Wapping Wharf’s famed blue shipping containers have become an iconic staple of Bristol – beloved not just by locals and tourists but some big name reviewers as well. Celebrated food critic Grace Dent referred to this part of the city as being ‘the Bristol Riviera’ when she last visited – however the shipping container village is set for a massive transformation after plans for 245 homes at the site were approved.
Inside the Cargo shipping containers are Michelin-recognised restaurants, takeaways serving everything from pancakes to much loved chicken wings, a fish and chip shop, yoga studio, hair salon, and even a cheesemongers.
But it was always planned to be a temporary structure, and now it’s looking like plans to change this area are edging closer and closer to actually happening. Last week BristolLive reported that plans for 245 homes in blocks of up to 10 storeys in the location behind M Shed at Wapping Wharf, had been approved despite 320 objections.
The popular food and retail outlets in these iconic blue shipping containers would be moved into a temporary home next to the site while the first of two phases is constructed, with them moving back afterwards.
The plans by developers Umberslade, include 10,500 square metres of retail and commercial space at the two Cargo buildings and adjacent car park. Phase one would see a new market hall and stepped restaurant terraces.
During a walk through the Cargo shipping containers this week BristolLive asked visitors and businesses what they thought about the prospect of the famous shipping containers eventually being ‘unboxed’.
David, who doesn’t live in Bristol but had travelled here for a visit, said: “I don’t know why this couldn’t be permanent. I suppose it would lose a bit of character [if it wasn’t housed in shipping containers] . And you know where to meet people when you say ‘oh, we’re by the shipping containers’.”
Meanwhile Alec, a chef who used to work in nearby Weston-super-Mare, believed it wouldn’t have the same appeal if Cargo was ‘unboxed’ and put into an actual physical building. He told BristolLive: “It wouldn’t be the same if it was in a warehouse or somewhere like that.
“It’s made out of shipping containers, it’s called Cargo for a reason. It’s rustic. And surely it means the businesses here can charge more for what they do. It’s hipster. To be honest, I think if they went into a building, I don’t think these businesses could get away with charging more because it wouldn’t have the same character.
“If you put all of this into somewhere like the M Shed, it would be too clinical and it wouldn’t be as fun. And the fact you have to go downstairs to pay for the toilets is like a novelty. It’s quite funny.
“It’s independent businesses doing what they do. It’s cheaper for them to do it this way and I think that’s what’s important right now because so much of the high street is taken up by chains, and this is the way that independent businesses can showcase what they’re good at, really good things.”
Katie, another fan of the shipping containers as they stand today, said: “It gives it character, you’re outside, it’s absolutely gorgeous here which makes it lovely, and it makes people feel happy being outdoors with the fresh air as well, so I like that about it. It’s got all the hustle and bustle as well, it feels like a street, rather than if you were inside and squashed in there like sardines. Whereas here it’s open.”
While many business owners are awaiting further news and say that the development is years off, others had already begun to think about how the move would impact them.
Mark Chapman from Ragu, an Italian restaurant recognised by the Michelin Guide and Grace Dent, and located on the upper level of CARGO, told BristolLive: “The approval of the new Wapping Wharf development is genuinely exciting. It’s a huge moment for the city and for the community that’s grown around the Wharf over the years. Bristol has always punched above its weight culturally, and this project will put it on the map even more.
“For us at RAGÙ, it opens up an amazing long‑term opportunity to grow within a more permanent home while still being part of something that feels very ‘Bristol’.”
You only have to look inside each shipping container to see that the act of picking one up and moving it – while keeping everything inside intact – will be a pretty hefty challenge. Mark went on to say: “Of course, there’s some anxiety around the physical move. Any business would feel that.
“The temporary relocation won’t happen for a few years yet, but we’re already thinking about the practicalities: staff logistics, stock, equipment, furniture, the day‑to‑day operational details that keep a small hospitality business running. A move like this touches everything, and it will require careful planning.
“That said, one of the strengths of Wapping Wharf has always been the sense of community between the businesses here. There’s a lot of support, both from our neighbours and from Umberslade, and that gives us confidence that we’ll navigate the transition together.
“The biggest worry is the cost of building something new, but that’s the reality of progress. For now, the only thing we can do is keep showing up, keep cooking, and keep serving the people who love what we do. People have a real emotional connection to the ‘blue container village’, and we feel that too. It’s become part of Bristol’s identity.
“But if you look at the designs for the new development, that spirit is still there. The character and the independent energy that make Wapping Wharf special aren’t going anywhere. We’re proud to be part of this next chapter.”
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