Temple Meads Quarter & Bristol TM redevelopment.

[Horizon22]

Spotted that £95mn has been granted for redevelopment in the area in partnership with multiple bodies, but also with commitments to redevelop the station.

£95 million boost to transform Bristol Temple Quarter

£94.7m funding has been announced for the Bristol Temple Quarter and St Philip’s Marsh regeneration programme. Levelling Up Minister Neil O’Brien MP announced the funding on a visit to Temple Quarter today (Friday 10 June)...

www.bristoltemplequarter.com

Improvements will include new Northern and Southern Gateways to Temple Meads Station, and the creation of a new Eastern entrance to the station, giving access to the University of Bristol’s Enterprise Campus, Temple Island and future developments nearby. These improvements aim to enable Bristol Temple Meads to become a 21st century transport interchange and hugely increase its passenger capacity.

 

[Mollman]

Perhaps they could also string some wires up to help make it feel 21st Century!

 

[Bletchleyite]

The station really needs it - it's a beautiful building, but the facilities are poor and dated. It really needs a new concourse building in place of the car park in the old Brunel trainshed, Leeds-style, rather than the ticket office seeming like an afterthought and the provision of a very weak retail offering in the dank, musty subway.

 

[Birmingham]

Brilliant news. Bristol Temple Meads has really fallen behind the other Category A stations in many ways.

 

[JohnRegular]

This is excellent, and badly needed as others have said.

I do notice the absence of any mention of reopening the old 1878 train shed for two new terminating platforms- have these plans been dropped entirely? Possibly no longer required if the Paddington 'superfasts' have also been shelved.

 

[jazzy]

Has anyone found any detailed plans? I didn’t recognise the locations of some of the visualisations I saw in the press and wondered what is actually planned…

 

[WelshBluebird]

Has anyone found any detailed plans? I didn’t recognise the locations of some of the visualisations I saw in the press and wondered what is actually planned…

I'd be interested in that too. The banner image on the link in the OP makes it look a pedestrian area where the old Platform 2 tracks currently are (with a barrier between that and Platform 4). For me the main issues Temple Meads has are congestion immediately after a busy ex London train arrives but that clears pretty quickly, and the totally and utter lack of catering and retail options - no idea if this will sort either of those issues!

 

[The exile]

This is excellent, and badly needed as others have said.

I do notice the absence of any mention of reopening the old 1878 train shed for two new terminating platforms- have these plans been dropped entirely? Possibly no longer required if the Paddington 'superfasts' have also been shelved.

In fact, one of the artist’s impressions appeared to show the old train shed most definitely without tracks /trains.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jun 2022 ==

I'd be interested in that too. The banner image on the link in the OP makes it look a pedestrian area where the old Platform 2 tracks currently are (with a barrier between that and Platform 4). For me the main issues Temple Meads has are congestion immediately after a busy ex London train arrives but that clears pretty quickly, and the totally and utter lack of catering and retail options - no idea if this will sort either of those issues!

Even with current reduced loadings, the crush on the stairs to 13/15 when there are 2 near simultaneous arrivals is unpleasant (particularly if there are also trying to go the other way as well)

 

[jazzy]

https://www.newcivilengineer.com/la...5m-levelling-up-grant-for-upgrade-14-06-2022/
This article has the same images as other news sites but I think the captions help understand which areas they feature…

 

[The exile]

https://www.newcivilengineer.com/la...5m-levelling-up-grant-for-upgrade-14-06-2022/
This article has the same images as other news sites but I think the captions help understand which areas they feature…

So definitely no trains in the original station, then.

 

[WelshBluebird]

https://www.newcivilengineer.com/la...5m-levelling-up-grant-for-upgrade-14-06-2022/
This article has the same images as other news sites but I think the captions help understand which areas they feature…

Thanks!
As someone local to the area (I live about 8 mins walk away), some pretty big question marks do pop into my head when reading that and seeing the other images.

I think the first thing that I'm thinking is where do they think the cars will go? I'm pretty anti car, especially in an urban city like Bristol, but they still have their place (especially for Taxi's and people with limited mobility). Based on the pictures it looks like they are planning to totally remove vehicles from the top of station approach and bring the taxi rank much further down the hill - I wonder what that will do to the bus stops on station approach and the short stay car park? It also looks like they are aiming to at the very least severally restrict the Friary at the northern side of the station. Both of those will severally impact how accessible the station is by car. There is a mention of a multistory car park, but I've no idea where this could be!

Also whilst I do love the idea of bringing the Midland shed back into use for passengers properly, I can't help but feel it is a little too far away from the actual platforms to be terribly useful as a concourse area like the image seems to suggest.

Am very much liking the improvements to the northern entrance though. That is the entrance I used most and it is currently pretty poor - it is way too narrow and it really doesn't give a great impression like the main entrance does! Of course I likely won't still be living next to the station by the time any of this is actually done!

edit: it does look like at least some of the above has been previously thought about and discussed, just found this by The Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways from few years ago which answers some of my questions - https://fosbr.org.uk/temple-meads-masterplan-november-2019-update/. Namely the buses are planned to be moved to the Friary and the car park will go south of the river - I assume on Temple Island itself.

 

[Horizon22]

Thanks!
As someone local to the area (I live about 8 mins walk away), some pretty big question marks do pop into my head when reading that and seeing the other images.

I think the first thing that I'm thinking is where do they think the cars will go? I'm pretty anti car, especially in an urban city like Bristol, but they still have their place (especially for Taxi's and people with limited mobility). Based on the pictures it looks like they are planning to totally remove vehicles from the top of station approach and bring the taxi rank much further down the hill - I wonder what that will do to the bus stops on station approach and the short stay car park? It also looks like they are aiming to at the very least severally restrict the Friary at the northern side of the station. Both of those will severally impact how accessible the station is by car. There is a mention of a multistory car park, but I've no idea where this could be!

Also whilst I do love the idea of bringing the Midland shed back into use for passengers properly, I can't help but feel it is a little too far away from the actual platforms to be terribly useful as a concourse area like the image seems to suggest.

Am very much liking the improvements to the northern entrance though. That is the entrance I used most and it is currently pretty poor - it is way too narrow and it really doesn't give a great impression like the main entrance does! Of course I likely won't still be living next to the station by the time any of this is actually done!

edit: it does look like at least some of the above has been previously thought about and discussed, just found this by The Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways from few years ago which answers some of my questions - https://fosbr.org.uk/temple-meads-masterplan-november-2019-update/.

The first image in the link does show a car (probably representative of a taxi) pulled up outside the public realm area. I imagine it will just be a small road used for buses and taxis only as is common at many other stations.

Even the Southern entrance is rather confusing to the casual user and doesn't 'flow 'as much as you'd expect from such a major station. This is partly due to lack of space and an odd internal layout of the customer service areas.

 

[tpm]

Namely the buses are planned to be moved to the Friary and the car park will go south of the river - I assume on Temple Island itself.

I think a new MSCP (and also cycle parking) is planned as part of the "Southern Gateway" scheme (with direct access to the station via a pedestrian bridge alongside the tracks). The MSCP would be on the current Kwik Fit site on Bath Road / A4. I don't know if this will include short term parking and pick-up / drop-off facilities as well.

 

[Annetts key]

This is excellent, and badly needed as others have said.

I do notice the absence of any mention of reopening the old 1878 train shed for two new terminating platforms- have these plans been dropped entirely? Possibly no longer required if the Paddington 'superfasts' have also been shelved.

A bit awkward at the moment, as Bristol PSB is still in the way. It can’t be closed and demolished until it’s replaced elsewhere or the signalling it controls (Flax Bourton/Nailsea & Backwell to Bridgwater) is transferred to another PSB. The telecommunications equipment in this building would also have to be relocated as would the infrastructure (S&T) staff that are based there.

The planners apparently worked out that the two extra platforms were not in fact needed and that the stations existing platforms could cope.

Hence, at the moment, unless there is external funding, it’s doubtful if there is a business case to close Bristol PSB and reopen the old platforms.

Oh, and the original station, the Brunel train shed will not reopen. It would only be the more modern extension that would reopen (often referred to as the Matthew Digby Wyatt part).

 

[Snow1964]

Network Rail has issued updated info on Bristol TM works

Also includes updates on Portway Park and Ride station and the works to Bristol Parkway after Christmas

Bristol Rail Regeneration - Network Rail

Building a brighter future for Bristol’s railway Ashley Down station opened Ashley Down station in Bristol opened to the public...

www.networkrail.co.uk

 

[fandroid]

https://www.bristoltemplequarter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/BTQDF-Exec-Summary-Template.pdf

If anyone's puzzling over the geography without the benefit of a plan, the link above to the exec summary gives lots of useful plans, so non-bristolians can more readily visualise where north, south, east and west entrances might be!

 

[Annetts key]

The Portway Park and Ride station is already showing up on the Real Time Trains web site. The signal box panel in the controlling signal box has been altered.

I’ve not been able to look at the site itself though.

 

[coppercapped]

https://www.bristoltemplequarter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/BTQDF-Exec-Summary-Template.pdf

If anyone's puzzling over the geography without the benefit of a plan, the link above to the exec summary gives lots of useful plans, so non-bristolians can more readily visualise where north, south, east and west entrances might be!

Thank you, that's very helpful.

I hope somebody puts a plaque up somewhere commemorating Bath Road depot...!

 

[John R]

The Portway Park and Ride station is already showing up on the Real Time Trains web site. The signal box panel in the controlling signal box has been altered.

I’ve not been able to look at the site itself though.

Not only that, but the scrolling destination screens inside trains include it on the list of stops, even though it's not open yet!

 

[Yindee8191]

Portway P&R is coming on quite well.
Terrible pictures as I was on a train going past but as of mid-September the platform surfacing was done and some poles that I’m guessing will be lamp-posts were lying around the site.

 

[DaveHarries]

This Temple Quarter project involves putting a multi-level car park on the place I currently work from and banning vehicles other than buses and taxis from the incline. I presume the latter is an attempt to try and persuade people to engage in "active travel" to get there (). I am not convinced that Temple Meads needs 2 or 3 new entrances though: it already has one from the Temple Quay side so surely only needs one more from the Feeder Road side: the new car park could be linked by a covered walkway to the existing main entrance IMO. Always looks good though. Well, on paper anyway.

And as for the BRT proposed for 2025? Nah. Severn Beach line will continue to get my custom.

Dave

 

[davetheguard]

Anyone know what's happening with the refurbishment of Temple Meads' trainshed roof?

A lot of scaffolding went up a year or two ago, but not enough to form a "crash deck" for the entire span, but nothing obvious has happened since.

 

[Snow1964]

Anyone know what's happening with the refurbishment of Temple Meads' trainshed roof?

A lot of scaffolding went up a year or two ago, but not enough to form a "crash deck" for the entire span, but nothing obvious has happened since.

Network Rail info leaflet update, additional defects after exposing ironwork

The first phase of grit-blasting on the roof of the main train shed has been completed, with metalwork stripped and primed. Detailed examination of the exposed ironwork has revealed additional defects that could not be seen prior to the paint being stripped back and we are in the process of assessing each of these to determine the appropriate repair strategy.

It is currently unclear what impact these additional defects will have on the planned programme but we do need to carry out all safety related repairs while our vast scaffolding structure is in place.

Painting and glazing work will continue to take place while the necessary repairs are carried out.

Looks like gable ends are getting work early 2023

Keeping the programme moving in the meantime, we are now planning the next phase of night time grit-blasting, with a focus on the triangle; the section of roof between platform 1 and the main train shed.

Work is well underway to install scaffolding for the north and south gable ends, aiming to start refurbishment of the north gable end early next year.

Bristol Rail Regeneration - Network Rail

Building a brighter future for Bristol’s railway Ashley Down station opened Ashley Down station in Bristol opened to the public...

www.networkrail.co.uk

 

[Annetts key]

Anyone know what's happening with the refurbishment of Temple Meads' trainshed roof?

A lot of scaffolding went up a year or two ago, but not enough to form a "crash deck" for the entire span, but nothing obvious has happened since.

You’ve not heard the racket earlier in the year during the grit/sand blasting then?

Over near platform one, they had pipes and hoses going to the plant near the southern end of the high level sidings in the railway car park (the part that is not open to the public).

 

[davetheguard]

You’ve not heard the racket earlier in the year during the grit/sand blasting then?

Over near platform one, they had pipes and hoses going to the plant near the southern end of the high level sidings in the railway car park (the part that is not open to the public).

I must admit that Temple Meads is a station I get off at about 3 to 4 times a year. I've obviously been lucky not to get my ears blasted during any of those visits!

Good to hear that work is being carried out; but I wonder why the entire span isn't covered by scaffolding? Isn't ALL the glass due to be replaced & ironwork repainted?


Edit: And thanks to Snow 1964 for the link to Network Rail's press release, which I've only just read 10 minutes after making this post.

 

[WelshBluebird]

I am not convinced that Temple Meads needs 2 or 3 new entrances though: it already has one from the Temple Quay side so surely only needs one more from the Feeder Road side

It is worth saying that Temple Quay entrance isn't really fit for purpose during busier times of the day, and one of the "new entrances" being talked about is just making it actually usable (based on the CGI images, it looks like they plan on opening the exit so it is wider and basically uses what is now a car park as a pedestrian area rather than the exist just down a narrow path like it currently does).

 

[Hellzapoppin]

I did ask the question about the scaffolding and was told that the reason it doesn't cover the whole roof area is due to fire regulations, apparently it's to do with where the smoke would go if a fire was to break out.

 

[Ashley Hill]

I’d imagine that once the Midland trainshed has been turned into a retail area that it would be very difficult to return to railway use.

The Feeder Road entrance being referred to,is that a brand new entrance or the old one under the bridge being re-opened?

 

[davetheguard]

I did ask the question about the scaffolding and was told that the reason it doesn't cover the whole roof area is due to fire regulations, apparently it's to do with where the smoke would go if a fire was to break out.

Thanks for that.

I presume it's not going to be a quick job then, doing one section at a time: do the work; take down scaffolding; put up scaffolding; start working on next section; repeat; repeat. I wonder what the planned end date is? And as often happens, more work is needed than expected. Hopefully the budget is fully in place for what could be several years' work?

I'm sure the job will be well worth it. The amount of light let in, and the quality of the finish at other stations that have had this sort of work done has been impressive. Thinks: Paddington; Bournemouth; Kings Cross etc.

 

[Annetts key]

The existing Temple Quay / Friary arrangements are temporary. This road and the land are privately owned (Friary road and the apparently public areas are not owned by Bristol City council).

The non-railway car park is also privately owned.

Only the area where the former railway bridge (that used to go over Temple Gate road) and the railway embankment (really an enclosed series of archways) is railway land. This is currently part of the railway station car park.

I don’t know if they are expanding or reopening the current disused Cattle Market Road access (the one under the bridge, which has as far as I know never been a public access). But what they are doing is providing an expanded entrance (‘eastern’) to the new University site (formally the site of the old Royal Mail/Post Office Bristol mail centre). This is why the platform 15 end of the passenger subway is currently boarded up. A lot of the structural work on this has already taken place.

Here’s an older version of a plan showing some of the ideas from 2020

(Source: https://www.bristolcivicsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Temple-Meads-plans.jpg)
Please note that as far as I know, the platforms 0/1 part is not going ahead now. I don’t know about some of the other parts. But the ‘eastern’ entrance is going ahead. And Network Rail does have plans foe relaying/remodelling West Junction.

The scaffolding, the grit/sand blasting and restoration work was always going to be a multi-part, multi-stage scheme. I can’t remember the exact length of the programme, but it was less than four years, but more than three.

Getting to where we are with the work, especially the scaffolding work, has already been a big project.