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Wapping Wharf Phase I is a development of apartments and retail units combined with high-quality public realm. Situated in the heart of Bristol’s harbourside district, this £42m project is the first in a multi-phase, four-hectare development that has already proven itself a vibrant destination.
Arup’s team worked closely with Umberslade and Alec French Architects on the design of the first phase, providing civil and structural engineering, geo-environmental and contaminated land assessment as well as transport planning for 194 residential apartments, 865m² of street-level retail units and 150 car parking spaces. Arup's team also designed the sustainable drainage system that discharges filtered run-off into the harbour.
In addition to providing residential and retail capacity, Wapping Wharf has noticeably improved connectivity between south Bristol and the city centre, by introducing a much-needed pedestrian and cycle route from Gaol Ferry Bridge to the waterfront. This tree-lined boulevard runs between independent shops, restaurants and bar, creating a lively and welcoming streetscape. Meanwhile, historic elements of the site have been conserved, including a gaol wall now reinstated in its original location.
The industrial heritage of the Wapping Wharf site and its location within Bristol’s former docks district meant that a detailed review of the site’s history was an essential initial task. This was followed by a preliminary risk assessment of soil and groundwater contamination and a data gap analysis. The site has had many past uses, including periods when it served as railway sidings, a gaol, timber yard and coal yard.
Keeping disruption to a minimum
Given the sites history, intrusive ground investigations were necessary and Arup’s team designed, supervised and managed these, subsequently undertaking detailed quantitative risk assessments to confirm remediation requirements.
Excavation and removal of soil in some locations was required as was installation of gas mitigation measures. Early discussions with the Environment Agency and other authorities allowed the team to satisfy regulatory requirements for site remediation without disrupting the project's progress.
