New plans submitted for expansion of Wapping Wharf's CARGO following its success

Plans have been submitted for the expansion of CARGO at Bristol's much-loved Wapping Wharf neighbourhood, to include space for four new restaurants or retail units and a gym.

The planning application submitted by Wapping Wharf developer Umberslade to Bristol City Council would see the arrival of CARGO 3, comprising four units between NEXA and Jubilee House along Museum Street, extending the stretch of popular independent shops, cafes and restaurants that form CARGO 2.

CARGO, a hub made of converted shipping containers, is widely recognised as having made a significant contribution to the city's eclectic food scene, with a strong and growing shopping and lifestyle offer too. It forms part of Wapping Wharf, a thriving community that includes over 450 homes, and a major regeneration project that has transformed this once derelict land in the heart of the city.

Stuart Hatton, managing director at Umberslade, the developer of Wapping Wharf, said: "It has been wonderful to see how warmly the city has embraced CARGO since it first landed at Wapping Wharf nearly 5 years ago. From the outset, we have been committed to supporting them in trying out new ideas and concepts, so they can flourish, collaborate and expand, and it has grown into an incredible, unique community of independent businesses with a strong customer base.

"We have seen huge demand from other independent businesses keen to join the development despite the challenges faced by the hospitality and retail sectors during the pandemic, which is testament to the success of CARGO and its community. Our plans will also help pave the way for the next phase of Wapping Wharf, which, subject to planning consent, will bring much-needed new homes, offices and an exciting new permanent home for CARGO, the next chapter in its story."

CARGO, which supports around 250 to 300 full and part-time jobs in the retail and hospitality sectors, has attracted national and international interest. Wapping Wharf, which has CARGO at its heart, is regularly held up as an exemplar development by Bristol City Council, local design bodies and the property sector, whilst CARGO is often used by Visit Bristol to promote the city to a UK and overseas audience.

Umberslade is also seeking approval from the council to extend the temporary planning permission currently in place for CARGO 1 and CARGO 2 for a further 5 years, providing certainty for businesses and ensuring they can comfortably invest in their future in this much-loved part of the city.

It is an exciting time for Wapping Wharf as works have now begun on CARGO Work, 20,270 sq ft of stand-out, inspiring new office space where up to 230 people will work. The private sale homes within phase 2 of Wapping Wharf are now all sold or reserved (some subject to contract), with many residents having moved in, whilst works will begin early next year on 83 affordable homes next to the phase 2 building known as Abel Yard.

Wapping Wharf is in the heart of Bristol's historical and cultural quarter, with its tree-lined pedestrian and cycle route, Gaol Ferry Steps, providing an important connection between south Bristol to the city centre. Now home to over 40 independent businesses, many of which are based within CARGO, Wapping Wharf is home to some of the city's best independent restaurants, shop, cafes and lifestyle businesses.

The Sunday Times cited Wapping Wharf as ‘best address' on the harbourside in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide for the last two consecutive years. CARGO won the Bristol Property Awards' Transformation Award in 2019 whilst Wapping Wharf as a whole has clinched numerous other accolades over the years.