After an arson attack, restoration work begins at the boatyard

Restoration work is set to begin at a historic shipyard that was badly damaged in an arson attack.

The Shipwrights building in Underfall Yard in Bristol was one of three properties burned in the fire that broke out on May 6, 2023.

Workers will now repair the roof of the building and re-establish a workshop for boat building.

Bristol’s Stone BCI will carry out the work, its managing director Stuart Jones said: “This building is a real piece of history and we look forward to renovating such an important part of Bristol Harbour.”

Serial arsonist Robert Boyd-Stevenson, 46, was sentenced to life in prison after setting the fire in the Underfall Yard. The fire destroyed the shed and boats and led to the evacuation of residents.

Rebuilding the historic farm is estimated to cost £2.6 million and take three years. The site’s visitor center reopened to the public earlier this year.

A spokesman for the Underfall Yard Trust said: “The restoration of the Shipwrights building will see Underfall Yard once again used as a workshop for boat builders. This marks the latest milestone in restoring the site to its original function as a thriving boatyard.”

The farm will remain open to visitors during the work.

Other restoration work carried out by Stone BCI across Bristol includes the Wills Memorial Building, Thornbury Castle and the Beacon Tower.

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