Work to rebuild an historic boatyard site in Bristol that was hit by a devastating fire is to start in December.
The reconstruction of The Big Shed and adjoining workshops on the dockside comes two years after the buildings were destroyed in .
The Underfall Yard Trust says it will use one of the reinstated workshops to deliver new public engagement and education programmes centred on boatbuilding.
However, it still needs to raise £100,000 to modernise the 19th-century site.
The building contract was awarded to Stone BCI, which repaired the Shipwright’s building earlier this year, last year. Meanwhile, the rebuild design team includes Alec French Architects, MDA Consulting, Max Fordham and Stantec.
The completed work will maintain the original look and scale of the workshops, while bringing them to modern standards required for a working boatyard, the Underfall Yard Trust said.
Sarah Murray, director of Underfall Yard Trust, said: “The support from across Bristol and beyond has been overwhelming. We couldn’t be at this point without everyone who has stood with us during this challenging time and no amount of 'thank yous' will ever be enough.
"We know that the whole of Bristol is right there with us, wanting nothing more than for Underfall Yard to return to a proper, working boatyard. We’re really down to the final push now and we know that, together, we can achieve the rebuild of Underfall Yard.”
Stuart Jones of Stone BCI said the rebuild would return the yard "to its rightful place at the heart of boatbuilding in Bristol".
"Working with the team on The Shipwrights’ opened our eyes to just how important the Yard is to Bristolians," he added.
Underfall Yard is one of last remaining complete Victorian docks maintenance facilities in the world. In September, boatbuilding company Star Yachts one of the listed buildings in the boatyard.
Maurice King, project lead at Alec French Architects, said: "It is vital that Bristol’s heritage is recognised and protected and we are delighted to have worked with the team to ensure the Yard is returned as we all remember it.”
The Recovery and Reinstatement Project has been supported by grants from: Architectural Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston, John James Bristol Foundation, the Kenny Family, Nisbet Trust, Pople Charitable Trust, the Red Trouser Fund, Society of Merchant Venturers, Swire Charitable Trust, Triodos Foundation and 29 May 1961 Charitable Trust.
The Underfall Yard Trust has also been supported by donations from local companies such as Bristol Beer Factory, Renishaw, Seetru, SWNS, Thekla, TLT Solicitors, Wring Group, as well as individuals from the local community and beyond over the past two years.
Throughout the works, Underfall Yard, the Visitor Centre, Underfall Cafe and all Yard businesses will remain open to visitors and customers.
