Portishead Docks and Marina
The Portishead docks have been a large part of the city of Portishead since the mid 1830’s when a steam engine railway line was opened to allow for freight transfers between Portishead and Bristol. The Portishead docks became much more active to business in 1867 when the Portishead Railway was completed. Following the completion of the railway system the Portishead pier was extended in 1870 and a new dock scheme was announced to compete with Avon dock that was also scheduled for completion.
Throughout the 1880’s the Portishead docks contained a granary, timber wharf, and a flour mill as well as a petroleum products storage area. In 1929 the dynamic of the area changed as a Power Station was commissioned on the docks and then completed.
Due to its wide amenities, the Portishead docks were use during World War II to house supplies from all over the world and it played an instrumental role in D-Day as many of the vessels that landed in Normandy stopped at the Portishead docks to pick up munitions and supplies before travelling down the Bristol Channel towards France.
In the 1980’s the original power station and a subsequent power station built in 1959 were razed and the entire Portishead Docks were closed to shipping in 1992 leaving the area abandoned and undeveloped for eight years until June of 2000.
2000 brought new life to the Portishead Docks when a new lock barrel was constructed as the entrance to the Portishead Docks so that all sailing crafts could enter into the marina. In order to make construction possible the entire lock was emptied of water until it was completed in May 2001.
Today the Portishead Docks are now referred to as the Portishead Quays as Quays Marina is the new owner of the dock area since its reopening in 2001.
It is now widely referred to as one of the best marina facilities in the South West area of England and maintains its historical accuracy while also presenting a completely modernized marina area. It offers great access to many of the Bristol’s Channels greatest bays and is also close to the motorway making it easy to access at any time.
Today many homes and holiday houses adorn the old Portishead docks with plenty of shops, offices, and schools creating a friendly environment for visitors and residents. Currently the Portishead Docks are part of £5 million development plan that will see the opening a 400 seat Italian restaurant and two new schools.
