Public consultation launched for regeneration project at Temple Quarter
Images courtesy of Bristol City Council
Bristol residents can have their say on plans for the transformation of Temple Meads Station and surrounding 130 hectares of land – with a public consultation launching today (January 10).
The Temple Quarter regeneration programme is a partnership project between Bristol City Council, the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), Homes England and Network Rail.
It aims to deliver 10,000 new homes and thousands of new jobs, as well as new public spaces, office and commercial space and a new University of Bristol campus.
Following a government funding award of £94.7m in June 2022, the publication of the draft Development Framework launched today is the next major milestone for the UK’s largest regeneration programme.
The framework sets out the scale and ambition the partners have for change across the area – stretching from Temple Gate to St Philip’s Causeway.
It is broken down into six key “character areas”, setting out the opportunities each area presents to transform the Quarter into a ‘world-class gateway” to the city region. These are Bristol Temple Meads Station, City Gateway, Friary North, Temple Gate, Mead Street and St Philip’s Marsh.
At the centre of the project, Bristol Temple Meads will become a “modern, safer, more efficient station fit for the 21st century”.
It will be fully accessible and inclusive for all passengers and will be futureproofed to accommodate anticipated growth. Major changes include three new entrances to the north, east and south – with the eastern entrance opening into the University of Bristol’s Enterprise Campus.
There will also be new retail spaces, improved passenger facilities, and easier access to the station using public transport, walking and cycling.
At the Friary to the north, a transport interchange is proposed with space for buses, including new bus stops and shelters.
The forecourt outside the station at Station Approach will be pedestrianised, with taxi and disabled parking access retained, but all other traffic removed to create a ‘welcoming and safe space”.
Those arriving by car will use a new transport hub at the Southern Gateway, which includes a multi-storey car park and a proposed new level-access directly into the station, using a track bed over Cattlemarket Road.
By relocating parking to the Southern Gateway, it is intended to free up the land for development and new public spaces.
Further afield, the proposals for St Philip’s Marsh are less detailed than other areas – with change expected over a 20-year period – which could bring new homes, jobs and public spaces – as well as a major new leisure and sporting facility on the site of the Fruit Market.
Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, said: “Publishing this document is another step on the journey for Temple Quarter after years of work to get to this stage. Combined with the government funding we secured in 2022, we now have a clear and ambitious vision for delivering the affordable homes, new jobs and sustainable infrastructure the city needs to build a good pattern of life for residents here.
“The consultation is a chance for Bristolians to get their fingerprints on the framework and test the emerging principles for the regeneration of St Philip’s Marsh. Underpinned by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Temple Quarter can be a driver of the city region’s economy and support our ambitions to be inclusive, successful and carbon neutral.”
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “The regeneration of Temple Quarter is a long-term project for the West of England. I want to hear from as many people as possible about how best we can take advantage of the opportunities for residents.
“After so many years of talking about hopes and aspirations for the area, this is another step along the way to finally getting shovels in the ground. We are creating a fitting gateway to Bristol, and the West of England, which will bring much-needed new homes and jobs – making our region an even better place to live, work and thrive.”
The consultation begins today (Tuesday January 10) and runs until Wednesday March 8.
An online consultation hub and survey will be supported by in-person events at community hubs around the area, pop-ups in and around Temple Meads station, and three creative commissions. Translations, Easy Read and paper copies are also available.
In person-events so far are:
- January 16, 10am-12pm, Temple Quay
- January 26, 10am-2pm, Redcliffe Hill
- February 11, 10am-2pm, Dings Park
- February 22, 10am-2pm, Totterdown Tesco
- February 23, 10am-2pm, Temple Quay
- February 27, 10am-12pm, Temple Quay
To find out more about the programme of events, request alternative formats or complete the online survey, visit: https://www.ask.bristol.gov.uk/TempleQuarterConsultation
