University of Bristol unveils major plans to expand Temple Quarter campus

The University of Bristol has unveiled major plans to expand its new Temple Quarter campus before it is even built.

A series of five stepped buildings ranging from four to eight storeys would transform a former industrial area next to Temple Meads station after the institution bought the Wales & West Utilities, Vauxhall and Kawasaki Drive sites.

The proposed car-free development in Gas Lane and Avon Street includes a new public square, pedestrian routes to Barton Hill, additional bus and ferry stops and a footbridge over the floating harbour.

The bridge would link the island to the railway station and academic buildings at the university’s £300million Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus at the former Royal Mail sorting office in Cattle Market Road, which received planning permission from Bristol City Council in March.

University bosses have launched a public consultation ahead of submitting an outline planning application, which they say will secure its long-term future.

It will seek consent for a mix of research, enterprise and education areas, totalling 100,000 sq m, along with improved public spaces.

Professor Guy Orpen, deputy vice-chancellor for new campus development, said: “The development of these sites represents an important next step in the evolution of our Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and will act as a catalyst in the area to stimulate future development in St Philip’s.

“We are in the early stages of developing long-term plans and as such do not have a definitive timeline or details of how these spaces will be used in the future.

“We are doing this now to secure the future of these sites and look forward to sharing more detailed plans in due course.

“We will continue working in collaboration with city partners to contribute to the placemaking potential in the area, help enhance travel routes to and from the city centre, create an inclusive city district and attract investment to further boost the local economy.”

The public consultation document says the area’s industrial heritage has heavily influenced the initial design.

It says extensive engagement has taken place between the university, neighbouring landowners and the council to produce the plans, including a flood mitigation strategy, access and movement.

The existing businesses on site are relocating to new locations, the document says.

“The gas shed, which is early 1800s, forms the heart of this part of the new campus,” it says.

“A new public square in front of the shed offers a key piece of public realm along Avon Street and provides an enhanced setting for the gas shed.

“Coming from Temple Meads and the Cattle Market Road academic building, a new bridge, as identified in Bristol City Council’s Spatial Plan, crosses the floating harbour, landing on the former Kawasaki site, and leads pedestrians towards the new square.

“From here new routes are created leading onto Gas Lane, Kingsland Road and most notably, a new eastern-bound pedestrian route providing better links between Temple Meads and Barton Hill along Silverthorne Lane East.

“The potential to reopen Dings Park tunnel also aids north-south connectivity to the site.

“Public spaces are provided along these new routes to draw people through and add vibrancy.

“Key local views towards Kingsland House and St Vincent’s works have been taken into account with the lowering and set back of buildings on the corner of Gas Lane and Silverthorne Lane.

“Sustainability has been central in the development thinking.

“Flexible, longlife buildings routed in a new walkable, well-connected district surrounded by new green infrastructure will help transform the area and act as a catalyst for future positive development.”

Sign up to our daily newsletter using the box at the top of this article, read all about what’s involved here, or click here to see all of our newsletters

In October last year, the university was granted permission for three buildings up to 21 storeys high at neighbouring Temple island, which will be home to 953 students.

The new plans can be viewed online from September 23 to October 7.