Building of a new £23 million Eastern Entrance at Bristol Temple Meads station is moving forward at pace, with the structure’s frame now complete.
The main structural steel frame of the building has been fully installed, standing six metres high and 20 metres wide in the Cattle Market Road compound, with the top visible from platform 15.
It was delivered at the end of March and was fitted together on site, with contractor BAM Nuttall working around Storm Kathleen to get the steelwork in place.
The first stage of fitting out has now begun, with the glazing and cladding to follow over the coming months. The building will be opened alongside the new University of Bristol Enterprise Campus in 2026.
Starting on site at the end of 2023, the entrance construction has included extending the subway by excavating through the retaining wall and underneath platforms 13 and 15, followed by drainage and foundations work.
The construction of the new entrance is part of the Bristol Temple Quarter programme, one of the largest and most ambitious regeneration programmes in Europe, which aims to deliver thousands of new homes, jobs and opportunities for Bristol and the West of England.
The Eastern Entrance is one of three new entrances to the station funded by £94.7m of Government funding secured by the Temple Quarter partners in 2022. It will connect Bristol Temple Meads to the new University of Bristol Enterprise Campus.
Network Rail’s industry programme director Daniel Round said: “Our forecasts show that by 2030 – only four years after opening – 2.5 million people a year will be using this new entrance in and out of the station. That will make a real difference and really open up this part of the city to new rail passengers, as well as to our existing customers.”
Dan Norris, West of England Metro Mayor, said: “I’m thrilled to see this brand-new entrance for Brunel’s iconic station taking shape.
“It’s all part of one of most exciting regeneration projects in Europe, which I’m proud is being administered by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and will create a real gateway to the region.”
Barra Mac Ruarí, chief property officer at the University of Bristol said: “The progress on the new Eastern Entrance at Bristol Temple Meads is great to see. Opening directly onto University Square, it will integrate the new campus into its surroundings, and enhance connectivity and accessibility in the area. The station improvements will encourage our students, staff, partners, and the community to use sustainable travel options.”
Stephen Peacock, CEO, Bristol City Council said: “Structural completion of the Eastern Entrance is another sign of the momentum behind the Bristol Temple Quarter programme. Alongside the recent creation of the BTQLLP and the fantastic progress on the university’s campus, this is a fantastic point to reflect on how far we’ve come as we look forward to the delivery of new homes, jobs and opportunities for the city-region.”
