First complete look at Temple Quarter transformation as student block plans revealed

A decision is due this week on whether to greenlight a new student accommodation block next to the River Avon near Bristol’s Temple Meads station. However, developers have unveiled not only the design of their proposed 22-storey building but also the extent of the transformation planned for the entire area.

Developer Cubex has released fresh images of its 22-storey building on Albert Road in St Philips, with one artist’s impression showing the proposed new home for 531 students surrounded by all the other yet-to-be-built developments in the area. This marks the first time the transformation of the ‘Temple Quarter’ area has been visualised in a single image, revealing the scale of changes coming to this corner of Bristol.

The view looks down on Albert Road from east to west, with recognisable city centre landmarks visible in the background, including the spire of St Mary Redcliffe Church and the harbourside ferris wheel. One reason Cubex compiled all the various plans for tower blocks in the Temple Quarter area was to counter objections that their 22-storey tower block would look out of place on its own.

Historic England stated it would typically object to such a tall building so close to the listed and historic Temple Meads station, but given it would be one of many similar buildings, it decided not to object.

The proposed 22-storey building by Cubex, characterised by its darker brown and black front, is prominently featured in the foreground. Adjacent to it on the left is another development on Albert Road, comprising four different buildings reaching up to 17 storeys high, reports Bristol Live.

This development, which was granted planning permission in June last year, will provide purpose-built accommodation for a total of 454 students. The blue railway bridge that bypasses Temple Meads station and runs alongside the Bristol Animal Rescue Centre site can be seen in the bottom left corner of the image.

Behind the student accommodation on Albert Road, the River Avon is barely visible due to the towering buildings in front. Further back are the proposed developments for the area now referred to as Temple Island.

Despite not being an island, this area has been essentially isolated by the railway line and Bath Road, but is now accessible via new bridges from St Philips. Previously earmarked for a proposed arena, developers Legal and General unveiled plans earlier this year for hundreds of new homes, offices, a new hotel and a conference centre in this area.

This £350m project forms part of the wider Temple Quarter regeneration scheme, with the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter campus – currently under construction on the former Royal Mail sorting office site next to Temple Meads station – serving as the key driver for this initiative.

Commuters travelling to Temple Meads have been offered a prime view of this emerging development, with the buildings already visible above the horizon from various points in the area. However, due to the extensive development surrounding it, even this will eventually be dwarfed.

In Cubex’s montage view, the university campus buildings are situated to the right of Cubex’s student accommodation block, with the main building being the white trapezoid-shaped structure adjacent to the railway bridge arch over the floating harbour. Another student accommodation development further up Albert Road completes the transformation.

Temple Meads station and much of the city centre have been obscured by the tower blocks, although the tall Castle Park View building remains visible. The image does not include the proposed redevelopment of the Premier Inn next to the Bearpit, the Rupert Street NCP car park, or the significant redevelopment of what will essentially become a new city centre area for Bristol following the demolition and rebuilding of The Galleries – all of which will be visible across the city.

City Hall planning officers have recommended approval for the Cubex student block on Albert Road, as they gear up for councillors’ decision this coming Wednesday. Will Tomlinson, Development Director at the firm, said: “We are pleased that our proposed Temple Reach development at Albert Road is being considered at committee, with a recommendation for approval from planning officers.

“This scheme represents a significant opportunity to help deliver the Bristol Avon Flood Strategy, alongside high-quality student accommodation, affordable workspace, active travel routes, and new public spaces that will support the regeneration of St Philip’s Marsh. With over 50 per cent of the site dedicated to flood defence and public realm improvements, this project is designed to enhance both the environment and connectivity in the area.

“The development is designed as a highly sustainable project and achieves an impressive 3,849 per cent Biodiversity Net Gain. It prioritises active travel by exceeding statutory cycle provisions, incorporating car share facilities, and ensuring excellent pedestrian connectivity to the campus, a major transport hub, and the wider city.”

“We look forward to making our case to the committee and we are committed to working with the council and local stakeholders to deliver a scheme that supports Bristol’s growth and resilience.”

Historic England has highlighted that Bristol City Council has yet to establish a design strategy for the area. “With other neighbouring sites coming forward, we anticipate that the St Phillip’s Marsh area is about to undergo significant change and offers an opportunity for positive placemaking,” a spokesperson for Historic England said.

“However, there is presently no masterplan for the area and Historic England continues to encourage your authority to consider undertaking such an exercise. This would steer new development in a more holistic way and provide design parameters to deliver contextual design, drawing on the former industrial aesthetic and character of the area.”

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