Our Outdoor Activity Centre celebrates its 25th anniversary this week, supporting thousands of young people into the outdoors experiencing Bristol’s iconic harbour.
This week Young Bristol's Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre celebrates 25 years as one of Bristol’s premier providers of adventurous activities!
Pooles Wharf has grown to become a place which fosters a spirit of exploration and camaraderie for Bristol’s youth, providing life-changing outdoor experiences to thousands of young people across Bristol's harbour.
From a coal yard to community hub, over the years the centre has developed numerous programmes and opportunities for schools and colleges, to corporates, families and youth groups - making a difference to even more people across the city.
Take a look back at Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre's history; from our launch in 2000 to the centre today.
1900's
Pooles Wharf was historically a coal yard. In the 1990’s it became Browns Sand Yard. In the mid-90’s the Centre was sold to Crest Nicholson developments who submitted a planning application to build the dockside housing development. Planning consent was granted with the condition that the Pooles Wharf building, which had been used as a repair and maintenance garage for the sand yard’s lorries, was retained for community use.
Young Bristol requested to take over ownership and refurbishments of the building, to create a community space for young people where we would provide five locally accessible outdoor activities of canoeing, sailing, mountain biking, caving and climbing in the centre of the city for members of our Youth Clubs. Extensive refurbishment work on the building was completed in December 1999.
2000
Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre officially opened on the 4th July 2000.
The Centre was opened by The Duchess of Gloucester, with staff, supporters and young people coming together to celebrate the launch of the Centre and new provision for Bristol’s young people. The event also announced the charities rebrand from The Avon and Bristol Federation of Clubs for Young People to Young Bristol.
Narrowboat residential experiences. Between 2000 - 2014, the Centre had two narrowboats which would take young people on residential experiences and day trips on Bristol’s harbour and surrounding waterways. Young Bristol sold the narrowboats in 2014.
2002
We launched the ‘DICE programme’ in partnership with the City Academy, Bristol supporting asylum seeking and refugee pupils ages 11 - 18 years old.
The project helped to develop young peoples social skills and confidence through taking part in range of activities from our Activity Centre. The project supported 14 young people each week across the city between 2002 – 2011.
2008
Installed new pontoons on the harbour.
Pooles Wharf has been home to the Bristol Ferry (formerly known as the Mardyke Ferry) since the 1900’s, transporting local residents and tourists across Bristol’s iconic harbour.
In 2008, the Centre installed new pontoons which improved the delivery and access of water-based activities at the the centre, as well as improving the experience for members of the public using the ferry.
2010
Working with Ashton Park Sports Centre. The Centre has worked with Ashton Park Sport Centre for over 10 years; providing a wide variety of sports and leisure activities for children and young people through their Holiday Club programme.
During the school holidays, the centre delivers climbing, caving, archery and watersport activities for young people ages 8 - 14.
2012
Attended the Olympic Torch relay in 2012 on the harbourside.
Young people and staff from our Activity Centre were proud to be alongside watersport providers, Clubs and youth groups as they welcomed and joined the torchbearers on the water in kayaks, canoes, sailboats and powerboats, as they carried the torch down Bristol’s iconic harbour.
Working in partnership with City of Bristol College. Our Activity Centre has worked with City of Bristol College for 13 years, supporting students to achieve their unit requirements by developing skill-sets, work experience and personal development through paddlesports.
Each year the partnership supports students undertaking Uniformed Services and Sport (Outdoor Adventure) Leadership courses.
2013
Outdoor Employment Programme pilot is launched.
The programme, formerly known as the Instructor Training Scheme, launched in 2013 working with young people aged 16 – 25. The entirely free scheme worked to remove the barriers that young people are facing today when accessing employment and training opportunities.
2015
New Gig Club for over 55s. Since 2015, we’ve provided a weekly Gig Club for local people ages 55+ to come along too; providing canoeing, kayaking and gig rowing and a place for them to socialise with others.
The Club has provided a space not only for locals to come together and enjoy watersports, but members enjoy annual BBQs, Christmas parties and trips. The Club has created a community for these people!
2016
‘The Lindy’ was launched on the 24th June 2016, in honour of Young Bristol’ Trustee, Lindy Tasker MBE.
The new pilot gig, which was purchased through funding from Sport England, was named after long-serving Trustee, Lindy Tasker MBE for her significant contribution to the charity. In 2015, she was awarded an MBE for her services to young people and fundraising efforts.
Our Kayak Club launched. For nearly 10 years, the Centre has provided a Kayak Club for young people age 8 – 16, of any ability, can enjoy canoeing and kayaking on the harbour.
The Club has worked with 154 young people, improving their physical fitness and confidence, and helping them to learn new paddle skills.
2022
Awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. In June 2022, Young Bristol was presented the prestigious award at our Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre. The award recognises the outstanding work of voluntary groups.
Dedicated volunteers from our Activity Centre attended the event, sharing their roles in supporting young people who engage with a number of our charitable activities at the Centre.
2023
Outdoor Employment Programme (OEP) celebrates it’s 10th Anniversary, supporting over 280 young people into employment in the outdoor industry!
The scheme has seen outstanding success throughout its delivery, with at least 80% of trainees starting further education, training or employment within a year of their first session. OEP continues to support over up to 50 young people every year across Greater Bristol.
2024
Refurbishment of Poole’s Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre. Thanks to funding from the Bristol City Council Community Infrastructure Levy Fund and matched investments from Young Bristol, our Activity Centre saw exciting developments to the centre’s facilities and outdoor area during 2024!
The refurbishments to the centre included slip resistant safety flooring, energy efficient lighting throughout, a fully accessible bathroom, and double glazing, as well as a new kitchen, toilets, windows and flooring, and expansion of the downstairs entranceway.
2025
Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre celebrates its 25th birthday!
Today we are recognised as one of Bristol’s premier providers of Adventurous Activities. What began as a response to the increasing demand within the community-based youth clubs, has blossomed into a haven for outdoor adventures.
With each passing year, Pooles Wharf have remained dedicated to providing 16 water and land-based activities, supporting thousands of people every year.
To find out more about Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre click here.
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