'Unapologetically bold' Waterfront bid for colourful row of boathouses

YOUNG Bristol has submitted bold new plans for colourful boathouses to be built on a pontoon on the Floating Harbour.

- Angus MCINTYRE

Colourful floating boathouses could be coming to Bristol's Floating Harbour

The youth charity, which turns 100 in 2028, wants to build the dome-shaped structures to allow easier access to the water for young people taking part in activities.

If the plans are approved, the boathouses will be built next to the Grain Barge, and a garage on Hotwell Road will be extended and converted into a new cafe and community space.

New changing facilities would also be created inside the brick building, which currently houses Young Bristol’s Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre.

The charity's head of commercial activities Matt Donnelly said the design was meant to inspire children and young adults.

“We're a youth charity, and ultimately it’s about doing things for young people,” he said.

“Why not make young people (want to be) bold and ambitious? And so that was the prescription we gave our architect team, that we want this project to be bold and ambitious”

If the planning application is granted approval, the boathouses would be built directly in front of the famous colourful homes of Cliftonwood. Mr Donnelly said the proposed design had taken that iconic location into account.