17:30, 10 Nov 2025<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_AN_DL_10-11-25_BristolPontoons_02.jpg\")
(Image: SWNS)<\/p>\n
Pontoons installed on a harbourside in Bristol have been condemed as a ‘waste of money’ after it was revealed that they are yet to welcome a single boat.<\/p>\n
The pontoons were installed on the Floating Harbour, Bristol, in June of this year with the hope of bringing in extra income for Bristol City Council<\/a>.<\/p>\n The council has so far spent \u00a3670,000 on purchasing and installing the pontoons and associated structures but it has been revealed that no boats have moored at the pontoons opposite the SS Great Britain.<\/p>\n The council could also pay towards a ‘quayside suitability investigation’ which cost around \u00a330,000.<\/p>\n The plans, that were first unveiled in 2022, outlined that the pontoons were meant to provide for new places for people to live but so far the 32 spaces have remained unoccupied.<\/p>\n Locals have reacted to the news saying the project was a ‘waste of money’.<\/p>\n One said: “Money to burn at Bristol City Council.”<\/p>\n “They were made the wrong size – should be twice as long,” claimed another.<\/p>\n Previously, residents in the flats overlooking the historic docks at Capricorn Quay expressed concerns about the noise that would come from boats at the new moorings.<\/p>\n Association chair, Fraser Bridgeford, said previously: \u201cThis has overwhelmingly been rejected by residents. The pollution and noise adjacent to our homes will be unacceptable\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about money and getting more into the council\u2019s coffers at the expense of residents.\u201d<\/p>\n A modular building on the Hotwell Road side of the pontoons contains toilets and showers for use by boaters, should they arrive.<\/p>\n One potential issue for the future viability of the mooring facilities at Capricorn Quay is that the pontoons\u2019 fingers are too small for most boats.<\/p>\n The initial specification document, revealed after a Freedom of Information request, shows that the layout of the berths was always based upon a maximum boat length of ten metres. However the majority of live-aboard vessels in the harbour are longer than this.<\/p>\n It appears that the primary issue delaying the pontoons welcoming their first boats is a change of plan on how to construct the gangways.<\/p>\n Join Bristol Live\u2019s WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone<\/strong><\/p>\n Bristol Live<\/a> is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.<\/p>\n Through the app, we\u2019ll send the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.<\/p>\n To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select \u2018Join Community\u2019.<\/a><\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live<\/a> team.<\/p>\n We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose \u2018Exit group\u2019.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_AN_DL_10-11-25_BristolPontoons.jpg\")
The pontoons at the Floating Harbour in Bristol have been condemned as a waste of money(Image: SWNS)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1744476931_129_0_WhatsApp-Phone.jpg\")
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