Major step forward for Brunswick Wharf as Bideford waterfront transformation begins

The highly anticipated development of Brunswick Wharf in Bideford has taken another significant step forward as developers Red Earth announce the appointment of Morgan Sindall Construction and Infrastructure Limited as the project’s main contractor.

Brunswick Wharf is set to transform a long-neglected area of Bideford's historic riverside, offering more than 100 apartments, a restaurant, six retail units, a pop-up café and a vibrant riverside walk linked to a public open square.

The development will also feature a surface-level car park which will double as an outdoor events space, ensuring it serves as a hub for both residents and the wider community.

In addition to its architectural and environmental considerations, the development will include public open space, a new riverside walk and a shared cycle and pedestrian route that links to the Tarka Trail, encouraging active travel and making the site more accessible to the public.

Simon Friend, director of Red Earth, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration.

He explained:  “We are delighted to have Morgan Sindall on board as the main contractor. This milestone follows a thorough tendering process and marks a major step forward for the regeneration of this iconic riverside site.

“We are excited to partner with them initially through preconstruction as they support us through the design development stages leading up to the start on site. This is a big step forward for the Brunswick Wharf project, and we’re confident that their expertise will ensure the vision for this development is brought to life in a sustainable and inspiring way.”

Mr Friend added: “Morgan Sindall’s vision for inspirational construction and sustainable business in the industry aligns perfectly with our goals for Brunswick Wharf. Their commitment to creating places that enhance communities resonates strongly with our vision for the site, which will provide not only much-needed homes but also public spaces and amenities that will benefit the entire community.”

Graham Kingdon, area director for Morgan Sindall in the South West, added: “We are delighted to be working with Red Earth to develop Brunswick Wharf.  The project will create a new burst of life for this North Devon community, all while paying tribute to the Wharf’s industrial roots.

“We very much look forward to strengthening our relationship with Red Earth as we transform this important site at the heart of Bideford.

“This is an exciting time for North Devon and an excellent opportunity for our team to leverage our wealth of experience in delivering development schemes to move this project forward. By delivering high-quality facilities, we will create the perfect environment for the community to enjoy the region’s landscape, attend vibrant events, and feel at home.”

Last year, Red Earth received planning approval for the project, which includes significant environmental improvements, such as enhanced greenspace and reduced carbon emissions. The development will also respect the site's rich history through the preservation of the ‘I Baker & Son’ plaque and a storytelling approach embedded throughout the scheme, in collaboration with local organisations like the Way of the Wharves and Bideford Bridge Trust.

“Brunswick Wharf is poised to become a landmark development for Bideford,” added Mr Friend.

“Our vision is to create a vibrant waterside community hub that celebrates Bideford’s rich heritage, introducing new opportunities for living, working and leisure. 

Overlooking the expansive Torridge estuary, Brunswick Wharf sits at the heart of Bideford’s historic waterfront, framed by the Grade 1 listed Bideford Bridge and surrounded by the town’s beautiful architecture.  

“We are conscious of our place in the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere and want this to be an exemplar project for the region by delivering a sustainable and innovative development that meets the highest environmental standards, with energy-efficient homes and renewable technologies that will reduce end users’ energy costs.”