The car park will be built on the site of a former Kwik Fit garage
Bristol Live readers have been discussing plans submitted to Bristol City Council for a major new multi-storey car park just south of Temple Meads station. The 379-space facility is set to become the centrepiece of the “Southern Gateway” project, which also includes secure storage for over 530 bikes, new bus stops, and improvements to the Bath Road cycling and pedestrian routes.
The Southern Gateway is planned for the former Kwik Fit site on Bath Road, directly south of the River Avon from Temple Meads.
Alongside the new transport hub, Network Rail intends to convert an existing railway line into a pedestrian bridge over the Avon, aiming to improve access between the station and South Bristol. The car park will also include a new drop-off and pick-up area for vehicles, offering an alternative to Station Approach.
Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: “The Southern Gateway is more than just a modern, high-quality transport hub, it is essential for the ongoing transformation of the long-neglected area around Bristol Temple Meads station. I’m thrilled to see our plans make it this far and I’m looking forward to seeing construction start.”
Marcus Jones, Western Route Director at Network Rail, added: “When Brunel opened Bristol Temple Meads 185 years ago it was truly world-class with many innovations that are now commonplace at stations everywhere. The station is now going through a transformation to make it fit for the future.”
Network Rail says the goal of the Southern Gateway is to consolidate existing car parking scattered around the station into one central location. This will free up space to the north of the station – including at the Friary, Station Approach and the Grade I listed Midland Shed – for new developments, public areas, and travel links. The Bristol Temple Quarter programme aims to deliver 10,000 new homes around the station.
Commenter Nick4765 is suspicious: “Car park? It looks like a prime place for some student accommodation given the huge new Bristol University development nearby – maybe the plan will change along the way?”
Asmodeus thinks: “This is not consistent with reducing traffic volumes and congestion through this part of central Bristol. Who are the intended users of this? In the Temple Quarter Development there will be very little car parking space for the alleged 10,000 new households, so 379 spaces in this multi-storey park will be far too few if people decide not to rely on public transport or e-scooters. Rail passengers arriving by car may not get a look-in.”
Junius replies: “If the transport hub has facilities for bikes (including electric), buses, e-scooters (no doubt), a space for an as yet unidentified mass transit system and improved infrastructure for walking, why would cars still need to be used for arrival at, or pick up from, the station? The bigger question is whether 10,000 alleged new households in the development will or will not choose to have cars despite the lack of space to park or store them.”
Bs3bob complains: “Once again the council are approving plans that could make the traffic on one of Bristol’s main arterial roads worse. The queues trying to get into Cabot Circus car park already create issues causing jams for people trying to get to the M32 and out of Bristol.”
Blackbeard83 replies: “A train station won’t attract as many cars as a shopping center. Most people don’t want to pay for an extra car park when they’re travelling. They’ll still use buses & trains to get there. It will just be used by surrounding offices along with pick up & collections from the station.”
Adam Bryant thinks: “Temple Meads doesn’t need a huge car park. There are plenty of public transport options to get there and many people walk anyway.”
Barry Wood replies: “If you live out of the central Bristol area, the public transport is very limited outside of peak daytimes. A car park is essential if they want more people to use the train for long journeys.”
Dan Tapscott likes the idea: “Thank goodness. Now, provided we can get to it and it’s affordable, this will be brilliant. Well done to all involved.”
Adrian Reeve not so much: “Bristol is supposed to be the green city of culture and we build a massive car park in the centre of Temple Meads!”
Is a new car park at Temple Meads the right move, or does it clash with Bristol’s green goals? Tell us what you think in our comments section.