W3 Amphitheatre
A landmark waterside destination.
The opportunity
This impressive site, in a central location within the harbour, offers the opportunity for the mooring of two heritage or feature vessels, with the potential to become a prominent cultural landmark and major city attraction.
Technical information
- Size: Two moorings of 36m each.
- Lease Length: Courtesy mooring for historic and feature vessels (typically short-term licences although historic vessels wishing to be moored in the harbour on a longer-term basis will also be considered subject to requirement for them being periodically moved).
- Vessel requirements: High quay walls so low freeboard vessels are not appropriate. 1.5m step down is required. Vessels will need to be self-propelled in order to respond to any future requests from the Harbour Master for the vessel to be temporarily relocated.
- Access: Directly from the quay wall. Closest public parking is Millennium Square and the nearest vehicle access point for loading is Harbour Way. Access to the quay is restricted during events in the Amphitheatre space (including at time during the set up of sites).
- Power & Utilities: See Resources section.
Current and past uses
- The amphitheatre adjacent to the mooring location hosts an extensive events programme from April to October. Typically the space is in use for events (both set up and the event itself) for approximately 90 days/year.
- The Amphitheatre & Waterfront Square is used all year round for filming Unit Bases – the hub for productions when filming on location (68 days in 2024-25).
- There are currently no vessels moored here but temporary moorings are provided here during the Bristol Harbour Festival off a T-pontoon.
The wider area
- Plans are being developed to transform the vacant, but iconic, Canon’s House office block that sits adjacent to the amphitheatre and the refurbishment construction is due to finish by 2028.
- The plans include the provision of commercial units at ground level including retail and F&B which will spill out onto the amphitheatre and transform this location into a bustling hub of activity.
- There are aspirations for an enhanced ferry service, accommodated by a new ferry landing, to connect to Wapping Wharf which will encourage footfall directly from M Shed.
- The aspiration is that any new venues and activities provide inclusive, safe spaces for all to feel welcome – places to come together, celebrate and relax.
Video footage of the Amphitheatre site
An aerial video of the Amphitheatre site.
Interested in this site?
The deadline for applications for Amphitheatre is: 17 November 2025.
