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 19^th century, Grade II listed Gaol Gate, which now marks a new public entrance to Wapping Wharf.

 Image: Bristol Gaol Gate at Wapping Wharf at night CREDIT Jon Craig Photos

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.

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.

Known for its eclectic array of independent shops, restaurants and cafes, Wapping Wharf has become an integral part of the city's food and drink scene over the last few years. Wapping Wharf, which was recently named best address on Bristol's harbourside in the Sunday Times' Best Places to Live guide, is also home to CARGO, a popular retail hub made of converted shipping containers.

A new Wapping Wharf Living 3-bedroom show home, one of the completed apartments within the development, has just launched. Visits are strictly by appointment only. Many of the homes at Wapping Wharf Living are ready to move into.

The aim at Wapping Wharf is to create a mixed community of people from different walks and stages of life, so across the whole development, homes are being offered on a range of tenures, including open market sale and rent, shared ownership, as well as affordable and social rent. In the current phase of construction, there are 256 homes in total: 163 for open market sale, 49 shared ownership and 44 for private rent. A further 81 affordable homes will also be created as part of a future phase of construction.

Wapping Wharf Living is being developed by family-owned developer Umberslade and national urban regenerator, Muse Developments, in a joint venture. Housed in two buildings called Abel Yard and Hope Quay, with five and six floors respectively, the second phase of Wapping Wharf Living includes one, two and three-bed apartments and penthouses.

The exterior has an industrial wharf-like character, in keeping with the historic dockside location and the phase one design. Many have balconies or terraces overlooking the street scenes or internal garden courtyards. The award-winning homes are designed by architects, Alec French, who also designed the first phase of homes at Wapping Wharf.

Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start from £257,500; a two-bedroom apartment from £385,000; and a three-bedroom apartment from £550,000. Enquiries can be made to sales@wappingwharfliving.co.uk  or by calling 0117 363 7839, or you can register your interest at http://wappingwharfliving.co.uk/contact.