Historic boatyard confident for 2025 re-launch

The yard was destroyed in an arson attack in 2023

A historic shipbuilding yard plans to partially re-open in February after it was badly damaged in an arson attack.

Millions of pounds' worth of damage was caused to Underfall Yard in Bristol when a blaze spread through three buildings and six boats.

"We want to build something people are proud of," said James Durie, chair of the yard's trustees.

The visitor centre, walkway and cafe re-opened earlier this year, but owners hope to re-launch the shipwright's main building by February.

Robert Boyd-Stevenson, a serial arsonist who started the fire, was jailed last year for life.

He had been working at the boatyard for three days as a maintenance coordinator when he lit the fire in 2023.

Where possible, the yard's owners are trying to reuse as much of the original materials from the original building.

Steve Sandle, foreman in charge of the renovations, said: "It's a considerable job and a messy job because of the fire.

"Everything is smoke damaged and brittle.

"We're stripping out quite a lot but there's a few months still to go yet before it's finished, but we're on track for completion next year."

Director of the Underfall Yard Trust Sarah Murray said the yard was 'moving on' from the fire

Director of the Underfall Yard Trust Sarah Murray said she "couldn't wait to see the yard restored".

"It was horrendous when the fire happened, and thankfully we're moving on.

"Donations rolled in from individuals, businesses and community groups, and we're going through our insurance company too.

"The vital roof repairs are an important step on us for the road to recovery," she said.

'Humbling' response

Mr Durie said the city had rallied round the rebuilding efforts.

"The rebuild of the main shed will take a few years.

"There's a lot of costs involved before we even start building, and we will need to raise more money.

"We don't want to hide the fact we had a fire, but we want to build a place that the whole of Bristol can enjoy, and the response has been humbling," he said.