News / Bristol
Latest plans for £300m Bristol University campus to go on display
Updated plans for the University of Bristol’s new £300m campus in the heart of the Temple Quarter regeneration will go on display next month.
Described as a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to re-imagine the institution and its role in the city, early blueprints – that include a teaching and research centre on the site of the derelict former Royal Mail sorting office and new student village – were first revealed in June.
But concerns have been raised about the damaging effects the rapid expansion of the city’s universities is having in exacerbating the housing crisis, amid calls for a sustainable solution.
is needed now More than ever
The University of Bristol’s Guy Orpen (left) and Dave Cliff reveal the initial vision for the new £300m campus
Speaking at a council meeting in City Hall when the issue was debated, the university’s deputy vice chancellor Guy Orpen spoke of the cultural, economic and social benefits the institution brings to the city as he pledged to work in partnership with communities to develop plans.
At this stage, the outline planning application incorporates the proposed density and scale of the buildings, as well as access to the site, and university bosses say they have taken feedback from the public into account in shaping their plans to date.
“Following on from the public’s input, we’ve carried out a detailed transport assessment for the site which looks at off-site car parking, management of transport and construction impact,” said Patrick Finch, bursar and director of estates at the university.
“We’ve also done more work on flood risk. It’s been encouraging to see so much engagement, which we hope will continue throughout the planning process.”
An aerial view of the new university campus site near Temple Meads
Hailed as one of the city’s most significant regeneration projects in recent history, university bosses say the development offers a chance to transform not just education in Bristol, but the city as a whole.
The university plans to expand its Engine Shed enterprise hub and build a new student village, together with improvements to the public realm, including new cycle and pedestrian links to the surrounding area and “high-quality landscaping”.
The second phase of consultation runs from September 11-22, when plans will be exhibited at the Engine Shed behind Temple Meads and Senate House on Tyndall Avenue.
On Tuesday, September 12, there will be a public meeting from 3pm to 7pm at Engine Shed where people are urged to drop in, hear more and ask questions.
People can share their feedback at any time by emailing temple-quarter@bristol.ac.uk or calling 0117 977 2002. Updates are available via www.bristol.ac.uk/TempleQuarter.
Read more: Vision for £300m Bristol University campus unveiled
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