Plans to transform Bristol Parkway into ‘living station’ approved

Plans to transform Bristol Parkway Station into a “station for the 21st century” have been approved by South Gloucestershire Council.

The new vision for the site sees the north Bristol station transformed into a modern gateway to the region, as well as better connections with neighbouring communities of Stoke Gifford, Harry Stoke and Bradley Stoke.

The strategic master plan will aim to improve walking, wheeling (wheelchairs and mobility scooters) and cycling routes to and from the station, as well as improve existing local bus services.

The plans also aim to put the land to better use, with new retail and leisure facilities, community spaces, and even housing and employment space being considered on the site.

South Gloucestershire council also hopes to address a long-standing issue of Brierly Furlong underpass by creating a new subway for walking and cycling.

The masterplan, designed in collaboration with Network Rail, GWR and the West of England Combined Authority, followed six weeks of public engagement over the summer, with the intention to transform one of the UK’s first park and ride stations into a ‘living station’.

Councillors say the transformation will service local people, communities and businesses and will be a destination where people want to spend time, rather than a stop off point.

Practically speaking, the masterplan proposes the station is developed into four areas:

• A new community park called St Michael’s Place
• A station building and public space called Station Square
• A new nature reserve and green space called Stoke Gifford Park
• New employment area called The Brickworks

Councillors argue the new station will help the council respond to the climate and nature emergency through the development of green spaces, supporting biodiversity and encouraging sustainable travel.

“This masterplan reimagines Bristol Parkway as a destination complete with a new station, places where people can work, meet friends and family, as well as providing new parks where residents can enjoy the outdoors,” said South Gloucestershire’s cabinet member for transport, Steve Reade.

“I’m pleased to see that the masterplan is leading from the front in respect of climate change, moving away from car-based travel and encouraging public transport and active travel, which will help to reduce air pollution.”

“The new vision for the station will also help in the council’s response to the climate and nature emergency through the development of green spaces, supporting biodiversity and encouraging sustainable travel.

Dan Okey, head of regional development at Great Western Railway, said the new station would also improve interchange, station capacity and enhance customer facilities, in the hopes of “reevaluating rail in the hearts and minds of the travelling public.”

While the council claim the new ‘living station’ will be sustainable, it is not clear how proposals to replace the existing car park with a multi-storey car park located adjacent to the station building, will align with this.

The Masterplan Engagement Report stated that a proposed reduction of car parking spaces was met with “concern” by the public during the consultation, with 37 per cent of respondents strongly against the proposal.

The Masterplan Final Report states: “It is anticipated that a phased reduction in the quantity of car parking at the station could be achieved over time.”

Main photo: South Gloucestershire Council

Read next:

• The future of Bristol Parkway could be without cars
• Temple Meads to become UK’s first ‘station innovation zone’
• Axed buses branded ‘the collapse of Bristol’s public transport system’

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