Still no date to reopen bridge

Bristol the council initially said the bridge project would take six to nine months to complete – implying a range of February 2023 to May 2023 for its target reopening. go but that’s all part of the rich tapestry of Cargo. That’s part of its success that we give people a go and they can go off and do other things.” plant-based produce grows in Bristol and across the UK.

Another major change looming over Wapping Wharf is the proposal to remove the shipping containers completely and make way for a permanent 12-storey building. Co-owner of the Bristol Cheesemonger, Jenny Smith, previously said that the shop and many others in Cargo welcomed the redevelopment if it meant more space for businesses to expand.

The developers that own Wapping Wharf have spoken out asking the public to continue to support the independent businesses despite the closure of Gaol Ferry Bridge. Umberslade, the owners of Cargo and other retail and property units in the neighbourhood, has said there is a list of prospective tenants waiting to move into the empty containers.

Director Stuart Hatton, has said it’s “business as usual” and the closures are “unrelated” to the footbridge. The familyrun business set up almost two decades ago has said that safeguarding the fiercely independent scene in Bristol remains at the core of the development.

He added: “They have left for perfectly good reasons and the others are fighting,” he said. “Cargo is all about starting up businesses. We’ve had people come and in December a council spokesperson said: “We’ll be in a position to give a forecasted completion date once all high-risk elements of the bridge have been fully investigated and repaired or replaced.” this includes the complete structural steel repairs; phased repainting of the bridge; installing a new decking system and removing the scaffolding that surrounds the bridge. it also has to cover a section of the bridge with an environmental wrap to stop paint and other pollutants getting into the river for phased grit blasting to remove corrosion.

The planned new development, Wapping Wharf North, is designed to build on the existing success and special character of the neighbourhood, home to some 1,000 residents already. The designs aim to create a “bold, innovative centrepiece” for Wapping Wharf, with new homes, shops, restaurants, takeaways and workspaces to complete this newly created community on Bristol’s Harbourside.

Forming this centrepiece will be a striking new landmark building with cascading plant-filled terraces fronting Museum Square and facing Bristol’s Harbourside. The top two floors will include a double-height rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Bristol.

When the plans were revealed last year Mr Hatton said it “was always going to be a bit contentious” with the shipping containers having been such a great success.

Earlier this month the council said that it had stripped out bridge decking and timber bearers; surveyed the steel structure of the bridge to determine its condition; designed the scope and extent of repairs; replaced steel stiffeners and bolts and gained approval from designers of the extent and nature of repairs.

However, substantial work remains to be done.