Temple Meads, page 4: Historical significance and setting, and development context

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This consultation has now concluded. Information about the project is still available to read below, and results will be published in due course.

Historical significance and setting 

Decorative photo of Temple Meads station looking up station approach from Temple Gate. Bristol Temple Meads

Bristol Temple Meads station is of the highest national historical significance. The original Brunel station of 1839-41, the newer Digby Wyatt joint station of 1865-78, and the Main Shed and Culverhouse Extension are all Grade I listed. The nearby Bristol & Exeter House is Grade II* listed. In addition, there are nearby areas with potential archaeological significance, such as the Portwall, the line of the former 14th century Temple Pipe Conduit and the Cholera Burial Ground.

The historic character of the station should be used as a positive force in the development and implementation of the masterplan, helping to create a successful future identity that draws on the site's past, its character and distinctive sense of place.

Development Context 

The station and surrounding rail network are already undergoing a programme of investment to enhance capacity, reliability and passenger experience. This includes the refurbishment of the station roof, the station rewire, and construction of a new Eastern Entrance.

Existing planning policy supports the enhancement of Bristol Temple Meads as a major transport interchange. Current policies also promote the growth and regeneration of this area for a wide range of uses, including offices, residential, retail and leisure.

There are several development projects planned which will enhance the station's role as a key city gateway. Not all of these have been submitted for planning permission or approved. However, they have formed a key consideration in looking at options. Examples include the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, Temple Square adjacent to the Temple Quarter area, Temple Island and the currently empty land next to Meads Reach Bridge in the Friary.


Next page - The masterplan proposals


Previous page - The background


Back to Temple Quarter consultation homepage



Historical significance and setting 

Decorative photo of Temple Meads station looking up station approach from Temple Gate. Bristol Temple Meads

Bristol Temple Meads station is of the highest national historical significance. The original Brunel station of 1839-41, the newer Digby Wyatt joint station of 1865-78, and the Main Shed and Culverhouse Extension are all Grade I listed. The nearby Bristol & Exeter House is Grade II* listed. In addition, there are nearby areas with potential archaeological significance, such as the Portwall, the line of the former 14th century Temple Pipe Conduit and the Cholera Burial Ground.

The historic character of the station should be used as a positive force in the development and implementation of the masterplan, helping to create a successful future identity that draws on the site's past, its character and distinctive sense of place.

Development Context 

The station and surrounding rail network are already undergoing a programme of investment to enhance capacity, reliability and passenger experience. This includes the refurbishment of the station roof, the station rewire, and construction of a new Eastern Entrance.

Existing planning policy supports the enhancement of Bristol Temple Meads as a major transport interchange. Current policies also promote the growth and regeneration of this area for a wide range of uses, including offices, residential, retail and leisure.

There are several development projects planned which will enhance the station's role as a key city gateway. Not all of these have been submitted for planning permission or approved. However, they have formed a key consideration in looking at options. Examples include the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, Temple Square adjacent to the Temple Quarter area, Temple Island and the currently empty land next to Meads Reach Bridge in the Friary.


Next page - The masterplan proposals


Previous page - The background


Back to Temple Quarter consultation homepage