A planning application has been lodged with Bristol City Council for the Southern Gateway, a new transport hub as part of the wider Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration project.
If approved, the development will transform the currently car park-dominated land south of Bristol Temple Meads station into a multi-modal gateway that aims to improve access and connectivity for residents, commuters and visitors.
The Southern Gateway proposals include a multi-storey car park with 379 spaces dedicated to rail staff and passenger parking, a secure cycle hub accommodating over 530 bikes including cargo and accessible cycles, new bus stops and improved walking and cycling routes. Designed by AHR Architects, the development seeks to relocate much of the existing regulated rail parking currently spread around the station into a consolidated site. This will free up northern areas near the Friary, Station Approach and Midland Shed – a Grade I listed building – for redevelopment with new public spaces, offices and homes.
Bristol Temple Meads Southern Gateway proposed site overview
Network Rail is also planning a new pedestrian access that will convert a former railway siding into a walkway crossing the River Avon. This dedicated route will provide improved access from the south of the city directly into the station, connecting to Platforms 3 and 4 via relocated ticket barriers. Although this walkway is not part of the Southern Gateway planning application, it is an integral feature intended to enhance integration between the transport hub and Bristol Temple Meads station.
The Southern Gateway is the first phase of the Bristol Temple Quarter Limited Liability Partnership’s (BTQ LLP) work to deliver thousands of new homes, jobs and infrastructure across 135ha of central Bristol. BTQ LLP, a partnership between Homes England, Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority, is leading the regeneration and manages the planning application, which was developed by Arup with input from Mott MacDonald.
Bristol Temple Meads Southern Gateway facade design by AHR Architects
Funding for the Southern Gateway is partially being provided by a £95M government grant awarded to the Temple Quarter programme in 2022, with additional investment sought from the Combined Authority. The development follows public consultation that showed strong local support, with over a third of respondents indicating they would use the new southern station entrance for reasons including proximity and convenience.
This latest plan adds to a series of improvements at Bristol Temple Meads under the Temple Quarter initiative. A new Eastern Entrance is due to open in autumn 2026, providing access to the University of Bristol’s Enterprise Campus. In total, the scheme envisages four new or improved station entrances to better serve the city’s growing population and evolving transport needs.
If built, the Southern Gateway will mark a significant shift in how people access Bristol Temple Meads, encouraging more sustainable travel modes such as cycling and bus use, while creating a more welcoming arrival point at one of the city’s key transport hubs. The application is now with Bristol City Council, which will consider it alongside other elements of the wider regeneration project in the coming months.
BTQ LLP CEO Karen Mercer said: “This is a really exciting moment for Bristol Temple Quarter. Southern Gateway is the first piece in the jigsaw to unlock the new homes, jobs and public spaces that the city needs. The BTQ LLP was created to deliver on the long-term ambitions of the BTQ partners, and this planning submission is the first step towards the transformation of the area.”
Mayor of the West of England Helen Godwin said: “Getting our plans submitted for the Southern Gateway is another step towards transforming the entrances into Temple Meads into something the city and region can be really proud of. We want to make it easier for people to get around – however you’re travelling. The transformation of the station itself will complement our work to deliver new stations at North Filton, Portishead, and elsewhere, helping to bring new jobs and economic growth to the West.”
Bristol City Council leader Tony Dyer said: “It’s great to see the Bristol Temple Quarter Limited Liability Partnership, which we set up with our partners to accelerate delivery at Temple Quarter, hit the ground running. 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.”
Network Rail Western route director Marcus Jones said: “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 an icon once again. We’re already delivering the new roof to vastly improve the environment in the station, have built a new Eastern entrance opening out onto University Square, and work has started on bringing the Passenger Shed back into use. With the plans for the new Southern Gateway there will be a dramatic improvement in the passenger experience, and it’s all part of our plan to give Bristol the station it deserves.”
Homes England assistant director – regional Joe Wharton said: “The Southern Gateway is a further sign of the growing momentum behind the Temple Quarter project, which Homes England is pleased to be playing a central role in. This is the vital first move to begin delivering new homes and jobs at scale in the heart of Bristol.”
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