Bristol Temple Meads Southern Gateway

Name: One Darnley Road
Price range: $

Bristol, UK

Services

Sectors

Transport Infrastructure

People

AHR Transport Hub BristolTempleMeadsSoutherGateway Architecture Bristol SG1

project overview

Shaping a more welcome gateway to Bristol

Bristol Temple Meads Southern Gateway is the first phase of the Temple Quarter regeneration, one of the largest regeneration schemes in Europe.

Located on former railway land to the south of Bristol Temple Meads station, the Southern Gateway will transform a previously underused site into a highly visible and welcoming point of arrival for the city. It is designed as a key transport and access hub, connecting communities to the south and enhancing access to the city centre.

The scheme will also deliver high quality public realm, improved pedestrian and cycle infrastructure and create a distinctive new civic space that reflects Bristol’s creative identity, independent spirit and commitment to sustainable urban growth.

The project is an important first step in the Temple Quarter regeneration — unlocking land that will support thousands of new homes and jobs.
But just as importantly, it will set a tone for the future - one of people-first design, sustainable travel and public spaces that genuinely reflect Bristol’s identity and values.”

Hira Teirney

Project Lead, Bristol

accessibility

Making travel easy, safe and appealing

Whether arriving for work, meeting friends, or exploring the city for the first time, the Southern Gateway has been designed to make every part of a person’s journey simpler, more connected and more sustainable.

This integrated transport hub will seamlessly bring together multiple modes of travel, making it easy to switch between train, bus, taxi, bike, e-scooter, or car - all within a single, accessible location. For cyclists, a secure and user-friendly cycle hub with a proposed biodiverse green roof promotes active travel.

To support low-emission and sustainable transport, the scheme will include dedicated spaces for electric vehicle (EV) charging, short-stay parking, scooter parking and a new multi-storey car park topped with a PV array.

Our design also features clearly marked bus bays and drop-off zones, helping to streamline movement, improve wayfinding and enhance access to the train station and wider city centre.

landscape design

Creating a vibrant destination

Guided by placemaking principles, the public realm has been carefully shaped to support movement, social interaction and a strong sense of arrival for all users of Bristol Temple Meads.

A central boulevard guides people through the site, creating a clear and welcoming route between the transport hub, station and wider Temple Quarter. This landscaped corridor supports active travel while offering a pleasant, easy-to-navigate environment.

With a strong emphasis on biodiversity and ecological value, a carefully selected palette of native and pollinator-friendly planting supports local habitats and seasonal interest.

Social spaces are embedded throughout the site to offer moments of pause and connection. These areas are designed to be inclusive and adaptable, supporting temporary uses, community activity or simply a place to rest.

Our landscape approach aims to enhance the identity and legibility of the Southern Gateway, creating not just a transport interchange, but a memorable public realm that strengthens connections to the city and contributes meaningfully to its environmental and social sustainability goals.

Team