The transformation of Bristol Temple Quarter is one of the UK's largest regeneration projects.
Temple Quarter and its setting in Bristol. Larger version of map
Temple Quarter sits at the heart of Bristol, one of the UK's most productive and fast-growing regions and is a focal point for the West of England's £39bn economy.
Temple Quarter will transform over 130 hectares of brownfield land over the next 25 years into a series of thriving, well-connected mixed-use communities. The regeneration of the area will create 10,000 new homes, thousands of new jobs and bring £1.6bn annual income to the city economy. Tackling the challenges posed by the climate crisis and a changing employment landscape head-on, the regeneration will build on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals to put low carbon, climate-friendly homes, jobs, and opportunities at the heart of the city, alongside new green spaces and an 18-hour economy, where visitors and residents can live, work and spend time.
The project partners are:
- Bristol City Council
- West of England Combined Authority (WECA)
- Network Rail
- Homes England
They'll work collaboratively with Bristol's citizens and other organisations to help shape a successful future for Bristol Temple Quarter that showcases what can be achieved by public sector organisations working in partnership.
The draft Bristol Temple Quarter Development Framework sets out proposals for 6 distinct areas, providing different levels of detail.
Masterplans for:
- Bristol Temple Meads
- City Gateway
- Friary North
Concept plans for:
- Temple Gate
- St Philip's Marsh
Mead Street, the 6th area, was the subject of a development brief which was endorsed by Bristol City Council's Cabinet in August 2022.
Temple Quarter Spatial Framework
In 2016, we created a non-statutory planning guidance document, called the Temple Quarter Spatial Framework, which covers the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. The currently adopted planning policy BCAP35 of the Bristol Local Plan, Bristol Central Area Plan requires development to have regard to the Spatial Framework.
It provides guidance, helps co-ordinate and integrate investment, sets out the ambitions for the area and promotes an integrated place-making approach with sustainable urban design at its core. The Spatial Framework is a material consideration in the determination of planning applications relevant to the framework area.
Temple Quarter Development Framework
The Temple Quarter Development Framework, if adopted, will also be a non-statutory planning guidance document. It will cover a much larger area than the Spatial Framework, including Bristol Temple Meads Station and St Philip's Marsh.
The Development Framework includes some of the Spatial Framework area, but not all of it. The purpose of the Development Framework is to set out a future vision for regeneration for the whole Temple Quarter area and not just the Enterprise Zone. The draft Development Framework was prepared on behalf of a public sector partnership, including:
- Bristol City Council
- West of England Combined Authority (WECA)
- Network Rail
- Homes England
Following the consultation of the Development Framework, if endorsed by Bristol City Council Cabinet, it will become a material planning consideration, similar to the Spatial Framework.
Map showing areas and sites covered by the Spatial Framework and the Development Framework. Larger version of map
Developments already being planned
A number of development schemes are already progressing in Temple Quarter. The planned developments have been considered in the production of the Development Framework to bring forward a coordinated approach to change in the area. However, they're progressing separately and therefore we're not asking for feedback on them in this consultation. These include:
Silverthorne Lane
Silverthorne Lane, including a secondary school
Eastern Entrance to Bristol Temple Meads
Floating Harbour walkway
University of Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus
The Development Framework is designed to present cohesive, deliverable plans for Bristol Temple Quarter.
A number of considerations have influenced the framework content:
Land use and ownership
There are many landowners in Temple Quarter, including public sector and private owners. At present much of the Development Framework area is in industrial and commercial use. However, the area sits between the residential areas of Totterdown, Redcliffe and Barton Hill, and includes Sparke Evans Park. The area also includes the Grade I Listed Bristol Temple Meads Station and other listed structures along the Feeder Canal that contribute to the area's character and sense of place, along with the semi-natural characteristics of the River Avon.
Housing
The Development Framework should support the delivery of housing which reflects the range of housing needs in Bristol, including affordable homes, to support the creation of mixed and sustainable communities within Temple Quarter.
Employment
The vision for Temple Quarter is for a mixed-use community where employment sits alongside residential development. The level and type of employment will be determined through the Local Plan Review which is currently underway, and the adoption of the new Local Plan.
Retail
Bristol Temple Quarter is an opportunity to create a community where people can live, work, eat and spend time, but new retail should not compete with the city centre. There are specific opportunities for improved retail at Bristol Temple Meads station. This could be a small local centre to serve commuters, workers and nearby residents.
Flood risk
The Bristol Avon Flood Strategy has the objective of reducing flood risk through the centre of Bristol and will enable development of areas of Temple Quarter which are at risk from flooding.
River Avon
Movement and transport
Access to Temple Quarter, particularly St Philip's Marsh, is currently limited by a number of things, including the River Avon and railway network. Access should be improved. Better and easier sustainable transport, including walking and cycling, is a central part of the vision for this area.
Heritage
The Temple Quarter area contains several listed buildings including:
- Temple Meads Station (Grade I)
- Brunel's Old Station (Grade I), which includes the Engine Shed and Passenger Shed
- Bristol and Exeter House (Grade II*)
The area also contains one Conservation Area at Silverthorne Lane and is close to the Bedminster Conservation Area and the Redcliffe Conservation Area. Sparke Evans Park in St Philip's Marsh is included on the list of 'Local Historic Parks and Gardens'.
Temple Meads Station and Bristol and Exeter House
Character and sense of place
Bristol has very distinctive areas with their own characters and sense of place. There's a strong sense of community, with a wide range of community events and activities attracting local, regional and national audiences. There are flourishing independent businesses, creative industries, and an arts scene which animate the city.
Public realm and green infrastructure
Only approximately 2% of the development framework area is currently designated for open space. There's an opportunity for investment in public realm and green infrastructure to enhance city life and support new neighbourhoods.
River Avon
Feeder Canal
Diversity and inclusion
Bristol has a significant number of people living in deprived areas and some of these areas are adjacent to the project area. Temple Quarter is an exciting opportunity to improve accessibility and inclusion. We will ensure the area is designed, built and managed in a way that brings communities together, including through a more accessible transport network.
Sustainable and inclusive growth
Sustainable and inclusive growth is key to this framework, and this is embedded in national and local planning policies already.
The urgency of the climate crisis and the pace of technological change will impact town planning and development. The proposals in the framework aim to accommodate new ideas for a more sustainable future and will have Bristol's One City Plan and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals at its heart.
Stakeholder engagement
To help produce the Development Framework, stakeholder and public engagement took place in 2018 and 2019 with a range of stakeholders, businesses and the public. In the last few months, engagement has taken place to explain the project again, recognising the length of time between the previous engagement and this latest consultation on the draft framework document.
Stakeholder Engagement
The Development Framework sets out 5 guiding principles that have helped shape the proposals for each character area in the document.
These were informed by a series of workshops with stakeholders, local organisations and local people.
1. Integrated and connected
Temple Quarter will be simple, convenient and comfortable to get around sustainably. New and improved walking, cycling and public transport routes will build on Bristol's reputation as a green pioneer and make low-carbon travel easy and enjoyable, whether you are commuting, visiting friends, or just travelling through Bristol's new gateway.
2. Inclusive economic growth
Temple Quarter will have a diverse mix of high-quality new homes, jobs and education, supported by the infrastructure and community facilities that will make it a great place to live, work and learn. Temple Quarter will boost Bristol's status as a city at the cutting-edge, finding innovative solutions to tackle the housing, climate, flooding and employment challenges, and providing a home for global business and home-grown talent to thrive.
3. Quality places
Temple Quarter will reflect the best that Bristol has to offer, conserving and celebrating its history of innovation and cultural diversity, while making the city fit for a changing world. World-class design will complement environmental performance and low-carbon lifestyles. The area's heritage, particularly Brunel's Grade I listed station, will be used to help develop a character that is distinctly of Bristol. A balanced mix of uses will provide quality places and community facilities, making Temple Quarter a place where everyone in Bristol can enjoy spending time.
4. Quality spaces
Temple Quarter will have outdoor public spaces at its core. Plazas and parks will help Bristol's world-renowned arts and cultural scene to thrive and give space to visitors and residents to relax. Our city's connection to its waterways will be celebrated with new waterfront spaces that blend access to nature with active travel and flood defence, and boost green spaces and nature.
5. Vibrant and creative communities
Temple Quarter will offer something for everyone and public spaces will allow different communities to come together. We'll work with the people of Bristol to shape the future of the area, putting inclusivity first. Community facilities and a range of housing and employment will help facilitate meaningful social encounters and support vulnerable members of the community. Temple Quarter will help make sure Bristol is a city where no one gets left behind.