underfall yard trust
Cumberland
Members of the Trust rescued the slipway and buildings from dereliction in the
1990s, with support from Bristol City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the
South West Regional Development Authority and volunteers. Following the
restoration, the yard was set up as a working boatyard with tenants, including a
number of start-up small enterprises. Underfall Yard is now home to many
different maritime-related businesses, as well as several clubs and
organisations focused around water activities. All income from the tenants and
the slipway is put back into maintaining the yard and buildings. The Trust also
takes a keen interest in Bristol Docks as a whole, and in maintaining Bristol’s
maritime heritage. Underfall Yard Trust’s goals for the Heritage Lottery Fund
project, delivered between 2014-2018, were: Preserving and restoring the
historic buildings and machinery Retaining the unique character of the Underfall
Yard keeping it as a working and productive place, not a working museum
Improving public access, engagement, awareness and understanding of the yard
including interpretation, with opportunities for learning and volunteering
Nurturing and supporting maritime skills by providing workshops, with
opportunities for training and learning Enhancing sustainability to ensure
long-term viability The current chair of the Trust is Ian Wilkinson who can be
contacted via the yard’s postal
