Umberslade has submitted plans to create the first retail hub made of shipping containers at Wapping Wharf in Bristol.
If the plans are approved, the foodie-focused hub, Cargo, would offer 10 recycled shipping container units located in front of Bristol’s new Wapping Wharf development between Gaol Ferry Steps and Museum Square.
The units, each measuring 160 sq ft, would have glass frontages.
Stuart Hatton, director at Umberslade, said: “Cargo would see the creation of an additional cluster of retailers at Wapping Wharf, fitting in nicely with the independent, ‘foodie’ feel we are envisaging for this new Bristol quarter.
“The type of retailer we expect to see taking space at Cargo might be anything from a pop-up smoothie seller to a street food retailer.”
He added: “The concept of transforming shipping containers into retail hubs is becoming increasingly popular. Boxpark in London is a well-known example, and a recent visit to New York, where indoor markets in temporary containers are popping up all over the place, also served as inspiration for Cargo. This style of space lends itself to the creation of a sense of community among the retailers and a real buzz about the place.”
Wapping Wharf, the final piece in the floating harbour regeneration project, will deliver more than 600 apartments in total. The first phase will comprise 168 homes.
Bristol is already home to Engine Shed 2, which uses shipping containers as office space at Temple Meads. The scheme is an extension of the enterprise hub Engine Shed, but Cargo would mark the first time this concept has been used for retail in the city.
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