The ‘multi-modal transport hub’ will also have space for lots of bicycles
Bristol Temple Meads railway station(Image: Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
A decision is due this week on plans for a new multi-storey car park next to Bristol Temple Meads station. The seven-storey building would hold 379 vehicles and form part of a wider “multi-modal transport hub” linked to the station’s new southern entrance.
The project also includes a three-storey cycle hub with space for 538 bikes, a new bus stop on the A4 Bath Road, a segregated two-way cycle route, and a new junction giving motorists access to the car park. Bristol Temple Quarter LLP, which is leading the area’s regeneration, has submitted the proposal to Bristol City Council’s development control A committee, with officers recommending approval.
Planning documents describe the car park as a key step in freeing up land for the broader redevelopment of Temple Meads and surrounding areas. “By relocating the surface level car parking around the station, land can be released that is critical to enable the redevelopment of the station,” the architects said.
The site, formerly home to a Kwik Fit garage, would also feature a public square between the car park and cycle hub, including spaces for food trucks.
As part of the wider regeneration, existing parking north of the station will be removed and replaced. A new eastern entrance to the station has already been completed alongside the University of Bristol’s Enterprise Campus, due to open next year, while new bus stops and a public square are also planned on the Friary.
Commenter Muttsnuts says: “I was pleased to see a new car park being built. Sadly that was spoiled when I read further and saw the stuff about yet more cycle lanes and a mega bike park. Who would use such a large cycle park?There ain’t that many cycles in Bristol all wanting to park at Temple Meads.”
Paul-W replies: “There are hundreds of cycles regularly ‘parked’ at Temple Meads. Some leave their cycle at the station while they continue their journey by train, and others arrive by train to Temple Meads and have their cycle locked up ready for them to complete the remainder of their journey in Bristol. Secure cycle parking, cycle maintenance, lockers and even potentially showering and changing facilities should form a key element of any new ‘Multi-modal Transport Hub’. If we want to encourage less car use, then we need to make the alternatives much more attractive.”
Fluffball retorts: “Car drivers don’t demand such facilities, they just want somewhere to park. Why should cyclists get all this funded by the Council?”
Ciderman asks: “Since when has a car park been known as a ‘multi-modal transport hub’? Don’t make me laugh! Go to most European, American, Asian cities and you’ll see a proper transport hub involving the train station, bus station, internal rail, trams or underground connected to the airport.”
Shakspear agrees: “Move the whole bus station to Temple Meads, it makes sense. Also get rid of that eyesore of a hotel, anyone coming to Bristol must wonder what is going on!”
Magrathean writes: ”With plans to relocate surface level parking and remove spaces north of the station, does that mean the main front drop off car park will stay or be removed? And if it stays, will people have to pay to drop off passengers at the new Kwik Fit car park? I really hope drop off and pick up remain free and that bicycle parking stays free too.”
Fluffball disagrees: “Why should all the facilities be free? You choose what you want and pay for the privilege.”
Bristolresident1 thinks: “The walkway and cycle path definitely need an upgrade, but that image is completely wrong. There isn’t enough space for four lanes, a footpath, greenery, a double cycle lane, and multiple lamp posts on that bridge. And a car park makes no sense when the area is surrounded by student accommodation. It would be far better to build proper housing instead.”
What do you think about the planned changes to Temple Meads? Will they make the station better? Share your views in the comments.
