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The main structure of a £500m project at Bristol’s Temple Quarter has been completed today ahead of opening in two years time. The University of Bristol ’s Enterprise Campus, located next to Temple Meads, is part of the transformation of the Temple Quarter.
The new campus, scheduled to open in September 2026, will enhance the university’s research, education and level of innovation. The university confirmed that the project is on time, on budget and, when completed. will have 4,600 students and 650 staff.
The campus, which is on the site of the former Royal Mail sorting office, will contain a 38,000 sqm academic building, which will house the Business School, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Bristol Innovations, as well as a range of engineering programmes and digital research groups. Dedicated space for 300 enterprise partners will be available, meaning that students will be able to interact whilst learning.
The project is now about a third of the way through and will also be used as an inclusive hub for local communities who will be able to use the space. The campus will improve connectivity in the area, with a new entrance at Bristol Temple Meads train station opening directly onto University Square, and enhanced pedestrian and cycling routes.
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The campus was also described as being able to support and strengthen the quantum technology sector in the region. The university says that Bristol, home to the world’s first quantum photonics chip, will be able to lead the way in quantum technology.
Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said: “After many years in the planning the biggest innovation footprint ever made in our city is a third of the way there. It’s great to see how much progress has been made over the last 18 months on site with the new building really taking shape before our eyes.
“The Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus will be a major new landmark for Bristol and a real catalyst for innovation not just for the city and region, but also nationally. It is being carefully constructed to meet the needs and nurture the aspirations of our students, staff and partners across the city and the wider region.
“It provides outstanding facilities to build on our collective strengths in research, innovation, learning and societal change. By attracting top talent, fostering cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, nurturing start-ups and entrepreneurship, and providing opportunities to work with students and develop talent pipelines, we will attract more international partners to Bristol and help to create a thriving ecosystem that drives economic growth to really compete on the global stage.”
(Image: FCB Studios)
Hector McAlpine, Executive Partner at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “Our work to date has placed this project in the best possible position to deliver this ground-breaking facility on time, ready to receive the next generation of students. In doing so, Temple Quarter has transformed, with this project acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration.
“We are proud to be part of this journey, delivering a legacy through educational programmes, community initiatives and funding, alongside employment opportunities during construction. This aligns with our strong social value objectives.”
The new campus forms part of the UK’s largest regeneration project which aims to deliver 22,000 new jobs and 10,000 new homes, as well as a £1.6 billion annual boost to the regional economy. Temple Meads station will be refurbished and a new eastern entrance will open in 2026, meaning direct access from station to campus.
Further university accommodation is being built on Temple Island opposite the campus, which will provide beds for 3,600 students. The new TQ Research Hub for University of Bristol will be fully operational by the end of the year on Avon Street nearby.
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