Temple Gate

The Temple Gate area covered by this framework is made up of two specific sites close to the station.

Aerial map of Temple Gate.

The first is Bristol and Exeter Yard, adjacent to the station, in between the main station approach and Cattle Market Road. The second area is across the Temple Gate Highway from the station, on the eastern end of the Redcliffe neighbourhood enclosed by Redcliffe Mead Lane and Somerset Street. The River Avon New Cut runs along its southern edge.

Temple Gate history

The Temple Gate area was first developed following the creation of the River Avon New Cut between 1804 and 1809. During the 19th Century terraced housing and industrial warehouses were built in the area. Bristol and Exeter Yard, including Bristol and Exeter House (Grade II* listed) was constructed in 1852. The current station approach ramp and Bristol Temple Meads Station (Grade I listed) were added in the 1870s. These historic buildings contribute to the area's character, providing opportunities to enhance the setting of the area and celebrate its heritage.

Bristol and Exeter Building.

Temple Gate today

The area covered by the framework, across from the station, includes a large building along Temple Gate which includes a pub, restaurant, retail spaces, a hotel and a multi-storey car park. The site includes land on the site of the former Robins and Day car dealership and Victoria House, which are currently subject to development proposals from a private developer. There are residential properties and car parking immediately outside the framework area. The impact of development on these properties will be considered as any plans come forward.

Bristol and Exeter Yard, between Station Approach and Cattle Market Road, is used for railway servicing, as well as access to a number of small independent businesses situated in the arches under Station Approach. Bristol and Exeter House and Temple Studios, alongside Cattle Market Road, offer office space and units for a number of businesses. This framework suggests no change to Temple Studios, the business uses under Station Approach or Bristol and Exeter House. An additional area of land is currently undeveloped.

Temple Gate.

Temple Gate.

Our vision for Temple Gate is to enhance the setting of Temple Meads station in a way that reflects Bristol's urban character, provides much-needed affordable homes and the infrastructure to support them.

Temple Gate's ideal location close to Temple Meads station, public transport and walking and cycling links, gives an opportunity to create an attractive, welcoming and sustainable neighbourhood that has low car use and is easier to travel through.

Bristol aims to be net zero by 2030 and an extension of the district heat network could provide homes and offices with low-carbon heating.

A mix of uses could support high density city centre apartment living, alongside retail and office space. A new hotel within easy reach of the station could also face onto Temple Gate. Any new development would consider the impact on existing homes nearby, including at Temple Gate South, west of Chatterton Street.

The vacant development plot in the Bristol and Exeter Yard site, between Station Approach and Cattle Market Road, could provide further new office space. Alternatively, the site has the potential to be a mass transit stop in future, meeting the city and region's growing need for sustainable travel options.

Vacant development plot in the Bristol and Exeter Yard site.

There are some challenges to regenerating Temple Gate. The development areas are close to the highway, which is a key route through the city and is heavily used. The area is also partially in a flood zone, so any new development will need to thoughtfully incorporate flood defence.

The Bristol and Exeter Yard will also need to continue to act as the main hub for servicing Bristol Temple Meads station and nearby buildings. To continue this important use, public safety and access will need to be taken into consideration.

There are a number of landowners at Temple Gate, and future development will need a coordinated approach. This framework aims to support this to enable Temple Gate to come forward coherently.

Temple Gate highway.

In response to the opportunities and constraints of the Temple Gate site, the following design objectives should guide development within the area.

Streets and Spaces

• New development should improve connections with surrounding areas.
• Proposals should respond to the traffic-dominance of Temple Gate by including generous footways and courtyard areas in and around new building plots to make the area more enjoyable for pedestrians.
• New streetscaping in Bristol and Exeter Yard should maintain access for servicing vehicles while also reducing safety hazards for pedestrians, making this area both functional and enjoyable.

Building Height and Form

• The scale, height and size of buildings should reflect the area's character and heritage.
• Building materials and finishes should complement their surroundings.

Building Character and Standards

• Development along Temple Gate should include ground-floor businesses to create active and engaging spaces to welcome visitors and residents.
• Clusters of buildings with similar architecture styles and varied heights should respond to the historic character of the area.
• Basement space should be used for parking and waste storage to minimise street-level parking and clutter.
• Buildings should be positioned and orientated for sustainable design, such as protection against temperature extremes and wind tunnel.

Important Views and Vistas

• Developments should protect important views of Bristol Temple Meads station to enhance the station's historic character and setting.

Illustration of what development at Temple Gate could look like.

The Development Framework page sets out some guiding principles for the whole of Bristol Temple Quarter. These are the guiding principles as they apply to Temple Gate:

1. Integrated and connected

• Integrated, transport-oriented development, being next to Bristol Temple Meads station.
• A focus on low-carbon transport opportunities, connecting to active and public transport routes, with minimal levels of private car parking.
• Improvements will be made to pedestrian routes through redevelopment of the site.
• Bristol and Exeter Yard will continue to provide the main access to the station for operational and servicing needs, also presenting opportunities for future transport use, such as mass transit.

2. Inclusive economic growth

• Use of the Temple Gate area will be gradually intensified to contribute to Bristol's growing economy.
• A new mix of land uses will respond to the context of the growing Enterprise Zone and surrounding development.
• The appropriate mix will be determined by the development market, including housing, commercial offices and hotels.
• Workplaces will be designed to accommodate the Enterprise Zone target sectors: creative, digital, low-carbon and financial services.
• Accommodation will be designed for individuals and small families for whom convenience and connectivity is paramount.

3. Quality places

• High density, city centre living accommodation will provide homes for professionals working locally or commuting, with a mix of owned and rented apartments.
• Offices and hotels will further complement the surrounding area and maintain activity throughout the day.
• Redevelopment will involve architectural design that improves the setting of the historic station and views from the station entrance.
• Throughout the area, new buildings will be designed to minimise their carbon intensity, including district heating.

4. Quality spaces

• The Temple Gate frontage will be broken up to reduce its imposing character and improve access to surrounding areas.
• Active ground floor use will be maintained along this major thoroughfare, such as restaurants and convenience retail.
• Away from the main highway, small streets and spaces will be designed for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles.
• Courtyard areas will be introduced, including green infrastructure to provide a pleasant environment.
• The proximity of the busy highway means that this area is not well-suited for significant open space, instead looking to the new Goods Yard and Mead Street area to provide outdoor relaxation and recreation.
• Bristol and Exeter Yard has opportunities for longer-term uses, including improved access to other station areas which enhance the functioning and character of the station.

5. Vibrant and creative communities

• The location of this area within the Enterprise Zone will determine the tone and identity of its redevelopment, characterised by a thriving community of professionals.
• However, within this context, there are opportunities for a diverse range and scale of businesses. Collett House, otherwise known as Temple Studios, will be retained as flexible co-working space, continuing to serve creative and innovative small businesses.
• New housing and active ground floor use will create activity throughout the day, helping to avoid 'ghost' areas on evenings and weekends.
• Affordable housing will be incorporated to create an inclusive, diverse residential community.
• Bristol and Exeter Yard has potential to become a more active courtyard area, supplementing the existing popular bakery.

The Development Framework includes proposals for a mix of land uses to create a new city centre development of residential, office and hotel space within easy reach of Bristol Temple Meads station.

Potential land use and development sites at Temple Gate. Larger version of map

On the south side of Temple Gate, this framework proposes new housing in the area. 40% should be provided as affordable housing. The affordable housing would likely be a mix of 70% socially rented and 30% shared ownership. Small courtyard areas can be incorporated, including green landscaping and high-quality public realm.

In addition to residential uses, retail could be incorporated on the ground floor along Temple Gate to create an engaging streetscape. This could be a convenience store which would also serve the existing residents in Redcliffe to the west. One new hotel building of approximately 7,500m2 is also proposed on the south side.

New multi-storey offices could be built either side of Temple Gate. The Bristol and Exeter Yard area also has potential for new courtyard areas, including more tenants and retail uses in the arches beneath the Station Approach ramp.

This area can be seen as an extension of the existing business district around the station, but new buildings will also need to be sensitive to the residential neighbourhood behind.

Instead of commercial offices, the Bristol and Exeter Yard area has potential to be a future mass transit stop. This site is perhaps better suited to an overground system due to challenges of excavating so close to the river. A mass transit stop at this location could improve links to enter Temple Meads station.