The historic Great Western Dockyard neighbouring Brunel’s SS Great Britain ship in Bristol is set to benefit from the second phase of its restoration scheme, aimed at establishing a maritime visitor attraction, museum and education centre.

Bristol–based developer Linden Homes will shortly embark on the construction of a new building to house a learning and outreach centre, the existing Brunel Institute, David MacGregor Library and an archive, academic teaching and research unit – in a proposed partnership with the University of Bristol – as well as 145 apartments.

Matthew Tanner, director of the charitable ss Great Britain Trust which is leading the restoration efforts, said: “We are all delighted that a Bristol firm is taking the scheme forward so promptly and that work is scheduled to start later this month.

“This is not just another development scheme – it will provide a respectful and fitting backdrop to the SS Great Britain, as well as delivering a major fund for investment in the ship and the Trust’s future.”

Bristol City Council approved the £30m scheme – designed by local architects Stride Treglown – in January.

Cllr Helen Holland, leader of Bristol City Council, said: “The council is proud to have supported the restoration of the ship over the years by making land available and by giving approval for this prestigious redevelopment, thus helping to secure the ship’s future.

“Our schools and colleges will also benefit from the educational resources that the new Brunel Institute will offer and which will add to the attraction of the Great Western Dockyard to local and international students.”

Since completing the scheme’s first phase in July 2005 – which preserved the ship’s historic iron hull to create a new visitor experience – the Trust has won Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 2007 in the Enjoy England Excellence Awards, Best Industrial Museum in Europe 2007 and the Gulbenkian Prize for Museum of the Year 2006 for its restoration efforts.