Boatyard restoration work begins after arson attack

The restoration work follows the re-opening of the boatyard to visitors in April

Restoration works are set to begin at a historic boatyard, which was badly damaged in an arson attack.

The Shipwrights building at Bristol's Underfall Yard was one of three properties incinerated in the blaze, which broke out on 6 May 2023.

Workers will now repair the building's roof and reinstate a workshop for boatbuilding.

Bristol's Stone BCI will carry out the work, its managing director Stuart Jones said: “This building is a real slice of history, and we look forward to renovating such an important part of Bristol’s harbourside."

Serial arsonist Robert Boyd-Stevenson, 46, was jailed for life after starting the blaze at Underfall Yard. The blaze destroyed the shed, boats and led to local residents being evacuated.

Rebuilding the historic yard has been estimated to cost £2.6m and take three years to complete. The site's visitor centre re-opened to the public earlier this year.

The Shipwrights building, pictured here before the blaze, is used as a workshop for building and repairing boats

A spokesperson for the Underfall Yard Trust said: "Restoring the Shipwrights building will see Underfall Yard reinstated as a workshop for boatbuilders, marking the latest milestone in the journey to return the site to its original function as a thriving boatyard."

The yard will remain open to visitors while work is carried out.

Other restoration works that Stone BCI has completed across Bristol include the Wills Memorial Building, Thornbury Castle, and Beacon Tower.