Restoration of historic Bristol Gaol Gate complete, marking new public entrance to Wapping Wharf
The finishing touches have been made as part of work to carefully restore Bristol's early 19th century, Grade II listed Gaol Gate, which now marks a new public entrance to Wapping Wharf. This comes as construction works on phase two of Wapping Wharf, a much-loved new neighbourhood on Bristol's harbourside, near completion, with the first residents having already started to move into the new apartments being created. Over 85% of the 163 private sale homes, known as Wapping Wharf Living, have now been snapped up (some are subject to contract). Wapping Wharf is nestled in a part of the city with a fascinating history, which includes long association with ship building as well as the site being home to the last remaining elements of Bristol's New Gaol, which was built in 1816. New images show the historic Gaol Gate now that its restoration is complete, with the striking structure lit internally at night - an important milestone in the continued regeneration of this significant city centre site. The Gaol Gate will also be the home of a new piece of artwork by artist Juliet Haysom, commissioned by Ginkgo, to be installed at a later date. 6
Stuart Hatton, managing director at Umberslade, the developer of Wapping Wharf, said: "We are very pleased to have reached this important milestone in the creation of Wapping Wharf phase two, where striking architecture both new and old come together. Extensive work has gone into the careful restoration of the historic Gaol Gate and we are thrilled that it can now welcome people through from Cumberland Road into the neighbourhood. It's been wonderful to see Wapping Wharf receive such a warm welcome from the city these past years and we are excited its next chapter is now coming to fruition." Patterns illustrating the footprint of the original gaol, which had a central building with radiating wings, can be seen in the ground as you walk through gaol gate down The Gateway, the name given to the new pedestrian street running between Hope Quay and Abel Yard, the two new buildings that form phase 2 of Wapping Wharf Living. The Gateway joins Rope Walk which runs in front of the buildings and connects to Gaol Ferry Steps, the existing tree-lined thoroughfare through phase one of the Wapping Wharf neighbourhood.
