Bristol’s Underfall Yard will undergo extensive repairs after a fire caused major damage, with costs expected to reach millions by next summer
The fire, which happened in May 2023, was no accident. An arsonist, who had just started working there, caused the destruction. He was sentenced to life in prison later that year.
The total repair bill is around £2.8 million. Unfortunately, insurance only covers £2.1 million. So, the Underfall Yard Trust needs to raise a good chunk of change to fill that gap. They’ve already managed to gather a five-figure sum, which is a start.
You can still see the damage everywhere. The council recently approved transferring insurance funds to help the trust. They hinted that more support is on the way, which is great news.
Labour Councillor Ellie King expressed how devastating the fire was for the community. Many businesses and individuals were affected. It’s encouraging to see progress being made.
Green Councillor Tony Dyer emphasized that it’s not just about fixing buildings. Some people lost irreplaceable equipment, which hit their livelihoods hard.
The yard is currently fenced off, and repairs are already underway. Parts of it are covered in scaffolding, but the walkway reopened last April. It’s a step in the right direction for the Underfall Yard.
