Consultation launched on plans to regenerate historic dockyard into ‘world-class’ attraction

A consultation has been launched as part of a project to regenerate an historic dockyard in Bristol to create a “world-class heritage destination.”

Plans to develop the Albion Dockyard, close to the SS Great Britain, will go before Bristol City Council this year.

The Grade II-listed dock itself will be conserved, maintaining a working dry dock.

The SS Great Britain Trust also plans to create a replica of the world’s first transatlantic ocean liner, the SS Great Western.

The new visitor attraction at the dockyard could be open by 2027.

The trust says the plans will save Brunel’s Swivel Bridge which presently sits deteriorating at the far side of Cumberland Basin.

Specialist Brunel experts and conservers will ensure that the bridge is rescued and relocated back to the Albion Dockyard where it was first constructed.

The 19th century workshop building at the centre of the site will become a café and exhibition space providing 100 covers inside for visitors to the heritage attraction and for private dining.

Expansion of the tourism draw is projected to bring around £8.1m additional spend into the West of England economy every year, and to provide 189 jobs.

The Albion Dockyard Project has the support of Bristol City Council and West of England Combined Authority.

Initial funding of £600,000 has been granted by the National Lottery Heritage to go towards a proposed £5m grant.

The trust has now released detailed plans of the development and launched a consultation survey.