Temple Meads, page 6: The masterplan proposals continued
This consultation has now concluded. Information about the project is still available to read below, and results will be published in due course.
Becoming a City Gateway
Our vision is for Bristol Temple Meads to become a fitting gateway to Bristol and the West of England. It will support vibrant development in the surrounding area, with sustainable transport at its heart, supporting the city’s ambition to be zero carbon by 2030.
There are a number of major opportunities for change:
Northern Entrance and Terrace
Artist impression of the new Northern Entrance to Bristol Temple MeadsThe Northern Entrance, accessed from Friary North, is currently used by the majority of passengers. A new Northern Entrance will enhance Bristol Temple Meads’ role as a gateway to the city and will become an attractive public space. Combined with a new terrace to the north of the Midland Shed, the Northern Entrance will improve passenger routes and give Bristol Temple Meads the public realm the historic station deserves.
There are options for new openings into the Midland Shed to provide a logical route through to the new concourse, ticket sales area and ticket gates to the platforms. Further design work is needed to determine the best solution.
The redesigned Northern Entrance and outside terrace could provide:
- An architectural entrance and public realm befitting of the heritage of the station
- Improve capacity for the anticipated growth in passenger numbers
- Sight lines and signage for onward travel, such as bus stops on the Friary and vehicle drop-off on Temple Back East
- An open terrace to give space to pause and make decisions
- Convenient step-free access between the different levels of surrounding areas
- Opportunities for small permanent or temporary units, such as a ‘Welcome to Bristol’ hub or small retail stands
- Emergency vehicle access
The illustration below shows an illustrative concept of the Northern Entrance and terrace:
- Refurbished Midland Shed
- New Northern Entrance
- Platform 0/1 canopy/facade
- Potential reinstated clock tower spire for enhanced wayfinding/civic presence
- Consolidated central concourse served by Northern Entrance and Station Approach Entrance
- New terrace
- New 6-car platforms 0/1
- Enhanced unpaid passenger links through existing ticket hall/clock tower and Bonaparte's Alley
- Renewed Station Approach forecourt
- New northern entrance formed through 3 arches of Midland Shed
- New widened/enhanced northern access
Station Approach
Artist impression of Station Approach
Station Approach is the area outside the main entrance to Bristol Temple Meads Station and the masterplan seeks to provide a more pleasant and safer place that complements the historic setting of the station.
The key objectives for Station Approach are:
- to make it easier and safer for passengers to use
- provide an efficient travel interchange
- to create a public forecourt which celebrates the historic façade of Bristol Temple Meads Station.
The forecourt outside the entrance can be expanded to create a generous station square. This arrangement not only de-clutters and improves the setting of the Grade I listed station but also improves security and creates potential opportunities for retail in the facing buildings.
Bus stops will be relocated to the Friary, while existing hackney carriage use will be retained on Station Approach. The proposed layout is likely to be similar to the existing with a main rank and feeder rank at the top. At the top of the ramp, a dedicated area of Blue Badge parking will be provided with step-free access to the concourse. Other private vehicles will not be permitted to use the ramp. Emergency vehicle access to the forecourt will also be provided, potentially through removable bollards.
Friary North
Friary North
Friary North will complement the improved station and transport interchange around Bristol Temple Meads. Our ambition is to make Friary North a destination to work, live and enjoy leisure time throughout the day and evening.
Priority will be given to walking, cycling and public transport over private vehicles.
Southern end of Friary North
The southern portion of this site, adjacent to Passenger Shed and Temple Gate Highway, will include the culmination of the Brunel Mile.
Artist impression of southern end of Friary NorthAt the heart of the area will be a new public space that will create a sense of arrival in Bristol. This pedestrianised destination will be a safe and calm oasis in a busy urban environment. Green landscaping, walking routes, seating and meeting places will sit alongside spaces for pop-up events and public art. New retail, food and beverage outlets are proposed to enhance the space.
As part of the creation of the new civic square, the ground floor Passenger Shed frontage could be re-activated to complement similar use in the surrounding development. Parking would be removed to improve safety and the public realm, with station parking relocated to the Southern Gateway.
A multi-storey office space and new residential units will be built to embrace the regional connectivity of the site.
Northern end of Friary North
The northern portion of this site is a key pedestrian and cycle route from Meads Reach Bridge. The vision for the area is a predominantly vehicle-free space.
A new residential building would enable sustainable, city centre living. Nearby, just outside the regeneration area, a proposed hotel, apart-hotel and new homes on land owned by Homes England would complement the transformation of Friary North into a thriving mixed-use destination next to Bristol Temple Meads station.
Some controlled access for servicing and emergency vehicles will be required for new buildings and the station.
Summary of plans for Friary North
This masterplan for Friary North proposes:
- Relocation of the bus stops from Station Approach to the south end of the Friary, including bus shelters
- Generous, pleasant walking routes throughout the area
- A new civic space at the south end of the Friary, celebrating the historic Passenger Shed
- An improved passenger experience, including lighting, seating and landscaping
- A continuous cycle route between Meads Reach Bridge and Temple Gate
- Sheltered, secure cycle parking
- A private car drop-off loop from Temple Back East
- Improved highway surfacing and signage to provide clarity between pedestrians, cycles and cars
- New development buildings, including housing/offices and restaurants/cafes at ground floor
- District heating
The map below details the potential land use and development sites described above:
Click here to view a larger image of the map above in a new tab.
- Step-free access (options) to Northern Entrance and grade change
- Railway access point
- New 6-car platforms 0/1, façade, canopy and signal box demolition
- Goods Yard public open space
- Passenger Shed refurbishment
- Potential mass transit hub
- Refurbished Midland Shed
- New northern forecourt and consolidated central concourse served by new Northern Entrance and Station Approach entrance
- Renewed Station Approach forecourt
- New terrace with stepped gardens