The first shipping containers destined to be transformed into CARGO – a new retail concept for Bristol – will land at Wapping Wharf today.
CARGO, the city’s first retail yard made of converted shipping containers, will be part of Wapping Wharf, Bristol’s new harbourside quarter, which is quickly making a name for itself as the city’s new foodie hub.
Retailers already open along Gaol Ferry Steps – the new pedestrian route through Wapping Wharf, connecting the city centre to south Bristol – include Mokoko, Better Food and Wild Beer Co, with Pizzarova trading from its pop-up crate. Little Victories will also be opening soon.
Stuart Hatton, director at Umberslade, the developer of CARGO, said: “It is hugely exciting to be involved in bringing a new retail concept to Bristol with the arrival of CARGO. This is a first for the city and will bring something unique to its vibrant independent retail scene. We are thrilled that Wapping Wharf has attracted such an eclectic mix of food and drink venues, ranging from pop-ups to cuisine from some of Britain’s top chefs.”
Both CARGO 1, which includes 18 converted shipping containers, and CARGO 2, a similar hub adjacent to the first and including 28 containers, have received planning consent. Many of the units, which are set across two levels, have glass frontages, views out onto the waterfront and outside terraces. It is anticipated that the first retailers in CARGO 1 will open in September and in CARGO 2 later this autumn.
When complete, the Wapping Wharf quarter will include over 600 new homes as well as a variety of independent food and drink retailers. The first phase is now complete, comprising 194 homes, with initial works under way in preparation for phase two, which will include 248 homes.
The retail property agent for the Wapping Wharf development, including CARGO, is JLL.
