Repairs to the roof of Temple Meads train station have been delayed again and are now due to end in the summer next year. The “painstaking” work is more extensive than Network Rail first thought, although 1,900 individual repairs to steelwork on the roof have already been finished.
The roof of the historic railway station has been shrouded in scaffolding for years, with massive wooden blocks taking up plenty of space on platforms. The repairs were initially estimated to last until 2023, eventually leading to a “cleaner and brighter experience for passengers”.
However Network Rail said the works, carried out by contractors from Taziker, “still have a fair way to go”. Blasting the grit off the roof has revealed additional defects of the exposed steelwork.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Above platforms three and four, working from an enclosed safety deck, we have been grit-blasting and inspecting metal work, completing repairs and repainting, as well as restoring timber work and replacing glazing. This approach minimises the impact on the operational station.
“It’s a painstaking process, working in phases across the roof, with many more steelwork repairs needed than we’d anticipated – requiring bespoke designs and engineering solutions to address them. We have now completed around 1,900 individual steelwork repairs.
“We have recently been able to expand our working area to accelerate the process but we still have a fair way to go. We are currently working towards completion of the project in summer 2026.”
As well as fixing the roof, refurbishing the former bar on platform three has begun, and there are wider plans to open new shops and a restaurant or bar at the station. Upgrading the electrics is another key piece of work that contractors are carrying out. This will lead to a better experience for passengers, and the rewire is due to end in the winter of 2026.
The spokesperson added: “Alongside the restoration of the roof, the rewiring of the station to bring electrical systems up to modern standards is progressing well. This is vital work that will help to improve the passenger experience, as well as raising standards within office accommodation at the station.
“It is needed to prepare the station for an increase in retail outlets, as well as improved passenger information systems, better and more energy efficient lighting among other upgrades. The rewire is due for completion during the winter of 2026.
“The retail programme has started with the refurbishment of the former Bonaparte’s bar under way. Surveys will be completed on platform three and the Midland Shed over the next few months with enabling work to follow. Plans include units for new retail outlets as well as a larger space suitable for a restaurant or bar.”