Historic Bristol boatyard announces major rebuild milestone after devastating fire
A historic boatyard in Bristol has announced a major rebuild milestone after it was hit by a devastating fire in May 2023.
Underfall Yard will see building works to its flagship building ‘The Big Shed’ and adjoining workshops commence in December 2025, the trust which runs the site has said.
The trust said it will use one of the reinstated workshops to deliver new public engagement and education programmes centred on boatbuilding.
To achieve this, it said it still needs to raise a final £100,000 to ensure the 19th-century site is suitable for 21st-century uses.
Sarah Murray, director of Underfall Yard Trust, told BristolWorld the support from across Bristol and beyond has been “overwhelming”.
She said: “We couldn’t be at this point without everyone who has stood with us during this challenging time and no amount of “thank yous” will ever be enough.
“We know that the whole of Bristol is right there with us, wanting nothing more than for Underfall Yard to return to a proper, working boatyard.
“We’re really down to the final push now and we know that, together, we can achieve the rebuild of Underfall Yard.”
Throughout the works, Underfall Yard, the Visitor Centre, Underfall Cafe and all Yard businesses will remain open to visitors and customers. All purchases through Underfall Cafe directly support the work of Underfall Yard Trust.
To donate to The Underfall Yard Trust and to find more information about the progress of the Recovery and Reinstatement Project, please visit its dedicated JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/charity/theunderfallyardtrust.