUR ETHOS

An independent place for everyone to live, work, eat drinkand enjoy.

We believe in giving businesses the opportunity to establish themselves within Bristol's independent landscape, and over the years have seen businesses establish, grow and go on to thrive both at Wapping Wharf and beyond. Bristol's independent spirit is what's seen it named in countless lists as one of the best places to live in the UK, and it's something we're committed to preserve and promote at Wapping Wharf.

Supporting the wider Bristol community is also something we're passionate about, and over the years have supported numerous local charities and initiatives, such as Bristol 24/7's Better Bristol campaign, Bedminster Lantern Parade, Bristol Museums and Food Connections to name but a few.

We're also home to a Tap for Bristol donation point, located in the window of Better Food on Gaol Ferry Steps. The initiative raises money to support Bristol's homeless, specifically through crisis support and prevention work with Caring for Bristol and Bristol City Centre BID.

BRISTOL'S BEST INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY

Proudly 100% independent since 2016.

Since Wapping Wharf opened in 2016, we've been committed to being a space for independent businesses to grow and thrive.

Every single one of our bars, restaurants, shops and small businesses is proudly independent, and it's their passion and love for what they do that makes our community so special.

A thriving community for the future.

Our vision for Wapping Wharf is to grow our community, bringing even more space to live, work and visit to our corner of the city.

We have now submitted planning applications for the final stages of development at Wapping Wharf North, designed to build on the existing success and special character of our neighbourhood, creating a bold, innovative centrepiece with new homes, retail and commercial space to complete this much-loved community on Bristol's harbourside.

OUR VISION

HISTORY

From historical hub to one of Bristol's most thriving independent communities...

Wapping Wharf has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when it became the site of shipyards and a dry dock. When Bristol’s merchants developed Queen Square around 1700, its shipyards were displaced to Wapping Wharf, marking the start of the area’s long association with ship building. By 1742 there was a dry dock on the site of today’s M Shed museum.

The area flourished as the most important shipyard in the city, and later saw the development of the New Cut waterway and the construction of the gaol and several warehouse buildings. Today, some of the original structures, such as Fairbairn steam crane, and Prince Street hydraulic swing bridge, are still in working order. The New Gaol, elements of which are still apparent at Wapping Wharf, and have been retained as part of our Cargo Work development, was commissioned in 1816 and took its first inmates in 1820. The gaol closed in 1883, and the ruins were gradually removed and the ground levelled for rail yards and buildings. The gatehouse is all that remains.

The area has evolved over time to become a cultural and industrial hub, including the opening of the M Shed museum in 2011 and in 2016 Wapping Wharf was opened, bringing together our amazing community of restaurants, bars shops, lifestyle businesses and residential apartments.

A community for the future.

The initial phases of Wapping Wharf are now complete and our neighbourhood is now home to around 1,000 people and 45 independent shops, bars and eateries, which give the area its unique character and foster a strong sense of community. We have recently completed our new office space CARGO Work and are underway on developing over 80 affordable homes for Sovereign Housing Association.

We are now looking ahead to the final stages of the neighbourhood at Wapping Wharf North. Over the past two years, we have consulted widely with our CARGO traders, stakeholders including heritage bodies, the local community and wider public on our proposals. Our design team has carefully considered all the feedback and made changes to our plans before submitting planning applications to Bristol City Council. You can view the planning applications and give feedback by searching on the words ‘Wapping Wharf’ on the link here. If you like the plans, we would value your support.

PROGRESS