Harbourside development in doubt amid lack of funds

The future of a long-stalled harbourside development is in doubt after funding for the site fell through.

Under the proposals, 45 flats, offices and restaurants were set to be built at Redcliffe Wharf, based near Temple Meads train station.

Bristol City Council gave £516,000 to the developers in 2022 to spend on preparing the site. But now the developers have confirmed they are unable to fund the scheme.

Council leaders have said all options "are on the table" when deciding the site's future.

The empty plot of land, next to Redcliffe Caves and the Redcliffe Bascule Bridge, used to be home to a boat building firm, and then BUMP Rollerdisco.

Councillor Kye Dudd told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that issues with developing the site have been going on for almost a decade.

"This is a very important site. We've clearly got a partner here who's failed to deliver and now it looks like they're not in a position to deliver any more," he said.

The council entered into a legal agreement with the developer in 2015.

Planning permission was granted in April 2021 for 45 flats, almost 6,000 sq m (64,583 sq ft) of offices, restaurants, and 12 new moorings.

In 2022, the council paid more than half a million pounds to help the developers relocate a Victorian water main for demolition and remediation work.

Council leader Tony Dyer said the local authority has "16,000 homes with planning permission in the city".

"But there are quite a few like these, which are not coming forward," he said.

"All the options are on the table."

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