Wapping Wharf will be marking the reopening of Gaol Ferry Bridge with an evening of celebrations on Friday 8th September.
Having been closed for over a year, the news that Gaol Ferry Bridge, which for many is a main route from Bedminster and Southville into central Bristol, has been widely welcomed by residents across the city. The closure has had a large impact on Wapping Wharf’s community of independent bars, restaurants and shops, so to mark the occasion they’ll be throwing a party to celebrate on Friday 8th September.
The bridge repairs, which were due to be completed by the end of 2022, have taken considerably longer to complete due to the 90 year old bridge being in a worse state of repair than expected. The closure has meant that commuters have had to take a detour over Bedminster Bridge or Vauxhall Bridge, which has resulted in a decreased footfall through Wapping Wharf. This has had an impact on all of the independent businesses in the area, however, with a date for opening set for 5pm on Friday 8th September, a celebration is now being planned.
Many of the retailers will be offering deals, specials and offers on the evening as well as across the opening weekend, and there will be live music from local bands, Batala Bristol at 5pm and The Ambling Band from 6:45pm. Other deals, offers and specials will include...
Live music from The Ambling Band and Batala Bristol.
Takeaway Sangria from Gambas Tapas Bar
Cider slushies from The Cider Box
Discounts at Bush Bristol
15% off at Frankly
£2 Oyster hour from 5-6pm at Salt and Malt
Double loyalty card points at Bookhaus
Discounts at Loop Massage Studio
Cheese & wine tastings and free chutneys for orders over £30 at Bristol Cheesemonger
Discount vouchers and 50 free coffees for the first visitors on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th at Better food
10% discount at Herbivore Vegan Deli
All day Happy Hour at LOKI POKÉ
10% discount at Fig1
50 free pints with pizzas at Bertha's pizza
Speaking about the bridge reopening, Stuart Hatton, managing director at Umberslade said:
“We’ve always known that the closure of Gaol Ferry Bridge for repairs was absolutely necessary, but nobody anticipated that it would be closed for so long. The impact has been felt by so many across the city - none more so than the retailers at Wapping Wharf. The closure definitely affected footfall, which alongside a cost of living crisis and rising energy bills has put our retailers under immense pressure, but they’ve been so resilient and positive about the whole situation throughout.
“We’ve been waiting for a reopening date for a long time, so we’re absolutely thrilled to finally have confirmation that this essential route will be back open from the 8th September, so it felt only fitting to throw a celebration to welcome everyone back to our amazing independent community and to say thank you to the people of Bristol for all of their continued support!”
Gaol Ferry Bridge will reopen at 5pm on Friday 8th September, and business at Wapping Wharf will be open for food, drink and shopping throughout the day and into the evening, with live music from the Ambling Band from 6:45pm.
