The team behind one of Bristol’s biggest regeneration projects in the last few decades have unveiled plans for a new transport hub at the city’s biggest train station. Called the ‘Southern Gateway’ the transport hub would be built at Bristol Temple Meads.
The new entrance and transport hub would consist of a new cycle hub for more than 700 bikes, suitable for cargo bikes and accessible cycles, a new multi-storey car park of 350 spaces, and new pedestrian access into the station over the river Avon. New bus stops and a space for mass transit will also be created.
Working with Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), the Bristol Temple Quarter (BTQ) team have unveiled plans and drawings over the proposed new entrance and transport hub. The ‘Southern Gateway’ will connect with walking and cycling routes which are planned or in development as part of the Bedminster, Mead Street and Whitehouse Street regeneration areas.
The creation of the ‘Southern Gateway’ is a first step in the development of new homes and commercial space elsewhere, as the multi-storey car park will mean space to the north of the station (the Friary, Station Approach and Midland Shed) can be used towards a new development. It will eventually lead to the ‘Northern Gateway’ being established, allowing more travel routes to be facilitated.
The BTQ team said it is exploring options to improve the A4 Bath Road routes to improve travel and make the route safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The planning application for the ‘Southern Gateway’ is aimed to be submitted in April.
The work is part of a £95 million Government grant awarded in 2022 to regenerate the Temple Quarter area and will be the first development by the Bristol Temple Quarter Limited Liability Partnership, created to oversee the regeneration of the area. Temple Meads Station will benefit from four new entrances over the next few years, including the ‘Eastern Entrance’, scheduled to open in autumn 2026.
Dan Norris, the Mayor of the West of England, said: “This is an important step along the way for Temple Quarter and for the West of England. It’s also another boost to our regional travel ambitions, utilising government funding secured by my Mayoral Combined Authority, and will help create new jobs and economic growth.
“Plans for the new ‘Southern Gateway’ to Brunel’s historic station sit alongside work already underway for a new Eastern Entrance to Temple Meads itself. New spaces for bikes, electric vehicle charging, and space for further transport connections will completely change commuters’ experience of our region’s busiest station.”
Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: “The ‘Southern Gateway’ is crucial to unlocking the potential of Temple Quarter and the land around the station. By creating a modern, high-quality transport hub we are improving travel to and from the station, all while freeing up space for the developments and public spaces the city needs. It’s exciting to see the Bristol Temple Quarter Limited Liability Partnership up and running, driving the programme forward on behalf of the partners.”
Neil Hook, Director South and London, Homes England, said: “The ‘Southern Gateway’ is a further sign of the growing momentum behind the Temple Quarter project. While it might seem a small step on paper, in reality this is the vital first move to begin unlocking sustainable new homes and jobs on a huge scale in the centre of Bristol.”
Francis McGarry, Investment Director, Network Rail, said: “This is another step in the transformation of Bristol Temple Meads station into a world-class transport hub. The new ‘Southern Gateway’ will improve the passenger experience dramatically, both for those coming to the station to travel, and for those coming to the West of England who will finally have the welcome to Bristol that the city deserves.”