Wapping Wharf looks set to become Bristol’s first waterside independent retail destination, after the first launch of retail units received a warm response from local and regional independent businesses.
The first phase of the development includes the launch of nine retail units from 603 sq ft to 1960 sq ft which will be positioned along the new pedestrian route joining Gaol Ferry Bridge to Museum Square and M Shed, opening spring 2015.
The majority of the interest has come from local businesses hoping to set up new shops, cafes, restaurants and delicatessens to cater for the new residents of Wapping Wharf and through traffic from Bedminster to the City Centre.
Stuart Hatton, director, Umberslade, developers of Wapping Wharf, says:
“We want to create something new and unique at Wapping Wharf, a community focused development with localism and independence at its heart. We don’t want to bring in big national retailers and turn it into every other high street, we are creating a special, social environment that people will want to return to again and again.”
Craig Cawthorne, associate director for retail at agents JLL, says:
“We are really pleased with the very promising initial response from local and regional independent businesses. Wapping Wharf has a very defined identity as we are hoping to create a new sense of place, not always found on today’s high street. We want to replicate some of the success seen in the resurgence of North St, Gloucester Road and Stokes Croft but put that by the water, right in the heart of Bristol. Umberslade have had a clear vision and are being pragmatic about rents and bringing in the right tenants, not necessarily the biggest, to create a dynamic city-centre community.”
JLL is expecting to have secured the first tenants by Christmas, so are still encouraging prospective tenants to come forward.
When complete, Wapping Wharf will provide over 600 homes, as well as local shops, cafes, restaurants and offices.
