Work on a major Bristol high-rise project, The Boatyard, has resumed after a two-year halt.
- The £50m scheme faced delays due to the collapse of the initial contractor, Mid Group.
- Recom Solutions, based in Greater Manchester, has taken over and restarted enabling works.
- The development, once complete, will feature 152 units, focusing on shared ownership and affordable rent.
- Completion is expected by winter 2026, significantly delayed from the original 2022 target.
In a significant development, the construction of The Boatyard in Bristol, a substantial housing project, has recommenced after being inactive for over two years. The initial setbacks were precipitated by the collapse of the project’s former contractor, Mid Group, which went into administration in July 2022, halting progress and leaving the site’s future uncertain.
Recom Solutions, a contractor headquartered in Salford, has revived the project by restarting enabling works, as confirmed by the developer Clarion. The renewed efforts also include progressing the final designs, indicating a clear path forward for the scheme that holds considerable importance for Bristol’s housing landscape.
The Boatyard, once completed, is set to become one of Bristol’s most significant shared ownership developments, providing 112 units for shared ownership alongside 40 units designated for affordable rent. This makes it a pivotal project aimed at addressing housing needs within the city, particularly in offering affordable housing solutions.
The construction employs innovative techniques, using precast cross-wall construction with hollowcore precast concrete floor planks, which support loadbearing walls, as detailed by structural engineering firm Buro Happold. These methods highlight a modern approach to building, focusing on efficiency and durability.
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and lighting installations for the project are being managed by the subcontractor Dodd Group, according to intelligence provided by Glenigan. This coordination among various stakeholders underscores the collaborative effort to bring the development to fruition despite prior disruptions.
The original contractor, Mid Group, had encountered severe financial difficulties, reporting a £2.5 million pre-tax loss in its final year of operation. This fiscal strain led to the redundancy of 37 staff members, further compounding the project’s challenges. Additionally, another unfinished Mid Group project in Berkshire has reportedly seen its third contractor in mere two years, illustrating broader issues within the company.
The renewed construction efforts at The Boatyard signal progress towards addressing Bristol’s housing needs.
