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Journey by Journey => Bristol (WECA) Commuters => Topic started by: Chris from Nailsea on April 28, 2012, 21:58:37



Title: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts)
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 28, 2012, 21:58:37
From the Bristol Post (http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Bristol-Temple-Meads-transformation-heart/story-15931410-detail/story.html):

Quote
The company which owns Temple Meads has drawn up a multi-million pound plan to transform Isambard Kingdom Brunel's iconic station.

The station is owned by Network Rail and the organisation has announced it is to launch a feasibility study into its ambitious plans.

​(http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/images/localpeople/ugc-images/275775/Article/images/15931410/3735178.png)
An artists's impression of the redevelopment of the Temple Meads area in Bristol

The work will coincide with the ^1 billion electrification of the Great Western line between Bristol and London.

As part of the scheme the approach to the station is to be closed off to traffic and turned into a pedestrian- friendly piazza. And there are also plans to create a new main entrance to the station at the side of the building. The move will mean the entrance would be in the same spot originally planned by Brunel.

The redevelopment work is also being planned to coincide with the creation of a new Enterprise Zone and is expected to be completed by 2018.

More than nine million passengers use the station every year and that total is expected to increase by around 50 per cent over the next decade.

The electrification of the Great Western Railway will mean that trains will arrive in Bristol from the capital every 15 minutes. Two disused platforms are to be reopened and a new terminus built for the London services. There are also hopes that rail links between Bristol, South Wales, the South West and the North will be improved.

A new subway under the existing forecourt is also on the cards, complete with shops and concession stands. It is hoped that improvement and refurbishment work can be carried out on the ornate facade of the station.

Work is also being carried out on platforms and junctions so the number of trains coming into the station can be increased.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "Temple Meads is located right in the heart of the new Enterprise Zone and is among the busiest and fastest growing rail interchanges in the country. The rail industry, with support from the Greater Bristol area, including the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, is currently developing a strategy to transform Bristol Temple Meads station into a world-class gateway for the city by the end of the decade."

If all goes to plan the refurbishment will start in the spring of 2014 and would be completed by 2018, when the new super-fast service between London and Bristol is launched.

The Post revealed some details of the new Enterprise Zone yesterday. An official launch for the zone was taking place today at a temporary circus tent which has been erected on land normally used as a car park next to the station.

The Local Enterprise Partnership is the driving force behind the ambitious scheme which could create up to 20,000 new jobs in the city.

Coln Skellett, the chairman of the of the LEP, said: "What we want is a world-class station to welcome people travelling to Bristol to do business with companies in the Enterprise Zone. Temple Meads has been in need of some attention for several years and we want to see it restored back to its former glory."

Work by developers TCN UK has already started on Collett House, which is next to the station, to turn it into a creative and digital campus, called Temple Studios. The scheme follows the first phase of their same company's Temple Gate project, which started with the redevelopment of the historic Bristol and Exeter House next to the current station approach.

As reported in the Post, the Government agency the Homes and Community Association has bought Brunel's Old Station building for ^5 million.

It will hand over the building to the city council and it will be used as a conference centre and hub for new businesses looking to move into the Enterprise Zone.

The nearby Pest Control Depot in Cattle Market Road is also being demolished to make way for a new bridge, which will connect the site earmarked for the long-awaited indoor arena to the Enterprise Zone and the rest of the city.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on May 05, 2012, 10:57:10
Network Rail Announce proposal to redevelop Bristol Temple Meads

http://www.networkrail.co.uk/Our-vision-for-transforming-Bristol-Temple-Meads-into-a-world-class-railway-hub/ (http://www.networkrail.co.uk/Our-vision-for-transforming-Bristol-Temple-Meads-into-a-world-class-railway-hub/)

Quote

We aim to expand the station to ease congestion and provide excellent connectivity to London, the South West, Wales and the North.

Patrick Hallgate, our route managing director for Western said: ^Growing Bristol^s railway is vital to the success of the city^s new enterprise zone. A robust rail infrastructure is vital to a thriving economy and the rail industry is poised to support Bristol with an integrated rail strategy.

^Bristol Temple Meads is located right at the heart of the enterprise zone and is among the busiest and fastest growing rail interchanges on the Western route, receiving more than nine million passengers on average every year. Redeveloping the station into a world-class rail gateway, with excellent rail links, will be significant to help position the new business district as an ideal location for investment, whilst boosting economic growth and catering for growing rail demand.^

Feasibility study

We're leading a high-level feasibility study currently being carried out to determine the validity of this proposal, which is subject to Government funding.

Our proposal includes:

Station capacity improvements to ease current and predicted passenger congestion
A new eastern station access to ease congestion and provide a convenient link across and around Temple Quarter
A light and airy subway extension under the existing forecourt to provide a welcoming environment and improve retail opportunities for local businesses, whilst preserving the vistas of the historic grade 1 listed structure
Redeveloping the Digby Wyatt shed to bring it back to its former usage and reinstating two disused platforms for more train services

Additional improvements

We also recommend a number of improvements to the infrastructure to provide better journey times and more space, as well as flexibility on the railway around Bristol.

These recommendations include remodelling a key junction into the station area, additional infrastructure on the line to Bristol Parkway and improving the line-speed to the south west.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on May 05, 2012, 11:04:41
Complementary article in the Bristol Post

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Temple-Quarter-Enterprise-Zone-bring-jobs-new/story-15918850-detail/story.html (http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Temple-Quarter-Enterprise-Zone-bring-jobs-new/story-15918850-detail/story.html)

Quote

Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone could bring jobs and new arena to Bristol

BRISTOL'S economy could be transformed and thousands of new jobs created under a new masterplan revealed today by the Post.

The city's Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone will be officially launched tomorrow ^ and with it, a blueprint for the Temple Meads area which includes a complete revamp of the city's main station and plans for a long-awaited indoor arena.

The team behind the ambitious scheme has come up with a 25-year vision designed to breathe new life into large chunks of the city and create a vibrant business, commercial and shopping district.

New squares and public spaces, a marina, roads and infrastructure are included.

The zone, drawn up by a partnership involving business leaders and the city council, comes with perks such as relaxed planning conditions, concessions on business rates and access to ultra-fast broadband.

The team behind the scheme wants to use potential income from the area to raise ^200 million worth of funding to help pay for infrastructure work.

The scheme will be officially launched tomorrow at an event at a temporary circus tent next to the station, which will be used to stage events throughout the summer. The aim is to give the new area a running start and attract interest from investors.

The creation of the Temple Meads Enterprise Zone was first announced by Chancellor George Osborne in last year's Budget.

The ultimate aim is to create 17,000 new jobs and bring 400 new firms to the city over the next two decades. The city's Local Enterprise Partnership, the organisation which is masterminding the scheme, has high hopes that the BBC will move its Bristol operation from Whiteladies Road on to vacant land next to the station and discussions have been taking place for several months.

The other major element of the scheme is a plan to build a 12,000-seat indoor arena on vacant land behind the station. The former diesel depot site was originally owned by the now-axed South West Regional Development Agency, which pumped ^20 million into the project, only to then decide it was not viable.

But the LEP, which has taken over the agency's development role in Bristol, has come up with a cheaper alternative arena scheme and says several operators are already interested.

The planned redevelopment of Temple Meads station has been included in the scheme and the idea is to completely refurbish the historic building. A new platform is planned in Brunel's original Passenger Shed for the service linking Bristol to London and the aim is to shift the main entrance of the building to where the long-stay car park now stands, creating a passenger hub to connect rail and bus services. Once electrification of the Great Western line is completed, high speed trains will run to London every 15 minutes.

The Paintworks project in Brislington is also part of the Enterprise Zone, along with a strip of land for creative companies, dubbed the "media mile".

The final strand of the project is the redevelopment of the St Philip's area to make it more attractive to businesses.

Colin Skellett, pictured, the chairman of the LEP, said: "What we want is to have a rail connection which will mean people will be able to travel to Paris in four hours.

"We want a modern and efficient transport system which will see people arriving into Bristol right into the heart of a vibrant business, commercial and leisure district to rival any city in the world.

"There is no other major city in the UK that does not have an arena and we want to address that situation."

He described the BBC as a "cornerstone of the Enterprise Zone".

City Council Leader Barbara Janke said: "Bristol has a huge amount to offer potential businesses wishing to invest. With its simplified planning and business rate discounts, the Enterprise Zone offers an exciting investment opportunity at the heart of the city and the South West region."

The Homes and Communities Agency, which owns three pieces of land around the station, has spent ^5 million on Brunel's Old Station and the derelict Pest Control Depot in Cattle Market Road.

Part of the listed Old Station building will be used as a conference venue and a centre for new businesses.

Organisations which have agreed to lend their help and expertise to the scheme include the major banks, stockbroker Hargreaves Lansdown and Bristol University. The University of the West of England, IBM, the Watershed and media umbrella group Bristol Media are also involved.

Refurbishment work has also started on Collett House next to the station and talks are taking place with the owners of the of derelict Royal Mail sorting office with the aim of turning the building into a brand new office block.

A spokeswoman for the BBC said: "At the moment we are looking at potential sites for re-location within the city, including the newly created Enterprise Zone, and have not ruled anything out."


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on September 30, 2012, 22:15:04
I was standing on Platform 15 waiting for the 18:00 this evening and it struck me that if a thin sliver of the old post office site were reserved it would be quite easy to have a platform 16.  does anyone know if this possiblity is being included in the redevelopment proposal, even if it is only to reserve the land for future use?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: tramway on October 02, 2012, 17:01:22
I suspect that there is sufficient capacity both at Temple Meads and within the greater Bristol area that additional land probably isn't required.

Platform 1 extended into the old shed, and a new platform 0, re-open Platform 2, and there is also options I'm sure to remodel around 15.

Once Filton bank is 4 tracked there's scope for Lawrence Hill improvements as a better interchange from the east if rhubarb curve is utilised.

Although I don't use it there must be options for improvements at Bedminster to serve inbound from the west.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: mfpa on October 04, 2012, 21:56:33
All looks really positive, but why not abandon Temple Meads and build a modern station near Dr Day's Junction?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on October 04, 2012, 22:25:57
All looks really positive, but why not abandon Temple Meads and build a modern station near Dr Day's Junction?

Temple Meads is already a long way from the City Centre. Why would you want to move it any further away? In the 18th century the Barton Hill area was a merchant's country estate!

I suspect that there is sufficient capacity both at Temple Meads and within the greater Bristol area that additional land probably isn't required.

Platform 1 extended into the old shed, and a new platform 0, re-open Platform 2, and there is also options I'm sure to remodel around 15.

Once Filton bank is 4 tracked there's scope for Lawrence Hill improvements as a better interchange from the east if rhubarb curve is utilised.

Although I don't use it there must be options for improvements at Bedminster to serve inbound from the west.

Yes there are plenty of bay platforms, and the new London services can use those that will be restored in the old train shed, but the Bristol Metro proposals call for more through platforms.  

Why would you want passenger services to go round the east curve and not serve Temple Meads.  Do you think no-one wants to go to the city centre?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: mfpa on October 07, 2012, 14:48:33
Temple Meads is already a long way from the City Centre. Why would you want to move it any further away?

You would want to move the station slightly to cut out all the time wasted on trains changing ends at Temple Meads as they come in from the north and go out towards the east (and vice versa).

Cabot Circus is virtually equi-distant from Temple Meads, Dr Day's Junction, and Lawrence Hill. The Colston Hall is only around 600 yards further from Dr Day's Junction than it is from Temple Meads. And those that didn't want to walk could look for a closer station on the Bristol Metro services.

Quote from: ellendune
Yes there are plenty of bay platforms, and the new London services can use those that will be restored in the old train shed, but the Bristol Metro proposals call for more through platforms.

Building a new station near Dr Day's Junction should be able to provide the extra through platforms.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on October 07, 2012, 15:28:46
Barton Hill looks very nice as a location an interchange station, and if Bristol was simply a place where people changed from one train to another it would makes sense.  However, I don't know if you had noticed, but quite a few people work there during the day and go back home at night and many of them use the train to get there, others want to go shopping in the city centre and use the train.  If you move the main station in Bristol to Dr Days Junction then the vast majority of the commuters and shopper would either use the car - in which case the shoppers would probably go to Cribbs Causeway instead. 

Last Sunday I walked from College Green to catch a train back to Swindon (Distance just over 1 mile).  If I had had to walk to  Dr Day's Junction it would have been 2 miles and through some less savory parts of town. Certainly would not do it after dark.  I think I would have taken the car all the way from Swindon.

Forgive me but I cannot think of a City other than London where the main railway station is 2 miles out of the city centre.  Temple Meads is on the edge of the city centre, moving it another mile to the east would be a disaster for rail travel in Bristol.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TerminalJunkie on October 08, 2012, 23:42:34
Forgive me but I cannot think of a City other than London where the main railway station is 2 miles out of [Bristol] city centre.

Quote from: http://visitbristol.co.uk/about-bristol/travel-and-maps/getting-to-bristol/
Bristol Temple Meads is the main railway station, situated approximately 15 minutes' walk from the City Centre.

Do Bristolians really walk that quickly?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on October 08, 2012, 23:57:13
Forgive me but I cannot think of a City other than London where the main railway station is 2 miles out of [Bristol] city centre.

Quote from: http://visitbristol.co.uk/about-bristol/travel-and-maps/getting-to-bristol/
Bristol Temple Meads is the main railway station, situated approximately 15 minutes' walk from the City Centre.

Do Bristolians really walk that quickly?

1 mile at 4 miles an hour!  That is a brisk walk I know but still a walk.   I know I took and extreme end College Green, but that is where the City Council is based.  However my point was about moving it to Barton Hill a further mile away. 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on October 09, 2012, 00:17:10
And those that didn't want to walk could look for a closer station on the Bristol Metro services.

And those that don't want to walk the the centre, Park Street, Harbourside etc etc? What Bristol Metro service will suit them? Just about bearable at under a mile on foot from Temple Meads. Much less bearable at around 1.7 miles from Barton Hill.

Do Bristolians really walk that quickly?

I think you misunderstood. The station would be near two miles from the centre if it were to relocate to the Barton Hill area.

It takes this slightly portly near 40 year old 12 minutes to walk from the City Centre (St Augustine's Parade) or the retail centre (Broadmead) to Temple Meads. And that's nothing more than my usual amble.

I too see little need to relocate the station to Dr Day's Junction.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on October 09, 2012, 09:01:03
Hear, hear BNM !

Made my day ..as rather more than slightly portly, and pushing 60, it also takes me 12 mins to walk from @ Bristol to TM ...over Pero's bridge across Queen Square, SMR and up the incline. Of course some of us put all the calories back on in Wetherspoons...

On the foodie note , has anyone else had a shock going into the transport caff at TM ... turned into a Parisian nighclub with black tiles on the wall, downlighters, shelves and perchy stools....

All we need now is Hugh hefners bunny girls .... ???


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phil on October 09, 2012, 13:04:52
I cannot think of a City other than London where the main railway station is 2 miles out of the city centre. 


My home town of Wells. Nearest station now is 15 miles away in Castle Cary.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: phile on October 09, 2012, 19:48:01
It must be borne in mind that the station must be by the railway   !!!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on October 09, 2012, 20:25:13
It must be borne in mind that the station must be by the railway   !!!

There are exceptions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dartmouth_railway_station

But I would agree in the case of Bristol!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on October 17, 2012, 20:52:43
There is already a station close to Dr Days Junction - Lawrence Hill. I agree that no more is needed than already announced.

The plans for the subway at Temple Meads seem to suggest that a great deal of digging will be needed, at a cost of many many pounds. Also, we will have many months of disruption, all of which will be worthwhile when it is finished. I like the idea for the new entrance, and also for the access from the other side, where the rat catchers live currently.

I hope the access problems at other stations are also addressed. On the way back from Shire last week, we stopped at Stapleton Road, to pick up an elderly lady on her way to Lawrence Hill. She had got off a train that didn't stop there. I had to get out to give her a bunk-up, and again at Lawrence Hill to help her off. The step down to the platform at both is enormous, with a sizeable gap - I hadn't realised how bad it is. The lady asked the conductor how she could complain. She was told that the staff have been complaining about it for years. She was beginning her ascent of the stairs as the train pulled out, and might still be there now.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on November 14, 2012, 01:13:09
From the Bristol Post (http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/pound-100-million-promised-Temple-Meads-revamp/story-17309131-detail/story.html):

Quote
^100 million promised for Temple Meads revamp

A Government minister has announced that ^100 million is to be spent on bringing Bristol's Temple Meads station into the modern age ^ with more cash on the way.

The money will be divided between upgrading the station and opening up two unused platforms for the new electrified trains which will operate between Bristol and London.

(http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/images/localpeople/ugc-images/275775/Article/images/17309131/4303698.jpg)
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin at Temple Meads station

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin came to Bristol for the cabinet meeting and met bosses from First Great Western and Network Rail at the station.

As well as revealing that ^100 million will be spent on Brunel's Victorian masterpiece the minister added that he is looking forward to working with the city's first elected mayor.

During the visit it emerged that Network Rail, which operates the station, has put ^100 million to one side to pay for a major revamp of the historic building. And more money is also expected to be spent on creating a new entrance at the side of the building and turning the current approach into a public square.

Mr McLoughlin said: "This is a fantastic facility and a fantastic station and there has been a big increase in demand for rail travel in recent years. It is fantastic that such a great city as Bristol is going to get a great service to match its aspirations."


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on November 19, 2012, 00:05:48
From the Bristol Post (http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/pound-100-million-promised-Temple-Meads-revamp/story-17309131-detail/story.html):

Quote
^100 million promised for Temple Meads revamp

A Government minister has announced that ^100 million is to be spent on bringing Bristol's Temple Meads station into the modern age ^ with more cash on the way.

The money will be divided between upgrading the station and opening up two unused platforms for the new electrified trains which will operate between Bristol and London.

(http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/images/localpeople/ugc-images/275775/Article/images/17309131/4303698.jpg)
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin at Temple Meads station

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin came to Bristol for the cabinet meeting and met bosses from First Great Western and Network Rail at the station.

As well as revealing that ^100 million will be spent on Brunel's Victorian masterpiece the minister added that he is looking forward to working with the city's first elected mayor.

During the visit it emerged that Network Rail, which operates the station, has put ^100 million to one side to pay for a major revamp of the historic building. And more money is also expected to be spent on creating a new entrance at the side of the building and turning the current approach into a public square.

Mr McLoughlin said: "This is a fantastic facility and a fantastic station and there has been a big increase in demand for rail travel in recent years. It is fantastic that such a great city as Bristol is going to get a great service to match its aspirations."

Fantastic.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on January 29, 2013, 01:19:44
From the Bristol Post (http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Giant-plant-appears-Temple-Mead-station/story-17986366-detail/story.html):

Quote
Giant plant appears at Temple Mead station

Passengers arriving at Temple Meads Station were greeted by what appeared to be a bizarre sight - a giant plant growing out of the ground.

The inflatable was part of an art project designed to attract people and businesses to the new Enterprise Zone around the station.

(http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/images/localpeople/ugc-images/275775/Article/images/17986366/4516349.jpg)
Giant plant appears at Temple Meads

Two new artworks by Bristol based Filthy Luker and Inky were unveiled yesterday as part of the new campaign.

The installations are part of the BTQ Commissions project and aim to provide a better welcome to the city at Temple Meads and raise awareness over the new Enterprise Zone.

A competition was also launched at the station by Bristol Festival of Ideas director Andrew Kelly to help visitors learn about the area and guide them on their way.

Proposals include short films, posters, cartoons, short stories, street art or drama performances. The Creative Gateway competition will give ten awards of ^500 for project proposals to be developed.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on January 29, 2013, 01:32:09
Just right for scaring the little ones in the next door nursery.  ::)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on January 29, 2013, 08:58:16
The nursery staff could always use it as a lifesize prop for'Jack and the beanstalk' ..or is that not allowed on pc racist.sexist grounds these days ( 'Englishman') or even vegetarian cruelty ? ('Chop!) ;D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on March 09, 2013, 23:45:05
From The Post (Bristol) (http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/story-18346731-detail/story.html?#axzz2N34OJtsA):

Quote
Bristol City Council has bought an office block near Temple Meads railway station for ^18 million as part of a massive overhaul of council offices.

But what should it be called?

(http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/images/localpeople/ugc-images/275775/Article/images/18346731/4632101.jpg)
100 Temple Street

The former London Life headquarters are uninspiringly known as 100 Temple Street. But the office block is capable of eventually housing 2,000 staff who are currently based in a varied collection of 35 buildings throughout the city. The long-term aim is to bring all the admin staff together mostly into 100 Temple Street and City Hall in College Green which will undergo a refurbishment of nearly ^8 million.

We are asking readers to suggest a new name for the office block which befits its new high-profile role.

Bristol mayor George Ferguson said: ^It makes complete sense for the council to vastly reduce the number of offices it currently owns or leases across the city and consolidate into a few core offices. The location of 100 Temple Street is very strategic next to Temple meads and the planned Metrobus interchange, as well as being right at the heart of our ambitious plans for Redcliffe and the whole Enterprise Zone area.^

He said they looked at various other offices in the city which the council could have bought - some of which could have been cheaper - but this office block trumped the others, mostly due to its location near Temple Meads. In the years to come, Mr Ferguson sees council staff travelling to work on the metro system to Temple Meads and walking a few hundred yards to their office.

The council could also not have bought a better time due to the recession which has seen the bottom fall out of the commercial property market. It is understood that the purchase price was less than half what the owners, Aviva Investors Property Trust, paid for the office block at the height of the boom in 2005.

The purchase also rules out converting an empty bonded warehouse in the Cumberland Basin which was suggested last year. Mr Ferguson said: ^We looked carefully at A Bond but it was not right for this move. It would have been more expensive, would have provided less functional workspace and was in an inappropriate location. However, there remains a great opportunity for A Bond to be developed in partnership as a residential or mixed use development as part of a wider regeneration of Cumberland Basin.^

The refurb of City Hall will take about six to nine months and although all the staff will be moved out during the process, it will still be used for council meetings and events. Although it is a Grade II* listed building, City Hall is woefully inadequate as council offices in the 21st century. The makeover will see the removal of partitioning to create open space offices, new cabling to accommodate upgraded software, a new customer service point to replace Phoenix Court in New Bond Street and even a cafe and meeting rooms for clubs and groups.

^I really want to see City Hall used in the same way as in many European cities so it becomes a market place for people to meet,^ Mr Ferguson said. The overhaul of council offices will cost a whopping ^70 million in outlay - but council officers have conservatively estimated that savings on running costs will give a net ^profit^ during the next 25 years of ^40 million.

Mr Ferguson said Bristol was playing ^catch up^ with other councils such as Birmingham, Wiltshire and Swindon which had already started the process of rationalising its office space. He said: ^This is not about providing comfort or luxury for council staff - it^s about running services as efficiently as we possibly can in good working conditions.^

The council currently uses 53,000 sq metres of office space in the city which will be reduced to 32,000 sq metres although Mr Ferguson is asking for even more savings.

Council staff are expected to move into 100 Temple Street from the beginning of next year which will open the way for City Hall to be refurbished. It will also mean that some council buildings will be available for other possible uses - including new primary schools.

The office shake up which has been worked on by a team of officers for the past few years due to its complexity, is being paid for with prudential borrowing - low-cost loans from the Government which are only available to local authorities.

The purchase of 100 Temple Street has already been welcomed by business leaders and property experts in the city.

Ned Cussen, on behalf of the Bristol Property Agents Association, said: ^This is good news for all of Bristol and I commend the initiative from the council. It will enable the council to deliver more efficient services in a first class building. It is also a great location for both staff and visitors. 100 Temple Street is a quality building and the deal represents good value for money. Whichever way you look at it, this a major property deal for Bristol and gives a great lift to the local economy.

"More so, it uses vacant space and gives a great boost to the Enterprise Zone at Temple Meads. The zone will be one of the major focuses for economic activity in the Greater Bristol area in the next decade. This deal makes far more sense than trying to convert the red brick Tobacco Bond at Cumberland Basin to offices.^

Colin Skellett, chairman of Wessex Water and the Local Enterprise Partnership, said: ^This is great news for Bristol and makes eminent strategic sense in terms of its location alongside the Enterprise Zone with its great regional transport links. It is encouraging to see the mayor driving these efficiency measures through in the intests of more effective and economic governance.^

Phil Smith, MD of Business West, said: ^We applaud George for taking decisive action to implement more efficient and effective ways of accommodating council staff. Whilst this may seem obvious and a rleatively minor decision, it will actually provide some important benefits. More staff housed in fewer offices and less space will save the council money at a time when budgets are particularly tight - a saving of around ^40 million over 25 years is a significant amount that can now be used to help create jobs and improve the environment of the city.

^The idea of relocating council staff close to Temple Meads and the Enterprise Zone shows the mayor^s commitment to further regenerating this area and creating a focus for activity and enterprise, hopefully this will encourage others to do the same.^


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: swrural on March 10, 2013, 11:34:49
Good news for those of us on here wanting the nearby Plot 6 opposite, next to Brunel's station (or was it  plot 7?) to be the transport hub of Bristol.  I don't actually see what's wrong with its present name.  I attended a meeting there once, and yes, it was quite swish.

Actually the site was originally covered by part of Mardon, Sons and Hall which was the firm that made the fag packets for Wills / Imperial Tobacco (later absorbed by them).  I am afraid the Luftwaffe 'knocked it about a bit'. 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 29, 2013, 14:43:42
I am afraid the Luftwaffe 'knocked it about a bit'. 


The West of England Partnership has taken up where the Luftwaffe left off.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on April 26, 2013, 22:44:13
Went through Temple Meads today.

On the way in I was reminded that an extra couple of metres on the South side of P15 would make a P16 possible in the future.

Then I looked at the space and tracks between P3/5 and thought wouldn't it be much more satisfactory to use that space - under the roof - for passengers and have the through roads on the south side.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on April 27, 2013, 00:51:44
Went through Temple Meads today.

On the way in I was reminded that an extra couple of metres on the South side of P15 would make a P16 possible in the future.

Then I looked at the space and tracks between P3/5 and thought wouldn't it be much more satisfactory to use that space - under the roof - for passengers and have the through roads on the south side.


A good idea, but I have a feeling it would entail nearly as much work as at Reading, and Bristol is too far down a very long list for investment like that.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on April 27, 2013, 01:36:46
Having up freight traffic cross the throat to access the Up Filton would seriously limit capacity as well.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 27, 2013, 09:09:04
...Bristol is too far down a very long list for investment like that.

After the excitement of St Pancras and Kings Cross, it's been disappointing to see how provincial stations are lucky to pick up a few crumbs of investment. The plans for Worcester Foregate St seem parsimonious, and even Reading lacks the grand entrance it probably deserves.

Nonetheless (and maybe I'm being naive) I have high hopes for the future of Temple Meads; its Grade I listed status should hopefully allow additional sources of funding to be tapped into. I accept that it is not going to get a Reading-style track expansion (is it a bottleneck?), but I think it is reasonable to expect that they do a decent job on the building.

A casual visitor may not appreciate that nearly half of the 1870s extension to Brunel's station was demolished when the signal box was built in the 1960s. I have seen rather sketchy plans suggesting that this roof will be rebuilt in some form when the old platforms are brought back into use; surely this needs to be a high-quality restoration to more or less exactly how it was before?

If you will indulge this flight of fancy a little further, it strikes me that it would be fantastic to have a glass wall between the Brunel part of the Old Station (the bit where they hold the Beer Festival) and the extension. This would allow passengers could see the old hammerbeam roof from the new platforms, and conference-goers could see out into the station.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on April 27, 2013, 09:31:18
Having up freight traffic cross the throat to access the Up Filton would seriously limit capacity as well.

I suppose the best (and expensive) solution to that would be a flyover from St Phillips Marsh to the Filton lines, but there would have to be a lot of freight to justify that. 

On another matter is the construction of the showcase cinema over the site of the old East to South Curve to St Phillips Marsh the most stupid example of the short sighted sale of railway land in our region?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: trainer on April 27, 2013, 09:32:46
If you will indulge this flight of fancy a little further, it strikes me that it would be fantastic to have a glass wall between the Brunel part of the Old Station (the bit where they hold the Beer Festival) and the extension. This would allow passengers could see the old hammerbeam roof from the new platforms, and conference-goers could see out into the station.

Good suggestion RS, although I'm not sure how practical glass and diesel exhaust is in close proximity (I know electric will be partially substituting in due course).  There are glass screens some distance from the ends of the platforms at Paddington which seem to fare well. Anything to show off that wonderful space to as many people as possible and of course to display the continuing transport use at Temple Meads is worth considering.

Some of those hiring out the space may not want the great unwashed looking in on their conferences or exhibitions which they are charging a hefty whack for, so a partial glass screen could show off the heritage assets while maintaining some privacy for the exhibition area.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on April 27, 2013, 13:40:02
I accept that it is not going to get a Reading-style track expansion (is it a bottleneck?), but I think it is reasonable to expect that they do a decent job on the building.

I think the northbound exit should be Four Track, Now! The forthcoming revamp of Dr Days Junction, with the two extra tracks, will present more opportunities, not just at Temple Meads, but at all the stations prior to Filton Abbey Wood. At present, it is a bottleneck. I often walk over the road bridge above Dr Days, and see one or more trains waiting for a platform. That said, they're not usually there long.

There will obviously be changes, as the old Digby Wyatt shed is brought back into use for the London via Parkway IEPs. Whether it will be deemed useful to services to readjust the other platforms remains to be seen. I would like to think a bay platform 2 could be reopened for Portishead services at the same time.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: John R on April 27, 2013, 13:44:52
I would like to think a bay platform 2 could be reopened for Portishead services at the same time.

Isn't the idea to have through services to destinations north of Temple Meads? That would be much more useful than spending money reinstating a bay and forcing people to change. And more productive in terms of rolling stock use.

Edited to fix quotes - bobm


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 27, 2013, 14:07:31
I would like to think a bay platform 2 could be reopened for Portishead services at the same time.

Isn't the idea to have through services to destinations north of Temple Meads? That would be much more useful than spending money reinstating a bay and forcing people to change. And more productive in terms of rolling stock use.

Edited to fix quotes - bobm

Yes, my understanding is that Portishead trains will go on to Severn Beach. The alternate Severn Beach trains will go on to Bath - requiring a reversal presumably - though I suppose that doesn't necessitate a bay.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on April 27, 2013, 14:08:17
AIUI, the plan is for a Portishead to Severn Beach train hourly, and a Portishead - Temple Meads hourly. The latter could use a bay platform, which surely would cost little to reinstate, and leave room for anything else to get past. I would really like to see platform 2 leading on to a tram-train track in Temple Meads approach, thence around Cabot Circus and the centre before heading up the Friary to rejoin by platform 1.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: SandTEngineer on April 27, 2013, 14:52:53
I have been told that a new bay platform is not (currently) included in the Bristol Area Resignalling project.  However, mid-platform signals are, so plenty of room for properly done platform sharing instead (get your photographs of the unique mid-platform X signs soon ;D).


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 27, 2013, 15:02:37
Oh well; maybe the Severn Beach - Bath and the Portishead - Temple Meads trains will kiss at SandTEngineer's big X on Platform 3! It would seem sensible to make these services connect if possible.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on April 27, 2013, 20:38:03
Is that the big X between platforms 3 and 4?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ReWind on April 28, 2013, 23:04:16
Having up freight traffic cross the throat to access the Up Filton would seriously limit capacity as well.

It's surprising that there isn't some sort of freight "by pass" around the Temple Meads area with the ever increasing freight traffic that now passes through the station.

Portbury Docks are chucking out more freight than ever, including a car train I see most evenings on my way home that's too big to fit on the through line without fouling the points at the west end.   The container terminal at Parson Street is growing all the time too, with an understanding that Freightliner want to continue growing and increasing services out of there but can't due to both limited capacity within the terminal and limited paths through Temple Meads.  Fairwater Yard at Taunton continues to chuck our regular engineers trains up to Bristol and the Midlands, including the High Output Ballast Cleaner (HOBC) trains which again, are too big to fit into the loop.  There is also Nuclear trains from Bridgwater, fuel trains to SPM and Laira, China Clay trains to the South West, Scrap Metal to Exeter and numerous light engine movements around the station.

With the commencement of electrification of the GWML and the planned increase in passenger services from Temple Meads, freight growth will be extremely limited around the city due to the limited paths and congestion through Temple Meads without a proper freight only route through the area.

Edit: VickiS - Clarifying acronym


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on April 28, 2013, 23:31:56
There is in theory a bypass route, although whether it would solve problems of capacity or add to them I know not.

Freight from west of Temple Meads heading north, and vice versa, could go via Bristol West Junction, past St Phillips Marsh TMD, North Somerset Junction, the rhubarb curve, Dr Day's Junction and onto the Up Filton.

Whilst this avoids Temple Meads itself there would still be the problem of threading freight services across the various junctions between passenger services.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ReWind on April 29, 2013, 09:05:18
There is in theory a bypass route, although whether it would solve problems of capacity or add to them I know not.

Freight from west of Temple Meads heading north, and vice versa, could go via Bristol West Junction, past St Phillips Marsh TMD, North Somerset Junction, the rhubarb curve, Dr Day's Junction and onto the Up Filton.

Whilst this avoids Temple Meads itself there would still be the problem of threading freight services across the various junctions between passenger services.

I think that's a bit impractical though.  That's asking freight to cross over all lines at Bristol West Junction, head down a single track through a busy, working maintenance depot, cross over all lines at North Somerset Junction and again at Dr Days Junction, all the time never really exceeding 15mph.

Whilst the Bristol area may just be able to cope with the current level of freight traffic mixed in with the proposed level of service after electrification, if freight is indeed to grow in the coming years around the Bristol area, to which I can see a strong case that it could, a solution to take away freight from the Temple Meads area might be needed.

After all, how many cities and stations the size of Bristol Temple Meads have regular heavy freight pass through?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ReWind on April 29, 2013, 09:06:35
There is in theory a bypass route, although whether it would solve problems of capacity or add to them I know not.

Freight from west of Temple Meads heading north, and vice versa, could go via Bristol West Junction, past St Phillips Marsh TMD, North Somerset Junction, the rhubarb curve, Dr Day's Junction and onto the Up Filton.

Whilst this avoids Temple Meads itself there would still be the problem of threading freight services across the various junctions between passenger services.

I think that's a bit impractical though.  That's asking freight to cross over all lines at Bristol West Junction, head down a single track through a busy, working maintenance depot, cross over all lines at North Somerset Junction and again at Dr Days Junction, all the time never really exceeding 15mph.

Whilst the Bristol area may just be able to cope with the current level of freight traffic mixed in with the proposed level of service after electrification, if freight is indeed to grow in the coming years around the Bristol area, to which I can see a strong case that it could, a solution to take away freight from the Temple Meads area might be needed.

After all, how many cities and stations the size of Bristol Temple Meads have regular heavy freight pass through?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on April 30, 2013, 18:06:16
It is a problem that will grow and grow. The IEP depot at Filton / Stoke Gifford will add to the traffic, and the deep sea container port at Avonmout may yet become a reality.

I understand that Parson Street Junction is due for remodelling with the resignalling project. Currently, it is a single lead, but it will be made double. The Freightliner depot currently connects only with the up relief. I believe that will be altered, for greater flexibility, and to take account of Portishead. North of Temple Meads, the only possible answer is Four Track, Now!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: swrural on May 01, 2013, 09:47:59
Of course one can easily double the (SPM) Avoiding line.  One can also reconnect the east facing junction at Marsh Pond.  I took a photo of the multiplex cinema area from the ghastly spine road (very brave) and huge grid pylons cross the are between the cinema and the appalling OOT (out of town) shops area (Krispy Kreme etc, you could be in Fort Worth).

I am now going to try to upload it here.

No, it didn't work.  Can BobM or someone, pm me with how to stick a photo in the message please?

Most grateful.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: bobm on May 01, 2013, 10:03:06
PM duly sent - but for those wanting the same information here is a topic from "Help & Assistance" which may ...er help and assist   ;D

http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=3398.0 (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=3398.0)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: swrural on May 01, 2013, 11:34:50
Here goes then (the route where IIRC the Dean Single 'Duke of Connaught' took over from 'City of Truro' and broke the record Bristol to London (I think 99 minutes or thereabouts in 1904) and also a darn useful avoiding line for the Castle Cary route and the Midland route (when there was a Midland route).

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8409/8697486771_cd18e70dfb_c.jpg)

The dreadful Spine road is fortunately high above the Marsh line and I am sure reconnection could be achieved.  It will one day.

You get history on GWCS too!

[edit] - modified to fix image formatting - Graham


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on May 03, 2013, 21:42:11
I often walk over that Spine Road bridge on my way from home to savage travail at work. It is interesting at times, but a little unsettling when busy. I share swrural's distaste for Avonmeads, with the exception of Marks & Sparks, and the cinema. The rest can go to blazes. I'm looking forward to seeing swrural's picture!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on May 29, 2013, 20:51:48
Bristol City Council have applied (to themselves, of course) for planning permission to demolish the 19th-century bits of the (derelict) GWR Staff Association building at Temple Meads (go to http://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search for 13/02251/LD). The demolition of rest of it is covered by 12/04188/FB and 12/04189/LA.

No bad thing, I'd say: been an eyesore for years.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on May 29, 2013, 21:44:43
They're not the only ones starting work around there. News comes to me in a press release from University of Bristol (http://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2013/9414.html), of plans to create an Enterprise Hub in the Brunel Engine Shed.

Quote
Transformation of Engine Shed into enterprise hub gets underway

Press release issued 28 May 2013

Work to transform Brunel^s terminal for the Great Western Railway into a 21st century launch pad for a new generation of businesses is underway.

Rydon Construction has been appointed in a deal between Bristol City Council and the University of Bristol to refurbish Brunel^s Grade 1 Listed Engine Shed into a business and innovation centre for fast-growing technology firms.

(http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/Boyamijealous_7108a707/shedload_zpsc5bb7f57.jpeg)

The building will be transformed from its previous use, as the former home of the Empire and Commonwealth Museum, into a permanent base for 20 companies and will provide the resources and facilities for a further 40, including a business lounge at the centre of the building.

It will be managed by Bristol SETsquared Centre ^ the University^s double award-winning business incubator - who will take the majority of the space to provide premium serviced offices for its early-stage technology businesses.

Nick Sturge, Director of the Bristol SETsquared Centre which is currently based at University Gate East in Clifton, said: ^This is such an exciting project, both for the University^s SETsquared Centre but also for the Bristol and Bath city region, and we are delighted that work is now underway to deliver the iconic space that we have planned for.^

The project is funded principally by Bristol City Council and the University of Bristol, together with central government funding via City Deal. A total of ^1.5 million is being invested to breathe new life into the Engine Shed.

Paul Barber, South West Regional Director of Rydon Construction, said: "We welcome the challenge to work on this unique building and play our role, as a locally based contractor, in presenting Bristol as a focal point for UK business and innovation.

^Drawing on our experience on complex projects in this region, Rydon will work closely with SETsquared, the University of Bristol and the Council to ensure we manage the build considerately and respectfully so this Grade 1 Listed structure is preserved as it begins its new life.^

The building will also house the new West of England^s shared inward investment service Invest in Bristol and Bath.

Work to the Brunel building forms part of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, a 70-hectare regeneration programme centred around Temple Meads railway station, to create a new, superbly connected entry to Bristol and a hub for creative, high technology, specialist engineering and low carbon companies in the centre of Bristol. Over the next 25 years, the Enterprise Zone aims to attract more than 400 firms and create over 17,000 new jobs.

This looks like the first scheme to take advantage of Enterprise Zone incentives and city deal money. I like the idea of the building being restored and used, and I'm sure the job will be done sympathetically. A modern hi-tech idea like this, though, needs a BRT stop nearby. They've missed a trick there.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TheLastMinute on July 05, 2013, 19:35:34
From the Bristol Post website...

Quote from: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/new-100m-vision-Bristol-s-Temple-Meads/story-19482490-detail/story.html
A new ^100m vision for Bristol's Temple Meads

A VISION of how Brunel^s historic Temple Meads Station could look in the future has been unveiled.

Network Rail, the landlords of the historic building, are planning a radical ^100 million revamp of the Victorian structure as part of work to regenerate the area around the station.

(http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276268/Article/images/19482490/5024363.jpg)​
The new plan for Temple Meads

The improvements will be the biggest overhaul seen at the station for more than 140 years ^ and could even include the removal of the existing ramp leading up to the station.

The plans are still in a very early stage and discussions are due to take place with key organisations such as English Heritage but the outlines of the scheme are starting to emerge.

 
Business Cards From Only ^10.95 Delivered...
View details Print voucher
The aim is to complete all the work by the end of 2019, two years after the electrification of the London to Bristol rail line has been completed.

Details emerged at a conference held in Brunel^s Passenger Shed yesterdayTHU.

Delegates were shown proposals which would include the creation of a new entrance at the side of the station building, a subway and a new glass front.

The early drawings also show plans for a new pedestrian square at the front of the station, which would replace the existing concourse.

Around 300 delegates at the conference looking at the progress being made in the Enterprise Zone were given a sneak preview of the station plans.

There were also updates on the work being done to bring a 12,000 seater stadium to Bristol. The audience was told negotiations with an operator were well under way. Work on improving on access to the land earmarked for the arena is due to start within a matter of months.

Mike Gallop, from Network Rail, is part of the team drawing up plans to transform Temple Meads.

He said: ^Temple Meads set the template for modern commercial stations across the world. It was built as a driver for trade and commerce and that blueprint is what we are trying to recreate today.

^We want to link Bristol to London and the rest of the country and, at the same time, we will be recreating the engine of trade and commerce.

^There is a case for Bristol Temple Meads to be redeveloped to meet future passenger demand and to unlock the potential of the land asset around it, so that it supports the aspirations of Bristol Enterprise Zone and city council.

^However, the task to do so will be enormous. There are the considerations of building on a live railway, meeting the government^s efficiencies target and overcoming constraints posed by a heritage structure.^

Paul Wilson, below, the chief executive of the Local Enterprise Partnership, is overseeing the Enterprise Zone and the work being done in the area.

He revealed that negotiations are ^very much^ in progress to bring in an operator to run the long-awaited indoor arena, in the hope that the 12,000-seater venue opens within four years^ time.

The plans will also include a new passenger interchange at the side of the station, which would connect Temple Meads to the rest of the city^s public transport network.

A spokesman for the enterprise zone said: ^The station approach ramp is extremely congested, with conflicting vehicle movements, which Network Rail and Bristol City Council are hoping to improve.

^A successful passenger transport interchange will provide a seamless end-to-end journey between all modes of transport, including cycling and walking.^

George Ferguson has already pledged that an arena will be built before his term as Bristol^s first elected mayor comes to an end.

A feasibility study has been carried out for an arena on the former diesel depot site near the station.

The study found that there is support and demand for an arena, along with interest from leading operators in the entertainment sector.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 28, 2013, 00:35:12
At Temple Meads today during a cloudburst; I suddenly realised how badly neglected the roof is - more leaks than Julian Assange! Rain was pouring though in several places; I'm guessing that this was mostly down to blocked gutters. Sheets of water were streaming down the main wall into the western end of the subway, making the floor slippery and dangerous. Then I looked up at the main train shed roof, which I well remember after its restoration in (was it?) the 80's; I hadn't realised how filthy it has become.

Can we hope that when the wires come in and the mail conveyor is removed, they put aside a few quid to keep the roof clean and the gutters swept?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on July 28, 2013, 02:12:08

Can we hope that when the wires come in and the mail conveyor is removed, they put aside a few quid to keep the roof clean and the gutters swept?

I would guess that the original design did not consider ease of maintenance using methods we would find economical and acceptable today. I hope someone does think about this particular ha'porth of tar.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: John R on July 28, 2013, 22:06:36
Not only the main train shed, but on some of the other platform canopies the glazed sections are so filthy that they no longer let in any light, and look as though moss has grown on them.  I appreciate it's probably not a simple job to clean them off, but when you think how proud NR and FGW are at the Span 4 restoration, maybe they should pay a bit more care to other aspects of their station infrastructure.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Pete Goodwin on February 28, 2014, 23:35:49
^21m Temple Quarter transport investment - so where's the interchange?   My 'Stockwood Pete' blog at http://stockwoodpete.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/whatever-isnt-happening-at-temple-meads.html (http://stockwoodpete.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/whatever-isnt-happening-at-temple-meads.html)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: wabbit on March 01, 2014, 23:18:51
Haven't seen the plans yet, or anything nearing a "General Arrangement" concept drawing, but you'd sincerely hope that some kind of joined up transport plan would have some influence on the Temple Meads/quarter/arena redevelopment......


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Pete Goodwin on March 03, 2014, 20:58:42
Apparently Plot 6, the obvious place for a bus/rail interchange that could share the station's new passenger facilities, is not in Network Rail's plans.   They have spoken, though, of an 'interchange' more like that in Old Market.   A couple of new bus stops, in fact!

I think the LEP, who are leading the 'partnership' of different public agencies, including Network Rail, that's building a 'strategic vision' for the whole Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, don't have a proper transport hub on their agenda either.   The nearest we can get to their thinking is a 'fly-through' concept video complete with lots of artists impressions of waterside piazzas and coffee shops.   It's at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3hAC3NyIvk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3hAC3NyIvk) .  Quite entertaining as an example of its craft, but probably created more as a marketing tool than to inform.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on March 03, 2014, 21:03:52
Thank you for your very thought-provoking comments here, Pete Goodwin - and may I offer you a very warm welcome to the Coffee Shop forum!  :D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 03, 2014, 22:57:20
I echo Chris from Nailsea's welcome, Pete. I also followed the links from your Stockwood Pete blog for the Cabinet meeting, as I live close to the putative Callington Road link, formerly the railway. I am pleased that plans to use it for a two-lane road or a Bust Rabid Transit route have now been binned. A cyclepath, so long as it is done on the understanding that it can be brought back into public transport use in the future, is not a bad idea, and will protect the value of my home from having a main road three streets down the hill. My admittedly not entirely altruistic take on this project won't be shared by everyone. Some had campaigned long for a road, as our trusty source of truth the Bristol Post (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/year-delay-vital-Bristol-link-road/story-11263100-detail/story.html?afterReg=Y) from some four years back shows.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Aasimuk on June 03, 2014, 15:37:16
Looks like things are moving along fast at Temple Meads now. Spoke to a few guys from a demolition company doing the final visit before moving in to demolish the old post office bridge.
Anyone have ant news on the roof replacment?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: John R on June 04, 2014, 21:53:50
That will be a good start. Hopefully the adjacent eyesore won't be far behind, though that won't be Network Rail (NR)'s problem.

Edit: VickiS - clarifying acronym


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 07, 2014, 14:03:43
Quote

^6 million windfall signals the end for Bristol's eyesore GPO building

BRISTOL'S worst eyesore is finally set to be knocked down, thanks to a ^6 million windfall from the Government to buy the site from an investment firm. The former Royal Mail sorting office has blighted the view of passengers arriving in Bristol at Temple Meads station since it closed down in 1997.

The Bristol Post understands a deal to buy it is "very close", thanks to funding announced yesterday by Communities Minister Stephen Williams.

Read more at http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE-pound-6m-windfall-signals-end-Bristol-s/story-21156873-detail/story.html#T1h7szjOuyIB3oyo.99


Quote

Minister unlocks Bristol^s Arena site to major development

Work to unlock a development site which has been earmarked for Bristol^s ambitious Arena project is about to start in earnest.

Communities Minister and Bristol West MP Stephen Williams joined partners at the Diesel Depot site beside Temple Meads station today to mark the start of infrastructure work which will unlock the site for major development.

The ^11.5m project commissioned by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) will see a new two lane bridge installed over the River Avon to improve links with the station and the rest of the city. Work is also underway to enhance the bridge by creating a green corridor using trees and other climbing plants across its structure and along pedestrian routes.

More details: http://www.bristoltemplequarter.com/news/news/2014/05/29/minister-unlocks-bristol%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98arena-site%E2%80%99-to-major-development/


Can't find anything about the mail conveyor on the Bristol City Council Planning Application Database - I would presume that the usual 'courtesy' application would be required before it could be demolished, though I do note that it is not specifically mentioned in the station's Grade I listing..!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Aasimuk on June 11, 2014, 21:00:32
The mail conveyor is definitely about to meet is demise!  Arriving on an inbound into platform three today, the shutters were wide open. All the lifts are still intact, and could see through to another subway, so is that three that run across the platforms?  infact, think there is four, as went in a derelict one on the Bristol Doors Open Day a year or two ago.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on August 12, 2014, 12:43:47
The planning application for the removal of the mail conveyor at Temple Meads is now on the BCC website - go to http://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/ and use search ref 14/03806/LA for full details. The status of this application at the time of posting was 'Pending Consideration'.

I recommend reading 'SUPPORTING STATEMENT - JULY 2014' - this contains the Design and Access statement and other background info.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: paul7575 on August 12, 2014, 13:44:00
Hmm...   I reckon that should take about ten seconds to decide.

From today's perspective, how did they ever get permission to add that to a listed building anyway?

Paul


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on August 14, 2014, 21:06:21
Hmm...   I reckon that should take about ten seconds to decide.

Paul

Not in Bristol...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 03, 2014, 16:38:49
The proposal to demolish the Temple Meads mail conveyor was granted Listed Building Consent on 23rd September 2014. Bring on Miley Cyrus, clad in suitable PPE of course.

Edit: English Heritage made this comment:

Quote
The canopies along the platforms appear to have been cut back to accommodate the Conveyor bridge. Given the overall benefits of the current proposals, we do not object the cladding of the severed ends of the canopies with traditional dagger-boards; however, in the longer term consideration might be given to reinstating the missing elements of the canopies.

Hear hear! Given the importance of these buildings, is it unreasonable to hope that the pitched roof to the clock tower might one day be reinstated too?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on October 03, 2014, 17:23:28
Excellent news!

Should make London end photography more aesthetically pleasing. Hoping there's a gap between conveyor removal and knitting going up.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on October 03, 2014, 17:54:57
Excellent news!

Should make London end photography more aesthetically pleasing. Hoping there's a gap between conveyor removal and knitting going up.

There should be, but it might not be a long gap.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 04, 2014, 23:03:15
Spotted something interesting (well, I think it is!) in this document 'Growing Bristol^s Railway' (undated, unfortunately), by Chris Aldridge, Principal Strategic Planner at Network Rail Western: http://www.travelwest.info/sites/default/files/Network%20Rail%20process.pdf

I had assumed that the plan to reopen the 'Midland' shed for terminating London services involved just the part currently used as a car park (the 1870s Digby-Wyatt extension to Brunel's terminus); however p8 of this report appears to show that accommodating 10-car IEPs will require the use of Brunel's 'Passenger Shed' - that's the bit where they hold the Beer Festival - as well. Also interesting to see how the subway could connect the two parts of the station.

The artist's impression on p11 shows the Midland Shed extended to replace what was demolished for the PSB, though it appears to be a modern lightweight construction. Hopefully they won't get away with that! Old photos show that the two Digby-Wyatt roofs complemented each other; that's how they should restore it.

I'd dearly love to see more detail of these emerging plans..!



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: stuving on October 04, 2014, 23:19:38
Spotted something interesting (well, I think it is!) in this document 'Growing Bristol^s Railway' (undated, unfortunately), by Chris Aldridge, Principal Strategic Planner at Network Rail Western: http://www.travelwest.info/sites/default/files/Network%20Rail%20process.pdf

Internally, the PDF is dated 23/10/2013 - though the presentation could be a bit earlier.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: John R on October 16, 2014, 20:08:31
Speaking to one of the platform staff last weekend, he said the Mail Conveyor is due to be removed in a possession on 25th/26th December. Hooray!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on October 16, 2014, 21:36:53
There's evidence of work starting to bring down the the Royal Mail building. I saw heavy plant on the site yesterday.

Sensible, if somewhat expensive, to remove the conveyor on the only two days a year when there are no passenger services. I hope there will be no overrun. The 27th December is one of the busiest travelling days. I imagine that as much as possible of the conveyor structure will removed before Christmas Day.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on October 17, 2014, 01:18:36
There should be plenty of room on Santa's sleigh  for the conveyor belt after delivering all those presents the night before. However, whether Santa or his yellow coated, white helmeted, booted elves that moonlight for Network Rail will be in a fit enough state to do the work, after all the festive cheer, ( hic !) is another matter entirely !!! ::)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 23, 2014, 11:35:12
I saw heavy plant on the site yesterday.

I thought I saw a triffid there last night.

But seriously, there was a lot of crashing and banging going on in the old Royal Mail building, and a JCB bashing something up in the area between the station wall and the sorting office. Presumably this is preparatory to the removal of the mail conveyor.

This poster gives a nice 'before and after' (sorry for the jaunty angle but it was that or have a big flash reflection in the middle of it!).

(Attachment now fixed)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: paul7575 on October 23, 2014, 11:39:35
This poster gives a nice 'before and after' (sorry for the jaunty angle but it was that or have a big flash reflection in the middle of it!).

Er...  you seem to have shrunk that attachment a step too far

Paul


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on October 23, 2014, 13:38:34
It's certainly going to make photos taken at the London end more pleasing to the eye. There's a short window between the mail conveyor coming down and the knitting going up to allow for some pleasing images of lined up High Speed Trains (HST)s.


Edit: VickiS - Clarifying abbreviation


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on October 23, 2014, 13:50:35
I must remember the camera whenever I go to Temple Meads. A record of the changes as they happen is a must.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: John R on November 03, 2014, 19:14:49
The first sheet cladding has started to be removed from the mail conveyor, so work is most definitely underway.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 07, 2014, 18:26:27
...and here's a photo to prove it, with cladding removed from the Platform 1/3 lift tower. Out of shot, scaffolding has appeared on the roof of the conveyor - no photo of this; I had a train to catch!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on November 08, 2014, 01:43:02
I'll have a nose around that end of the station next week, see what's what. With camera to hand of course.

As an aside, you'd never know that floor was wet without that trip hazard cone there would you?  ::)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on November 16, 2014, 14:03:59

As an aside, you'd never know that floor was wet without that trip hazard cone there would you?  ::)

I have tripped on one at work. Our cleaner leaves it out after she has finished rearranging the dirt, which means the floor is dry before anyone else gets to walk on it.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on November 22, 2014, 23:41:18
Had a look at the demolition progress today. Boxes built over the parts being removed over the track to catch debris. This seem to be moveable over the girder frame as work moves along. At this rate all that will be left to move is the girder fame in a week or two. You can smell the oxyacetalene torches during the weekdays as more is cut out. It's going to look much better once it's gone, it's not a listed building for nothing. Posters on TM show the brick footings are due to go too.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on November 22, 2014, 23:54:35
Thanks for your update on the situation at Bristol Temple Meads, johnneyw - and a warm welcome to the Coffee Shop forum!  :)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ajg on November 24, 2014, 13:49:47
The current plan is to remove the first two spans at Christmas. Span 1 being between platform 1-6 and span 2 between 7-9, although there is a possibility that the span 1 could be removed prior.

The remaining spans will be removed post Christmas.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on November 24, 2014, 14:17:50
18th November 2014:

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/bri_conveyor1_zps6a678e10.jpg)

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/bri_conveyor2_zps3def4cc2.jpg)

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/bri_conveyor3_zps875c7800.jpg)

Not noticed much difference over the weekend having been through Bristol TM on a couple of occasions. I'll probably grab some more pics later this week.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on November 24, 2014, 17:25:53
Thanks for providing us with some more useful information, ajg - and another warm welcome to the Coffee Shop forum.  :)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on November 25, 2014, 22:51:30
Things are certainly moving with the demolition of the conveyor bridge. However, it's really proving a challenge to find out any concrete online information about what will be happening with the future redevelopment of Temple Meads and when. It's a station full of future possibilities and the speculative plans I have seen so far look impressive.... but where do I find out where things have got to now?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 26, 2014, 12:26:44
Welcome to the forum, johnneyw.

I share your frustration - I regularly trawl the web for any hints as to how the plans for Temple Meads are evolving.

One area where things are coming along nicely is the Mail Conveyor - I took some pics today, which are attached below.

The first shows the span between P1/3 and P5/7, with all cladding now removed;
The second shows the temporary scaffolding gantry, currently at P5/7. This appears to have nylon wheels which run along the top rail of the conveyor structure;
The third shows the P9/11 structure, with stripping gantry looming;
The fourth shows the current rather crude plywood fascia on the end of the original canopy, cut short when the conveyor was built. The plan is to replace this with daggerboards to match those on the sides of the canopy.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ReWind on November 26, 2014, 16:30:55
There is overnight possessions on lines affected by the removal of the conveyor at any one time.  This is having an adverse impact on the departure and arrival of stock from SPM forming the first various services from BTM in the morning.

Possession overran last night for example, we were nearly an hour late finishing at the station due to this.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on November 26, 2014, 20:33:47
Crikey Mr Squirrel, those photos are almost identical to the ones I took this morning.  ;D

Saved me a job hosting/uploading mine. Ta.  :-*


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TheLastMinute on November 27, 2014, 18:00:38
Sorry it's a bit short notice, but the demolition will be featured on TV shortly if you're in the Bristol area (or know how to manually turn a Sky or Freesat box)....

Quote from: https://twitter.com/networkrailBRI
Bristol Temple Meads ‏@networkrailBRI  34 minutes ago
Tune into @madeinbristoltv at 1800 and 2100 tonight to find out about the Conveyor Bridge Demolition. Freeview 8, Virgin 159, Sky 117


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on November 27, 2014, 18:12:57
Thanks for the heads up - I have set my BT box to record the 2100 report. I have a DVD recorder, and if it's a good piece, I might be able to do a rather tortuous link up, followed by a rip to Youtube or similar, and post here.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on November 27, 2014, 18:23:14
I was at Temple Meads this evening I caught the 17:13 to Avonmouth just as we were pulling out a steam engine came in on the middle road I did not see what it was it might have been a battle of Britain class southen loco
Can anyone shed some light on this for me ?.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: stuving on November 27, 2014, 18:28:45
I was at Temple Meads this evening I caught the 17:13 to Avonmouth just as we were pulling out a steam engine came in on the middle road I did not see what it was it might have been a battle of Britain class southen loco
Can anyone shed some light on this for me ?.
Railway Touring Club
  THE BATH AND BRISTOL CHRISTMAS MARKET 
Thursday 27 November 2014
LMS Class 5MT 4-6-0 no 45407
SR Light Pacific 4-6-2 no 34067 Tangmere

Timings here (http://www.uksteam.info/tours/t14/t1127b.htm).


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on November 27, 2014, 18:34:34
I was at Temple Meads this evening I caught the 17:13 to Avonmouth just as we were pulling out a steam engine came in on the middle road I did not see what it was it might have been a battle of Britain class southen loco
Can anyone shed some light on this for me ?.
Railway Touring Club
  THE BATH AND BRISTOL CHRISTMAS MARKET 
Thursday 27 November 2014
LMS Class 5MT 4-6-0 no 45407
SR Light Pacific 4-6-2 no 34067 Tangmere

Timings here (http://www.uksteam.info/tours/t14/t1127b.htm).

Good grief  that was quick Thanks for your reply stuving cheers.




Edit note: Quote marks fixed, for clarity. CfN.  :)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on November 27, 2014, 19:01:16
Saw it parked up behind St Phil's High Speed Train (HST) depot last night.

Edit: VickiS - Clarifying acronym


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 27, 2014, 20:39:38
I saw the Black 5 trundling over the girder bridge by the Dogs' Home.  Surprising how this kind of thing barely causes a raised eyebrow these days; twenty years ago it would have been on the front page of the Evening Post.

Why on earth did they paint it such a vile colour, by the way? The bridge that is, not the Black 5; black is a perfectly respectable colour for an engine, especially a Black 5, though I do feel it should have yellow (or, better, hi-viz orange) ends.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on November 27, 2014, 21:24:08
I saw the Black 5 trundling over the girder bridge by the Dogs' Home.  Surprising how this kind of thing barely causes a raised eyebrow these days; twenty years ago it would have been on the front page of the Evening Post.

Why on earth did they paint it such a vile colour, by the way? The bridge that is, not the Black 5; black is a perfectly respectable colour for an engine, especially a Black 5, though I do feel it should have yellow (or, better, hi-viz orange) ends.

Last time I passed, it was still under wraps. I shall revisit (it's a 10 minute bike ride).


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TheLastMinute on November 27, 2014, 22:27:26
Thanks for the heads up - I have set my BT box to record the 2100 report. I have a DVD recorder, and if it's a good piece, I might be able to do a rather tortuous link up, followed by a rip to Youtube or similar, and post here.

Was the report about the conveyor bridge in "The 9"? I set my Sky box to record "The 6" programme, and for some technical reason, the second part of the program went Absent Without Leave (AWOL) and wasn't shown so no idea if it featured.

Edit: VickiS - Clarifying abbreviation


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TheLastMinute on November 27, 2014, 22:55:05
Was the report about the conveyor bridge in "The 9"? I set my Sky box to record "The 6" programme, and for some technical reason, the second part of the program went AWOL and wasn't shown so no idea if it featured.

To answer my own question, I've heard that the report has been pushed to tomorrow's (Friday's) program as it's been a busy news day in Bristol.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on November 27, 2014, 23:24:03
Lot of hitherto suppressed stuff of a bad type that takes precedence. I knew that two of the convicted animals were under investigation, but didn't know why.

Long prison terms and a bad time behind bars should be the answer, plus repatriation to wherever.

Moving on, I hope that Temple Meads is sorted to Brunelian standards.

There were 3 satellite wanow.gons parked in the Centre today, and I know why


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on November 28, 2014, 00:07:46
Thank you all for your kind welcomes to the forum. I was quite surprised to see yesterday that the demolition crew had actually got a mini JCB up on the conveyor bridge platform to work on the removal of the superstructure. Shows it was a sturdy enough build and maybe goes some way to explain how I see such steady progress every few days that I'm at Temple Meads when I get off what I fondly refer to as "The Severn Riviera Express" from Redland. Have to mention here that it's also a great little bonus at Redland now to be able to buy a coffee at the Coffee Trike that's now at Redland Station weekday mornings..... and no, I don't have any shares in it! Will any enterprising individuals start similar at any other stops on the Severn beach line soon?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on November 28, 2014, 00:15:21
In a currently disused building on the station at Avonmouth (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=14912.0), for example ... ?  :P ::)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on November 28, 2014, 01:54:56
I saw the Black 5 trundling over the girder bridge by the Dogs' Home. 

Give's me the willies that bridge. Walking over the attached footpath, with it's loose concrete slabs, when a High Speed Train (HST) trundles over... proper scared me that did. I had a panic attack right in the middle. A complete stranger had to help me across.


edit: VickiS - Clarifying acronym


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 28, 2014, 09:13:28
...loose concrete slabs...

They may have improved the footbridge in the recent refurbishment - maybe FT, N! can confirm when he performs his cycle-reconnaissance?

The news item about the Mail Conveyor did appear on 'The 9', though it wasn't the most trenchant or best-edited piece of journalism I've ever heard. Andy Haynes, the Project Director, appeared to be answering questions about some wider sphere of endeavour (resignalling? electrification?) and the whole thing was all rather bizarrely wrapped up with the killer question "Who was it who thought it was best for it to come down?" - a question which might have been more interesting if it had beeen reversed.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on November 28, 2014, 09:33:47
BNM Iwas wondering the footpath over the bridge is I a public right of way ?.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 28, 2014, 09:45:27
I can confirm that it is a right of way. It was closed during the refurbishment, but has just reopened.

This view (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.4450476,-2.5775081,19z) shows the route, and how it connects the Bath Road with  Concorde Way, as they now call that stretch of the River Avon towpath.

Edited to add Google Maps link


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on November 28, 2014, 09:53:23
I can confirm that it is a right of way. It was closed during the refurbishment, but has just reopened.

This view (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.4450476,-2.5775081,19z) shows the route, and how it connects the Bath Road with  Concorde Way, as they now call that stretch of the River Avon towpath.

Edited to add Google Maps link

Thankyou  Red Squirrel  that's most helpfull .


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on November 28, 2014, 13:03:44
An image of the bridge footpath prior to refurbishment:

http://bristol-rail.co.uk/wiki/File:Albert_Road9.jpg


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on November 29, 2014, 21:20:37
In a currently disused building on the station at Avonmouth (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=14912.0), for example ... ?  :P ::)

Yes, that could be an idea. Other surviving Severn Beach Line station buildings at Redland and Montpelier have been put to alternative uses.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on December 02, 2014, 23:31:17
Just a quick update on the now vanishing conveyor bridge..... well, it's even missing some of it's walkway for part of it's length and loads of the lower frames are no more. As for the refurb of the Avon Bridge on the "loop", well done I say, looks good!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 06, 2014, 19:56:21
More pictures of the mail conveyor, taken today, attached. The first picture shows that the (presumably) staircase superstructure on P1/3 has gone, and the second shows that much of the cladding from the rest of the conveyor has been stripped


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on December 06, 2014, 21:25:23
Again, beaten to the photo update by the bushy tailed one!

I took a couple of pics yesterday of the latest state of the conveyor dismantling but unfortunately had no internet last evening to upload.

Thanks for the pictures Red Squirrel.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 06, 2014, 23:15:16
Yes, thanks for updating us all, Red Squirrel.  :D

I assume the inclusion of possibly one of the litter was intended to provide a scale in those images?  ;)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on December 07, 2014, 00:14:21
Well, it's vanishing quickly now. Seen people still working on it after 8pm last Wednesday sort of explains why. They even seemed to be working after a quick homeward aperitif in Bonapartes before the 20.34 "Severn Riviera Express" to Redland. Not being an expert here but how long to they work till?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 07, 2014, 08:10:22
I assume the inclusion of possibly one of the litter was intended to provide a scale in those images?  ;)

Foreground interest! I think the 'wet floor' cones were on a rest day. Good to see one of the litter showing an interest though.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on December 07, 2014, 08:26:13
Well, it's vanishing quickly now. Seen people still working on it after 8pm last Wednesday sort of explains why. They even seemed to be working after a quick homeward aperitif in Bonapartes before the 20.34 "Severn Riviera Express" to Redland. Not being an expert here but how long to they work till?


I they are working that late I assume they are working shifts. In which case they could be working 24 hrs a day.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on December 09, 2014, 01:43:27
Well, it's vanishing quickly now. Seen people still working on it after 8pm last Wednesday sort of explains why. They even seemed to be working after a quick homeward aperitif in Bonapartes before the 20.34 "Severn Riviera Express" to Redland. Not being an expert here but how long to they work till?


That is shocking to hear that rail operatives are working after imbibing alcohol at Bonapartes. I would never do that, never in a million years.

I would go to the Knights Templar, where beer is much cheaper. They are paying these guys too much. No wonder it costs so much to get the train to Severn Beach.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on December 10, 2014, 22:57:19
Well, it's vanishing quickly now. Seen people still working on it after 8pm last Wednesday sort of explains why. They even seemed to be working after a quick homeward aperitif in Bonapartes before the 20.34 "Severn Riviera Express" to Redland. Not being an expert here but how long to they work till?


That is shocking to hear that rail operatives are working after imbibing alcohol at Bonapartes. I would never do that, never in a million years.

I would go to the Knights Templar, where beer is much cheaper. They are paying these guys too much. No wonder it costs so much to get the train to Severn Beach.
Oops, it was yours truley imbibing a prompt refreshment in Bonapartes rather than the contractors, who were still hard at it removing the cladding over the platforms at the time.... bet they were thirsty as me though!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 22, 2014, 18:32:21
I noticed a lot of these today, showing the way from Cattle Market Road to the mail conveyor worksite. Are they for curious members of the public, or are we expecting the Orange Army to march in?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 24, 2014, 20:25:14
From ITV News (http://www.itv.com/news/west/update/2014-12-20/work-begins-over-christmas-to-create-new-route-to-the-west/):

Quote
Work begins over Christmas to create new route to the West
(http://news.images.itv.com/image/file/552552/stream_img.jpg)
Disused royal mail conveyor will be removed from Bristol Temple Meads station on Christmas day Credit: ITV West Country

Work will begin at Bristol Temple Meads station tonight to remove the disused mail conveyor.

It will begin the process of the electrification of the main line to the South West - which is expected to be finished by 2017. The work to remove the old Royal Mail conveyor will be finished while the station is closed on Christmas day.
Last updated Sat 20 Dec 2014


Follow this link (http://www.itv.com/news/west/update/2014-12-20/work-begins-over-christmas-to-create-new-route-to-the-west/) to see video of news report.

Plus, from Bristol Post (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Conveyor-removed-work-wires/story-25753748-detail/story.html):

Quote
Conveyor removed for work on wires
(http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276268/Article/images/25753748/9234813-large.jpg)

THE Royal Mail conveyor is being dismantled at Temple Meads station.

The conveyor was used to pass mail between the station and the Royal Mail's former sorting office next door, now derelict.

The conveyor needs to be removed to make way for the overhead electric wires on the Great Western main line.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said: "This removal is essential to make room for the overhead electric wires, paving the way for the arrival of longer, faster, quieter and greener electric trains by 2017."

An army of some 2,500 engineers will be spending their Christmas Day, and the days that follow, working on the Western route ^ which connects London with the Thames Valley, the west and south west of England ^ to deliver improvements, including increased capacity and reduced journey times.

Patrick Hallgate, Network Rail's managing director for the Western route, said: "Making the railway better is what we aim to do every day and our nationwide investment programme this Christmas, the biggest yet, is fully focussed on delivering a better service for passengers."

Most of the work will have little impact on passengers, with much of it to be completed before services resume on Saturday.






Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on December 27, 2014, 14:33:31
I braved the bitter elephants to take a look. That huge crane stands easy, job done.

(http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/Boyamijealous_7108a707/IMG_5228_zps8627e2cd.jpg)

Plenty of cutting up to do before weighing the steel in:

(http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/Boyamijealous_7108a707/IMG_5230_zpsc6ffac18.jpg)

But there it isn't - gone!

(http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/Boyamijealous_7108a707/IMG_5231_zpsf2017ede.jpg)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on December 28, 2014, 19:52:57
Great pics, job done, looks so much better. Old 1970's brick footing buildings going soon?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: PhilWakely on December 28, 2014, 20:28:59
I have an undated picture of the conveyor in apparently good condition and want to date it if possible. I acquired a number of pictures at a Jumble Sale a few years back and they are not dated. I am guessing that it is 1970 or 1971, but can anybody confirm/deny this please?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on December 28, 2014, 23:36:41
The only thing I have to add is that is was definitely the 1970's from my online research. I was a bit too young to notice the first time I trundled into Temple Meads in 1978! Does the Government Printing Office (GPO) have an archive?


Edit: VickiS - Clarifying acronym


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: paul7575 on December 29, 2014, 08:20:46
There are pictures of the conveyor being built in the planning application for demolition, but even they only give 'circa' 1970, and early 70s in the various descriptions/captions.

Surprising that the planners don't have an exact date.

http://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/files/517842BF5DDC29F59D19046D3BE5A255/pdf/14_03806_LA-SUPPORTING_STATEMENT_-_JULY_2014-1168226.pdf

If link goes stale it is the detailed statement within application 14/03806

Paul


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 29, 2014, 10:12:57
There are pictures of the conveyor being built in the planning application for demolition, but even they only give 'circa' 1970, and early 70s in the various descriptions/captions.

Surprising that the planners don't have an exact date.

http://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/files/517842BF5DDC29F59D19046D3BE5A255/pdf/14_03806_LA-SUPPORTING_STATEMENT_-_JULY_2014-1168226.pdf

If link goes stale it is the detailed statement within application 14/03806

Paul

I don't know what it is about the Planning Portal, but it doesn't allow you to link in this way - you always have to go in 'from the top'... maybe it's their way of ensuring you get the latest version of things.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on December 29, 2014, 19:49:31
Here are a half dozen images taken today (29th December 2014) from the London end of Bristol Temple Meads. A much improved vista, and it'll be more so once the platform level buildings of the former mail conveyor are gone.

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/Conveyor1_zpsf068fff4.jpg)

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/Conveyor2_zps39c1ce4b.jpg)

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/Conveyor3_zps3992e013.jpg)

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/Conveyor4_zps7267e8fa.jpg)

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/Conveyor5_zps46077df3.jpg)

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/Conveyor6_zps8ab7cedd.jpg)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 30, 2014, 09:14:20
Nice pix BNM! For the record, I wasn't just about to upload a similar set!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on December 30, 2014, 18:59:08
Excellent pix indeed, BNM. I was passing by, not travelling, so didn't have the access.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on January 10, 2015, 21:20:58
Had a quick visit on the Severn Riviera Express to TM from Redland today. Sad to see the planned removal of the old 1970's footing has not progressed, nor has the proposed Dec 2014 vegetation clearance on the Filton Bank seemed to have begun. The biggest disappointment was that the on train revenue collection on the Saturday services that I was on was again non existent.... both there and back again, despite large numbers of passengers.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: coachflyer on January 13, 2015, 23:24:41
http://youtu.be/qTEHtMxuRNA (http://youtu.be/qTEHtMxuRNA)

Network Rail timelapse of the conveyer removal


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on January 13, 2015, 23:43:53
Fantastic - thanks!  :)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on January 14, 2015, 15:23:22
Work due to start on removing the buildings at the base of the conveyor in the next three weeks according to the chaps on site today whilst I was waiting to catch the sea mills express at lunchtime .


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on January 14, 2015, 15:39:02
How spooky. I asked the contractors the exact same thing this morning!

Got the same answer as you WP.  ;D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on January 15, 2015, 20:13:31
How spooky. I asked the contractors the exact same thing this morning!

Got the same answer as you WP.  ;D

Should further improve the approaches to a beautiful station from the old smoke!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on January 17, 2015, 20:12:39
Some subsequent posts on this topic, which went off on a tangent, have been split off and moved to a new topic (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=15228.0) in 'the lighter side'.  :D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on January 24, 2015, 09:13:31
There is a time lapse video of the work done to remove the conveyor belt at Temple Meads over Christmas on the Network Rail website under Greater Bristol. Impressive! A pity that the over running engineering works at Kings X and Paddington couldn't have been done at the same speed !


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on January 24, 2015, 10:19:57
Glad you liked it, chuffed: for the link, see post #131 above (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=10737.msg169341#msg169341).  ;) :D ;D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on February 14, 2015, 12:58:19
Not been to TM for a while. Has anyone noticed if the brick footings of the removed conveyor bridge are being demolished yet?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on February 14, 2015, 23:41:53
Not as of Tuesday 10 February.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on March 16, 2015, 22:43:06
New on Netork Rail's Great Western Electification website pages, City of Bristol page:
"March 2015
After the successful removal of the conveyor belt, the next stage of modernisation works is to remove the old unused Royal Mail lift shafts. You will start to see the works commence from 16 March and they will continue for a number of weeks."


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on March 16, 2015, 23:15:27
I was at the Meads this morning there were a couple of Network Rail guys giving the building on Platform 11 a good coat of looking at .


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 17, 2015, 14:11:52
I was at the Meads this morning there were a couple of Network Rail guys giving the building on Platform 11 a good coat of looking at .

Important work, that. Ask anyone paid by the hour, and they'll tell you "It's all in the preparation".


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Tim on March 17, 2015, 14:20:49
Not been to TM for a while. Has anyone noticed if the brick footings of the removed conveyor bridge are being demolished yet?

No, but the brick buildings all had a wooden canopy around them and when I passed through this morning I saw that some of those have been removed and some are being removed.  I assume that the brick will be next once that is completed.  It looks like the demolition hasn't stopped but rather is progressing slowly, presumably due to proximity of running lines.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 17, 2015, 16:23:35

No, but the brick buildings all had a wooden canopy around them and when I passed through this morning I saw that some of those have been removed and some are being removed.  I assume that the brick will be next once that is completed.  It looks like the demolition hasn't stopped but rather is progressing slowly, presumably due to proximity of running lines.

If it were urgent, it would be done overnight.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on March 29, 2015, 19:54:55
The brick footings of the former mail conveyor are starting to disappear. The one at the end of platforms 5&7 has gone and others have been gutted. Photos from today (Sunday 29th March 2015):

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/DSC_0186_zpstywyjido.jpg)
(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/DSC_0189_zpsm4ov7jm3.jpg)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on March 29, 2015, 22:39:49
It's looking better already, I hope the suggested plans to replace the old original daggerboard canopies are not dropped. Now, who can tell me how they got rid of the debris? Is it right that there is a tunnel under the old conveyor bridge that is being used for this? If so, is it going to be part of the new plans to redevelop TM existing underground space to new uses? Likewise, has anyone heard of when the old signal office blocking the Digby Wyatt shed will be demolished to make way for it's reinstatement for the new electric trains? After all, the electrification is getting closer by the day and it would be a rather poor show for TM not to be ready for it when this all arrives...the clock is ticking and there's loads to do there.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on March 29, 2015, 22:44:49
BTW BNM, my good lady suggests some lowlights in the new hairdo!  :)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ajg on March 30, 2015, 17:37:29
johnneyw,

The demolition debris is being removed via the subway that links all of the platform buildings and then taken to the old GPO site where it is sorted and transferred to skips for disposal.

As for the canopies, they are not being reinstated to their former length but the exposed gables will have dagger boards fixed to them.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on March 30, 2015, 20:33:22
ajg,

Many thanks!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TeaStew on March 31, 2015, 09:05:33
Do not get me wrong, this work is fantastic and the removal of the conveyor really improves the view but do you think they will reinstate the newpaper boards in the gents? That is the change at BRI I really notice the most  :-[


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on March 31, 2015, 21:53:57
I've noticed their absence too. Restoring them would surely would be a low cost improvement!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on April 04, 2015, 18:18:28
The brick footing from platforms 1/3 has also now gone. Picture from 3rd April 2015:

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/DSC_0095_zpsrimfua7w.jpg)

Looking down the lift shaft hole where the subway linking the conveyor footings can be seen.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 05, 2015, 18:36:58
Saw a mini JCB parked inside what was left of the third building being tackled on Saturday evening. Going fast now.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 05, 2015, 21:02:10
The brick footing from platforms 1/3 has also now gone. Picture from 3rd April 2015:

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/DSC_0095_zpsrimfua7w.jpg)

Looking down the lift shaft hole where the subway linking the conveyor footings can be seen.

Good to see all those protective barriers in place - that's one heck of a trip hazard!  :o ::) ;D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on April 05, 2015, 22:11:26
I should add that from where I took the photo on P1 there was another high fence, the same as can be seen on the P3 side, and not just the low barrier in the foreground. I'd poked my camera phone through the mesh.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on April 16, 2015, 00:07:30
All the brick footings have gone. Work continues apace filling in/covering over the holes.

I know not whether the subway under the former mail conveyor is being permanently filled in or whether the holes are just being capped. Would seem short sighted to block it off for ever.

Pictures from Monday 13th April 2015:

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/DSC_0181_zpsbfgg3wmg.jpg)
(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/DSC_0182_zps5zq8fq55.jpg)

Just that concrete monstrosity beyond platform 15 to go. I'm partial to a bit of modernist architecture, but not that Royal Mail building - the 'For Sale' sign has been there for over a decade. That really is optimism on the part of Royal Mail... Hopefully the whole area to the east of Temple Meads will be sympathetically redeveloped as part of the Bristol Arena scheme.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 16, 2015, 10:40:36

I know not whether the subway under the former mail conveyor is being permanently filled in or whether the holes are just being capped. Would seem short sighted to block it off for ever.


Planning application 14/03806/LA includes detailed drawings of how the lift shafts will be capped - not filled in.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 23, 2015, 22:43:11
Progress indeed. Now I'm looking for Network Rail's more concrete plans for their exciting ideas for TM. So far, so little. Massive ambitions for the next few years but it's all seemingly no more than that. Other stations have grand intentions well announced, TM seems to be a rather quieter affair.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on April 23, 2015, 23:20:43
Well we've got the knitting coming, the closure and removal of Bristol Panel, and the reopening to passenger trains of the Digby-Wyatt extension to the original trainshead.

Passenger facilities are where major improvements are needed. As far as I'm aware, nothing has been confirmed for improving the ticket buying facilities, improving passenger flow (P3 to subway to in particular), increasing retail outlets, a better interchange for buses, taxis and private cars, and so on.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 24, 2015, 09:45:24
I share johnneyw's concern - given the glacial nature of the planning and development process used for rail-related projects, you'd be forgiven for hoping we'd have seen some sort of detail by now, but to date all we have is the rather vague impressions you can get from sites like this http://www.bristoltemplequarter.com/about-the-zone/spatial-framework/3d-fly-through ). I'm guessing there will be quite a long consultation phase before they start altering the fabric of Temple Meads - when will that start?

Meanwhile, at least the roof's stopped leaking - but only because it hasn't rained for a while.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 26, 2015, 22:31:40
BNM, thanks for reminding me how good Turner's Rain Steam and Speed painting is, second only to his "The Fighting Temeraire" in my books.
RS, I've heard that about ^100m has been put in place for the TM redevelopment. Don't actually know if this is just a proposal or the cash is on the table but if it was I'd be going all out to showcase the plans. I guess you are right that nothing will be promised until the consultation process has taken it's customary geological timescales.


BTW, I've learnt to treat the TM leaking roof as a "water feature".


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on April 27, 2015, 13:39:26
Well we've got the knitting coming, the closure and removal of Bristol Panel, and the reopening to passenger trains of the Digby-Wyatt extension to the original trainshead.

Passenger facilities are where major improvements are needed. As far as I'm aware, nothing has been confirmed for improving the ticket buying facilities, improving passenger flow (P3 to subway to in particular), increasing retail outlets, a better interchange for buses, taxis and private cars, and so on.

There will have to be a re-siting of the TVMs currently in the car park. Whether the ticket office and travel centre stay in their current form, but with trains to left and right, remains to be seen. Given that DfT want to do away with paper tickets, there could be significant changes to  come.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Ivor Dewdney on April 27, 2015, 18:25:54
Noting Mr Red Squirrel's musical taste, perhaps 'Close to the Edge' is rather appropriate?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on April 29, 2015, 08:45:44
Noting Mr Red Squirrel's musical taste, perhaps 'Close to the Edge' is rather appropriate?

They may be waiting for The Ladder.  :D

Anyway, I was at BRI en route from SRD to BTH yesterday. Two chaps with SDS drills were removing bolts embedded in the concrete between P1 and P3. After that, the cap will be needed for the hole, and I'm wondering how that will be done. The place looks much more open now than it did in the days of the conveyor.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 29, 2015, 11:24:15
Well, according to the plans (!) (14/03806/LA) they will install RSAs (Rolled Steel Angles) along two opposite sides of the hole, install a metal deck onto this support, pour concrete on this and then apply finishes.
 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: SandTEngineer on May 11, 2015, 22:29:22
As there has not been any update for a while here is a photograph taken whilst passing through on 09 May 2015 (looks much better now):

(http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m92/cbrailways/P1000712_zpsgxoghcqr.jpg)
Image (c)2015 SandTEngineer


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on May 16, 2015, 21:53:25
Just been on Network Rail's website for the GWR electrification in the Bath area and seen the "artists impression" of the new bridge replacing the Georgian one at Sydney Gardens..... bit of a shocker! Did Bath City council and the planning permission people know what is being proposed in a World Heritage site?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on May 16, 2015, 22:11:52
Just been on Network Rail's website for the GWR electrification in the Bath area and seen the "artists impression" of the new bridge replacing the Georgian one at Sydney Gardens..... bit of a shocker! Did Bath City council and the planning permission people know what is being proposed in a World Heritage site?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  It looks fine to me.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on May 16, 2015, 23:54:37
Well yes, but Bath is famed for it's Georgian buildings and this is (was) a fine piece of work in a truly lovely park. Before you say it though, yes I do love the modern extension to the Holburne Museum but that is a superior bit of work in my opinion.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on May 17, 2015, 10:11:05

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 

Get it out with Optrex. (S Milligan)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on May 18, 2015, 17:13:26
Just spotted a planning application which details the proposed repair and redecoration works at Bristol Temple Meads.

The colour scheme is rather muted compared to the existing, predominantly grey and white; however the proposal also includes replacing all the GRP 'glazing' panels in the roof with laminated glass, so the gloominess of the main shed should be a bit less stygian.

If you're interested, go to http://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search for 15/01847/LA


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on May 18, 2015, 18:03:35
Less - the new more!

Does the reduction in the number of colours used signify a new trend in decoration of railway stations, or is it to make touching up of damaged areas easier and cheaper?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Tim on May 19, 2015, 10:44:10
Just been on Network Rail's website for the GWR electrification in the Bath area and seen the "artists impression" of the new bridge replacing the Georgian one at Sydney Gardens..... bit of a shocker! Did Bath City council and the planning permission people know what is being proposed in a World Heritage site?

I assumed that the old bridges were being kept.  I thought that was why the line was closing for several weeks this summer, to allow the track bed to be dug out and lowered rather than demolishing the bridges


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on May 19, 2015, 11:15:31
Just been on Network Rail's website for the GWR electrification in the Bath area and seen the "artists impression" of the new bridge replacing the Georgian one at Sydney Gardens..... bit of a shocker! Did Bath City council and the planning permission people know what is being proposed in a World Heritage site?

I assumed that the old bridges were being kept.  I thought that was why the line was closing for several weeks this summer, to allow the track bed to be dug out and lowered rather than demolishing the bridges

I can't see any evidence of any plan to demolish bridges in Sydney Gardens. Can you point us at it, johnneyw?

This web-page http://www.networkrail.co.uk/great-western-route-modernisation/banes/ states that "we need to lower the track in a number of places through Bath...", which squares with Tim's thoughts; the artist's impression there shows the existing iron footbridge with perspex panels installed to prevent poky-fizzy-banginess...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on May 19, 2015, 21:11:53
The picture on the above link indeed shows the existing bridge but it's the first of 2 pictures, you can "slide show" it with the arrow below the picture to show the "Sydney Gardens draft visualisation".


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on May 19, 2015, 21:20:54
...or perhaps the pic and the "simulation" are not taken from the same point, in which case I'm relieved  :). I can see how there's a need for the cables to be kept out of arms reach of any curious passer by too.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on May 19, 2015, 21:32:19
The picture on the above link indeed shows the existing bridge but it's the first of 2 pictures, you can "slide show" it with the arrow below the picture to show the "Sydney Gardens draft visualisation".

The second image is a visualisation of the existing footbridge, with perspex panels installed to prevent poky-fizzy-banginess...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on June 12, 2015, 21:30:45
I'm informed that the present signal box building currently blocking the access to the proposed new platforms in the old Digby Wyatt shed at TM is to be relocated (at Didcot I believe) as part of the GWR electrification.  Thing is, even with the publicised delays in electrification getting to TM, surely time is running out to get this started. Does anyone know if or when we'll see some sign of movement there? I'm not a civil engineer but I can see there's a bit of work to do there.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on June 12, 2015, 22:06:01
I'm informed that the present signal box building currently blocking the access to the proposed new platforms in the old Digby Wyatt shed at TM is to be relocated (at Didcot I believe) as part of the GWR electrification.  Thing is, even with the publicised delays in electrification getting to TM, surely time is running out to get this started. Does anyone know if or when we'll see some sign of movement there? I'm not a civil engineer but I can see there's a bit of work to do there.

I take it you are referring to the resignalling (or is it re-control or is it relocking and recontrol? - I get so confused) of the signals that are currently controlled by the Bristol panel. This would transfer control of these signals to Didcot. 

There is still plenty of time to do this before electrification, but the closure of Swindon panel has been heavily delayed and there is a shortage of signalling resources.  I am sure it can still be done before the current planned date for electrification as the current signalling would be adversely affected by electric trains - it is therefore an essential part of the work. 

I am a civil engineer and I cannot help you any further - you need a S&T engineer to fully answer your question.  Now where would we find one of those? 

Calling "SandTEngineer"


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on June 12, 2015, 23:24:08
Much preparatory work is under way for the new signalling. As with all big projects, the graft is in the preparation, with the installation and commissioning of the actual kit the last acts. Once the new signalling is up and running, the Bristol signal box will put up little resistance to even a small bulldozer. Look beyond the end of platform 1 towards what is now a car park, and you will see the line of the new platform for the IEP. Look down, and you will see that the signal box was built on the track bed and platform. Reinstatement should be straightforward.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: SandTEngineer on June 13, 2015, 22:31:19
I'm here....... :D

The Bristol area resignalling extends to replacing the existing interlockings and trackside equipment (excluding signals which will be reused where possible).  This is due to the existing equipment not being AC Immune and hence not immune to 25Kv AC electrification.  The exception to this will be the equipment in the Cogload Junction to Flax Bourton (125 mile post from London) area which will not be changed as it is outside of the electrified area.  The track layouts will not be changed.  This is therefore a part resignalling and part re-control project.

The bases for new trackside equipment cases and rooms are being installed now but the detailed design and build of them is somewhat behind schedule.

The 'new' signalling will be controlled from Thames Valley Signalling Centre (TVSC) at Didcot (which is going to be renamed at some point in the future).  All existing Bristol signals that are numbered Bxxx will be renumbered BLxxxx.  Track circuits will be replaced by axle counters.  The existing 'X' signs that divide the platforms into two parts at Temple Meads station will in future be divided by proper 'back to back' signals.

Bristol Panel will be abolished and demolished to make way for the new terminating platforms but currently this is planned as a second stage of the project.

It looks as if Swindon Panel will be abolished either in October 2015 or over Xmas/New Year 2015/6.  Watch this space.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on June 13, 2015, 23:30:17
I'm here....... :D

As always, SandTEngineer, glad you could make it! All is now crystal clear.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: eightf48544 on June 14, 2015, 11:45:44

 The existing 'X' signs that divide the platforms into two parts at Temple Meads station will in future be divided by proper 'back to back' signals.


So someone has recognised that  the markers at Reading are not much good and you need proper signals.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Louis94 on June 14, 2015, 20:07:58

 The existing 'X' signs that divide the platforms into two parts at Temple Meads station will in future be divided by proper 'back to back' signals.


So someone has recognised that  the markers at Reading are not much good and you need proper signals.

The "markers" you describe at Reading are completely different, merely a car stop marker, guiding where to stop a train returning out of the station the same way and are nothing to do with the signalling.

The 'X' signs at Bristol Temple Meads are classed as signals and may only be passed with the appropriate authority - either a platform number on the indicators outside the station which is beyond the 'X' or permission from the signaller.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Rhydgaled on June 14, 2015, 23:29:11
the equipment in the Cogload Junction to Flax Bourton (125mp) area which will not be changed as it is outside of the electrified area.
Did I read that right? A 125mph section which is not included in the scope of the electrification project?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on June 15, 2015, 07:27:27
the equipment in the Cogload Junction to Flax Bourton (125mp) area which will not be changed as it is outside of the electrified area.
Did I read that right? A 125mph section which is not included in the scope of the electrification project?

I'm suspecting "Mile Post 125".  Wikipedia says ...

Quote
The route has a line speed limit of 100 miles per hour (160 km/h) with local variations; trains from Bristol to Taunton are described as travelling in the 'down' direction. It is constructed to Route Availability 8 and freight loading gauge W8. It has Multiple Aspect Signals (MAS) and Track Circuit Block (TCB) controlled from the panel signal box at Bristol. A local signal box at Puxton and Worle controls the two level crossings at Hewish and Puxton, and an emergency panel at Weston-super-Mare can take control of the section from Hewish to Uphill Junction if required.

... which helps to confirm me in making that "Mile Post" rather than "Miles Per Hour" guess.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Gordon the Blue Engine on June 15, 2015, 17:10:34
The "markers" you describe at Reading are completely different, merely a car stop marker, guiding where to stop a train returning out of the station the same way and are nothing to do with the signalling.

The 'X' signs at Bristol Temple Meads are classed as signals and may only be passed with the appropriate authority - either a platform number on the indicators outside the station which is beyond the 'X' or permission from the signaller.

I think the point is that the X boards at Reading SHOULD be replaced by proper signals. They are not just a guide or car stop marker - they are mandatory stop positions at the end of their own separate track sections and I think I^m right in saying a train that wrongly passes an X board is treated as a SPAD. 

I see no difference between the Bristol and Reading situations.  As I understand it the X boards at Reading, to quote your words, ^may only be passed with the appropriate authority - either a platform number on the indicators outside the station which is beyond the 'X' or permission from the signaller^.  So just like Bristol.

So why does Bristol get signals and Reading not?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: IndustryInsider on June 15, 2015, 18:03:43
The 'Rear Clear' markers at Reading are not classed as stop signals and if passed would not be treated as a SPAD.  The indication drivers get at the signal before doesn't alter unless there's a train in any part of the platform in which case they get the 'two white lights' - but could still be required to stop at any part of the unoccupied platform.  There are however 'rules' as to where you stop for each train depending on length and next working of that train.

Very different to Bristol where they are classed as stop signals and the driver does get a platform number to indicate where they should stop.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: SandTEngineer on June 15, 2015, 20:31:53
the equipment in the Cogload Junction to Flax Bourton (125mp) area which will not be changed as it is outside of the electrified area.
Did I read that right? A 125mph section which is not included in the scope of the electrification project?

Its 125 mile post from London (which is near the site of the closed Flax Bourton station).  I have edited my original post to clarify it.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Louis94 on June 15, 2015, 23:02:03
The "markers" you describe at Reading are completely different, merely a car stop marker, guiding where to stop a train returning out of the station the same way and are nothing to do with the signalling.

The 'X' signs at Bristol Temple Meads are classed as signals and may only be passed with the appropriate authority - either a platform number on the indicators outside the station which is beyond the 'X' or permission from the signaller.

I think the point is that the X boards at Reading SHOULD be replaced by proper signals. They are not just a guide or car stop marker - they are mandatory stop positions at the end of their own separate track sections and I think I^m right in saying a train that wrongly passes an X board is treated as a SPAD. 

I see no difference between the Bristol and Reading situations.  As I understand it the X boards at Reading, to quote your words, ^may only be passed with the appropriate authority - either a platform number on the indicators outside the station which is beyond the 'X' or permission from the signaller^.  So just like Bristol.

So why does Bristol get signals and Reading not?


To add to what IndustryInsider has said, remember the platform faces at Bristol Temple Meads are longer than those at Reading (some almost 400 metres) and are classed as two separate platforms (Reading having A and B ends of platforms does not count - i'm referring to the Sectional Appendix). Also the platforms at Bristol are used by far more reversing services where there is a potential for a train to already occupying the other end of the platforms, having mid platform signals will mean trains won't need to be cautioned into the station with shunt aspect (two white lights) as is the case in this situation now.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Gordon the Blue Engine on June 16, 2015, 10:08:35
I accept what Louise and II say about the status of the X boards at Reading and how they differ from those at Bristol.

However, the fact remains that the Reading signalling design requires frequent permissive moves on P13 and P14 particularly.  Permissive working carries more risks than moves between fixed signals (the relevant Group Standards recognise this), so it is an undeniable fact that "proper" mid platform fixed signals at Reading, and anywhere else where there is permissive platform sharing and where it is physically possible to install them, would be safer and operationally more elegant.   

I^ll now get off this Bristol topic. Reading issues are better discussed under Reading.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Rhydgaled on June 16, 2015, 13:23:41
the equipment in the Cogload Junction to Flax Bourton (125mp) area which will not be changed as it is outside of the electrified area.
Did I read that right? A 125mph section which is not included in the scope of the electrification project?
Its 125 mile post from London (which is near the site of the closed Flax Bourton station).  I have edited my original post to clarify it.
Ah, thanks for the clarification.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on June 20, 2015, 18:45:40
I'll add my thanks for all that interesting information.  Off course there will also be implications for the current side entrance to Temple Meads once the track goes down over what is now part of the public access, short to middle term at least.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 20, 2015, 21:42:48
NR have submitted plans to replace the lighting inside BRI ( see http://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=simple&searchType=Application, and search for 15/02789/LA ). My observations, for what they're worth:

1. Either of my 9-year-olds could have done better drawings of the light fittings;
2. Any hope that BRI is to be refurbished to a standard befitting its historic significance is starting to evaporate - from their aesthetics, one might be forgiven for wondering if NR bought the lights cheaply after German reunification made the border floodlights surplus to requirements.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on June 20, 2015, 21:50:02
I'll add my thanks for all that interesting information.  Off course there will also be implications for the current side entrance to Temple Meads once the track goes down over what is now part of the public access, short to middle term at least.

I think that is part of the passenger flow considerations in the new design


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on June 20, 2015, 21:56:29
NR have submitted plans to replace the lighting inside BRI ( see http://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=simple&searchType=Application, and search for 15/02789/LA ). My observations, for what they're worth:

1. Either of my 9-year-olds could have done better drawings of the light fittings;
2. Any hope that BRI is to be refurbished to a standard befitting its historic significance is starting to evaporate - from their aesthetics, one might be forgiven for wondering if NR bought the lights cheaply after German reunification made the border floodlights surplus to requirements.

Harsh, but possibly fair. I don't think we can expect the return of atmospheric gas lighting. Hopefully, LEDs will evolve further before the lamps for this job are ordered - they can have a cold light that looks out of place almost anywhere. The benefit is, as you know, they are cheap to run, using a fraction of the power of an incandescent lamp, and lasting many times longer. The downside is that we will be stuck with whatever is installed for a long time, waiting for it to go wrong so we can replace it.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on June 20, 2015, 22:03:53
NR have submitted plans to replace the lighting inside BRI ( see http://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=simple&searchType=Application, and search for 15/02789/LA ). My observations, for what they're worth:

1. Either of my 9-year-olds could have done better drawings of the light fittings;
2. Any hope that BRI is to be refurbished to a standard befitting its historic significance is starting to evaporate - from their aesthetics, one might be forgiven for wondering if NR bought the lights cheaply after German reunification made the border floodlights surplus to requirements.

I disagree. In fact I could not disagree more.
1. The drawing that is a sketch is perfectly serviceable.  Why does it need to be anything more than that for this purpose?
2. a) You do not see the lights at that height - you see the effect of the lighting.  As an example of good use of modern LED lighting in a listed
        building I would suggest you look at Tewkesbury Abbey.  The fittings are not hidden, but they are hardly visible. If LEDs can be made to work in a
        medieval grade 1 listed abbey, Temple Meads should be a doddle!
    b) From my (limited) experience of lighting schemes in listed buildings I am encouraged.  Particularly the use of uplighters to light the architectural
        features of the roof.  In my experience this removes the feeling that you have a hanging darkness above you.




Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 20, 2015, 22:33:24

I don't think we can expect the return of atmospheric gas lighting


Well...


I disagree. In fact I could not disagree more.
1. The drawing that is a sketch is perfectly serviceable.  Why does it need to be anything more than that for this purpose?
2. a) You do not see the lights at that height - you see the effect of the lighting.  As an example of good use of modern LED lighting in a listed
        building I would suggest you look at Tewkesbury Abbey.  The fittings are not hidden, but they are hardly visible. If LEDs can be made to work in a
        medieval grade 1 listed abbey, Temple Meads should be a doddle!
    b) From my (limited) experience of lighting schemes in listed buildings I am encouraged.  Particularly the use of uplighters to light the architectural
        features of the roof.  In my experience this removes the feeling that you have a hanging darkness above you.


It's true that the drawings don't need to be much cop if the scheme is a fait accompli and their only purpose is to tell people where to put the lights and ensure they don't fall on anyone. But it's also true that they don't really give much of an impression of how the lights will actually look, beyond 'basic'.

A key difference between Temple Meads and Tewkesbury Abbey is that Temple Meads had a lighting scheme when built, and we know what it looked like because we have photos. I think that something like the original pendants, coupled with modern discrete LED uplighters, would better reflect the building's heritage than simply leaving out a key part of it's original look. I'm not trying to reverse history; I just think it's a shame to lose an opportunity to enhance Temple Meads which, like Tewkesbury Abbey, is Grade 1 listed.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on June 20, 2015, 22:52:43
Again many thanks for all the information. Jury is out with me as to the lighting but the above discussion is what I love about this forum. Should be interesting to see how the current side access is actually resolved, hardly use anything but that entrance these days. There's a lot of the heritage of the station that needs preserving but I'm open to new improvements being able to actually enhance the heritage features. After all some of our most celebrated stately homes and cathedrals are the product of centuries of embellishment.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on June 20, 2015, 23:05:56
It's true that the drawings don't need to be much cop if the scheme is a fait accompli and their only purpose is to tell people where to put the lights and ensure they don't fall on anyone. But it's also true that they don't really give much of an impression of how the lights will actually look, beyond 'basic'.

I contend that the sketch is perfectly adequate, together with the other illustrations,  to tell you what the fittings will look like. at the distance they will be from the viewer I doubt they will see very much anyway. 

A key difference between Temple Meads and Tewkesbury Abbey is that Temple Meads had a lighting scheme when built, and we know what it looked like because we have photos. I think that something like the original pendants, coupled with modern discrete LED uplighters, would better reflect the building's heritage than simply leaving out a key part of it's original look. I'm not trying to reverse history; I just think it's a shame to lose an opportunity to enhance Temple Meads which, like Tewkesbury Abbey, is Grade 1 listed.

Tewkesbury had an atmospheric lighting scheme when built.  It probably involved a mixture of tallow candles, beeswax candles and rush lights.  It was probably vey atmospheric (i.e. smokey in this case). No one would suggest recreating that.  To recreate the original atmosphere of Temple Meads we would also need to do away with diesels and reintroduce stream engines as they undoubtedly contributed to the atmosphere both visually and nasally.  If you just want the colour of gas lights then I am sure the LED people could do something near - at least nearer than the existing lighting.  Do you really want authenticity or a good lighting scheme that really shows off the architecture of the grade 1 listed interior?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: PhilWakely on June 21, 2015, 09:46:42
This should be made a 'listed, protected vista' (OK - without those temporary fences to the left and chimney to the right)  :)

I am not sure what I'd prefer if I had the choice...... this; this+PO conveyor; or this + loadsa wires!

(http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww255/PhilWakely/P6201583_zpscztau3lt.jpg)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 22, 2015, 09:14:38
Do you really want authenticity or a good lighting scheme that really shows off the architecture of the grade 1 listed interior?

That's a false dichotomy: we could have both; prominent period-style pendants coupled with discrete LED uplighters.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on June 22, 2015, 22:26:54

That's a false dichotomy: we could have both; prominent period-style pendants coupled with discrete LED uplighters.

I've seen it all now. This is surely one for the Pendants' Thread.  :D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 23, 2015, 18:25:58
This should be made a 'listed, protected vista'

Not before the truncated section of the Terminus Shed is rebuilt!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on July 27, 2015, 17:05:05
I've been curious for a while to know what the scaffolding between platforms 1 and 3 at Temple Meads is for. It's been there a while with no visible sign of work on it. I suspect its a temporary fix for something until the new platforms to the old Digby Wyatt extension are got started on. Anybody got any idea?

Also saw today that the work on the now demolished conveyor bridge buildings is looking nearly ready, lighting just about installed and metal caps on the lift shafts being fitted.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on September 06, 2015, 22:52:24
From the Western Daily Press (http://www.westerndailypress.co.uk/Great-great-great-grandson-Isambard-Kingdom/story-27746423-detail/story.html):

Quote
Great-great-great grandson of Isambard Kingdom Brunel set to visit Bristol Temple Meads in honour

The great-great-great grandson of Isambard Kingdom Brunel will tomorrow follow in his footsteps by visiting the iconic train station he designed as part of a project to honour him.

The famed railway engineer designed Bristol's Temple Meads station and his descendant Isambard Thomas, 51, will be returning to the landmark tomorrow.

The graphic artist has been commissioned to create a print of the Bristol to Paddington line - one of his relative's greatest achievements.

Workaholic Brunel engineered the line by walking for miles and miles to expertly plan the route on the flattest land for the Great Western Railway.

Now First Great Western, who run trains on the route, is taking on the company's name, and as part of the re-branding have asked Isambard junior to create a modern print.

Isambard said: "It is a great honour to work on a project which was so close to my great, great, great grandfather's heart. I have prints from the time which show how stations and the line used to look and I can compare them with how they look now.

"I have recently visited the Box Hill tunnel, which was a remarkable feature at the time. To build it they had to build 14 shafts down through a hill. All the earth was taken out through the shafts. The brickwork in those shafts is still beautiful and the tunnel is still in good condition, a testament to the work carried out at the time."

The re-branding by First Great Western is part of a massive investment in stations, trains and infrastructure to restore the route to its former glory.

It will be renamed the Great Western Railway, the name of the company which employed Isambard, on September 20.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 11, 2015, 14:08:41
Slightly peripheral to this topic, but there's a YouTube vid of the Arena Island (why do they call it that?) bridge being slid into place here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSnn2_Dwk2A


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on September 11, 2015, 18:34:16
Slightly peripheral to this topic, but there's a YouTube vid of the Arena Island (why do they call it that?) bridge being slid into place here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSnn2_Dwk2A

Good to see - I have been watching that bridge grow during my visits to Temple Meads.

Quote
...Arena Island (why do they call it that?)...

Because it's going to have an Arenal on it. D'uh!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 11, 2015, 19:59:21

Because it's going to have an Arenal on it. D'uh!


Thanks for the clarification, but on that basis they may as well call it 'Arena Mountain'.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on September 12, 2015, 15:50:20
Ah, it's the "Island" that is the mystery! I agree that t is geographically difficult to sustain - Temple Meads is a de facto island, being surrounded on all sides by water within a mile. Spike Island isn't really much of an island, being the opposite end of the land mass that includes Temple Meads, unless the latter is insular. Arena Island is more of a promontory, or something, and even that is on a man-made channel. I think it is a matter of poetic licence*, given the major approach being by a bridge, and with the A4 forming something of a barrier. If that's the reason, I can live with it.

(*Mine's in the post)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on September 12, 2015, 16:08:02
Isn't Temple Meads area and St Philips Marsh actually an archipelago? There's a spit of land between the Feeder Canal and New Cut at Totterdown Basin.

Okay, there was once a lock between the Basin and New Cut I believe, but long since filled in.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on September 13, 2015, 15:54:05
I thought an archipelago was something cricketers went to sea on, only a more important version.

There was indeed a lock into the new cut at Cattle Market Road, and another at Bathurst Basin, which is much more evident. Both were blocked up during the second World War in case the Luftwaffe got lucky. A direct hit on the gates at low tide would have been disastrous for the harbour and the ships using it. It would have been nearly as bad at high tide. The blocking up was made permanent in the early 1950s.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on September 13, 2015, 16:47:29
I thought an archipelago was something cricketers went to sea on, only a more important version.

I of course got my geographical term wrong. I meant a peninsula.

These were invented by Sir Alexander Fleming I believe.

The bit of land where the lock used to be is an isthmus.

Which is, according to my two year old nephew, a gift giving occasion in December. One of his current questions is "Can have it for Isthmus?"


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on September 13, 2015, 19:39:30

I of course got my geographical term wrong. I meant a peninsula.

These were invented by Sir Alexander Fleming I believe.

That's right. He did it in his spare time whilst writing the James Bond books.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 13, 2015, 21:22:49
Well thank goodness we got that sorted out. Easter Island it is then, and look! There's Ursula Andress, emerging from the foam.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on September 14, 2015, 07:33:21
Well thank goodness we got that sorted out. Easter Island it is then, and look! There's Ursula Andress, emerging from the foam.

I'm just looking !.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on September 15, 2015, 11:56:46
I thought an archipelago was something cricketers went to sea on, only a more important version.
You're thinking of a pea-green souper wrapped up in a five-pound note. Only, for cricketers it would have to be either a four or a six.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on September 15, 2015, 17:56:01
Well thank goodness we got that sorted out. Easter Island it is then, and look! There's Ursula Andress, emerging from the foam.

I'm just looking !.

I'll risk one eye.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 02, 2015, 11:01:35
From the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-34392391):

Quote
Businesses seek cash for Bristol Temple Meads station overhaul

(http://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/9B15/production/_85810793_dsc_0034.jpg)
Bristol Temple Meads is "out of date" and "inadequate", according to business leaders

Business leaders in the West are making a pitch for more government money to revamp Bristol's Temple Meads station.

They say it needs a ^295m revamp - but only ^80m has been earmarked by Network Rail, which is not yet guaranteed.

While Birmingham's New Street has had a ^750m facelift, Temple Meads is "out of date" and "inadequate", they say.

The government has not committed to extra funding but says it is working with Bristol on its enterprise zone and metro rail project.

The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership and Bristol City Council say Brunel's iconic Temple Meads is one of the last city centre mainline railway stations not to meet 21st Century standards.

They argue the region generates more money for the Treasury than anywhere else in England - outside London - yet while rail electrification brings faster journeys, the station itself will be out of date.

The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership said: "Temple Meads is in desperate need of major redevelopment, with an extremely congested entrance and exit ramp, overcrowded passenger tunnel, insufficient car parking and lack of key facilities such as shops, bars and toilets.

"To transform the station will cost in the region of ^295m, and whilst Network Rail has so far committed ^80m for redevelopment as part of the electrification of the Great Western Mainline, this has not been fully confirmed."

The government said it was "committed to firing up local communities and backing businesses so they create thousands of jobs and greater prosperity".

"This includes a successful Enterprise Zone set around the station in Bristol, enabling the Local Enterprise Partnership and City Council to invest business rates in infrastructure and growth," a spokesman said.

"We are also working closely with the West of England Local Economic Partnership to help enable their plans for the Bristol Metro."


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 04, 2016, 18:09:47
Quote

Less Canary Wharf, more Kings Cross


Derelict buildings and land around Temple Meads will be transformed into homes, offices and new squares under plans to create the "Kings Cross of Bristol".

The council has released new images as they launch their 25-year plan to change the area in what is considered to be the biggest regeneration project in the UK.

A consultation is now underway for a ^spatial framework^ - outlined in the new pictures and video fly-through - to follow when deciding on future planning permission for the area which stretches from Temple Gate to the Paintworks.

See full article in Bristol 24/7 (http://www.bristol247.com/channel/news-comment/features/video/video-flying-tour-through-enterprise-zone)


There's also a YouTube vid (http://www.bristol247.com/channel/news-comment/features/video/video-flying-tour-through-enterprise-zone)

Delighted to see that they appear to intend to restore the spire at Temple Meads - I know some philistines are resistant to this, but - well, they're just wrong.

Let's just hope that the dull apparatchiks of the dull old political parties don't manage to blow the whole thing out of the water in a dull attempt to make He of the Undull Trousers look bad - as though that was the same as making them look good.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on March 04, 2016, 18:40:23
Devil's advocate...

What purpose will the spire serve other than aesthetic?

Money well spent?

No problem with all the other aspirations.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 04, 2016, 20:28:20
Devil's advocate...

What purpose will the spire serve other than aesthetic?

None at all.

Quote
Money well spent?

IMHO, yes indeed. What is wrong with aesthetic? In any case, as a Grade 1 listed building, there is probably no option but to restore the tower. The woodenspire was removed rather suddenly on 3 January 1941, so would not be part of the listing.

Which leads me to the most important reason for the plan to restore it: the idea can be dropped to save money. No-one will complain because not many people will have ever seen it, and something else will not have to be binned. They should have gone for a couple of gold unicorns and a Damien Hirst skull too - make value engineering easy, I say!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 05, 2016, 09:46:09
Devil's advocate...

What purpose will the spire serve other than aesthetic?

Money well spent?

No problem with all the other aspirations.

My dad often used the phrase 'neither use nor ornament' (often, as I remember it, referring to me...). The spire, as it was, was probably of no use; like the surviving tower it was pure ornament.

From an engineer's viewpoint it's nice to think that something can be both useful and ornamental, but for the rest of us 50% is still a passmark. Or maybe they could hide a mobile phone mast in there?

As to the cost: How much does some 4x2 and a couple of pallets of chinese slates cost?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 05, 2016, 15:53:06

As to the cost: How much does some 4x2 and a couple of pallets of chinese slates cost?

^800 for the slates (2 pallets would cover about 50 sq metres). ^400 for the timber. Labour about ^3000. That makes a total of - let me see... it's a railway job, yes? - ^3.1 million.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on March 05, 2016, 16:22:25

As to the cost: How much does some 4x2 and a couple of pallets of chinese slates cost?

^800 for the slates (2 pallets would cover about 50 sq metres). ^400 for the timber. Labour about ^3000.

Need to price for scaffolding and making good the existing roof where they join. 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on March 05, 2016, 18:04:53
Not to mention the replacement lead work .


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 05, 2016, 19:44:57
Plus VAT...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 06, 2016, 00:34:20
...and optimism bias...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 10, 2016, 10:52:01
Found this YouTube vid (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsuOwJj_ERU) showing how the new bridge (connecting Cattle Market Rd to Arena Island The George Ferguson Memorial to Futility and Ambition Thwarted by Petty Politics) was constructed. Enjoy.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 10, 2016, 16:22:15
Found this YouTube vid (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsuOwJj_ERU) showing how the new bridge (connecting Cattle Market Rd to Arena Island The George Ferguson Memorial to Futility and Ambition Thwarted by Petty Politics) was constructed. Enjoy.

My money remains on the end result being a profitable piece of infrastructure that will make Bristol even more of a destination than it is now. It should help bring forward the creation of an entrance to Temple Meads from Cattle Market Road.

If it isn't approved at the April planning meeting, we can assume that malign political forces are at play in advance of the elections in May. We can then vote out the obstructive elements.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on March 10, 2016, 17:51:28
Or the obstructive elements can present it as a failure of the overambitious mayor's pet project and garner the votes.  ::)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 10, 2016, 19:20:08
Or the obstructive elements can present it as a failure of the overambitious mayor's pet project and garner the votes.  ::)

Well it's not hard to be overambitious in Bristol.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 11, 2016, 23:58:22
Or the obstructive elements can present it as a failure of the overambitious mayor's pet project and garner the votes.  ::)

Tricky to work out who would stand to profit. All of the parties on the planning committee who delayed it (Labour, Conservative, LibDem and Green) have expressed a wish to see the Arenal built. They can;'t all take the credit. If that is the plan, it could backfire badly.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Stroud Valleys on March 14, 2016, 14:57:38
Couple of queries about the redevelopment

1 - are there any plans to built 2 additional platforms in the main part of the station, i.e. in between platforms 2/3 and 5/6, provided that both platforms 2/3 and 5/6 are reconfigured to fit a new platform island in the middle

2 - what are the plans for the ticket office and entrance to underneath the platforms

3 - when the shed has its 2 platforms reinstated, how is the far side platform going to be reached - subway/footbridge

4 - when is temple meads being resignalled?

5 - presumably when temple meads is resignalled, we will see a number of new signal posts, new track layouts and replacement of lots of track?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on March 14, 2016, 17:09:17
Or the obstructive elements can present it as a failure of the overambitious mayor's pet project and garner the votes.  ::)

Tricky to work out who would stand to profit. All of the parties on the planning committee who delayed it (Labour, Conservative, LibDem and Green) have expressed a wish to see the Arenal built. They can;'t all take the credit. If that is the plan, it could backfire badly.

It's hard to know. There was a suggestion that not only did the transport plan lack substance, but there was also a lack of planning about how crowds would disperse etc. Now sure, in Ashton Gate might manage to absorb and disperse a similar number of people without too much trouble, but with a new build, you have to prove that an event at the arena wouldn't block up a major artery into/out of the city that's heavily used by emergency services, with pedestrians, drop off/pickup or just regular traffic.

Basically whilst it's not built, it's waste ground and a concept, if its built and is a nightmare then there very serious consequence for all involved.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on March 14, 2016, 17:38:39
Couple of queries about the redevelopment

1 - are there any plans to built 2 additional platforms in the main part of the station, i.e. in between platforms 2/3 and 5/6, provided that both platforms 2/3 and 5/6 are reconfigured to fit a new platform island in the middle

2 - what are the plans for the ticket office and entrance to underneath the platforms

3 - when the shed has its 2 platforms reinstated, how is the far side platform going to be reached - subway/footbridge

4 - when is temple meads being resignalled?

5 - presumably when temple meads is resignalled, we will see a number of new signal posts, new track layouts and replacement of lots of track?

Unless I've missed it, there is no grand plan for redevelopment at this time. The council have a planning framework out for consultation, the old Royal Mail building is being demolished, the council want a public walkway under the station, a new southern entrance into the station for the arena and a few other things. I suspect that Network Rail aren't sitting back and waiting for the council to go through the motions, no skin off their noses if it gets pushed back into CP6 as most resignalling and electrification work can be done without upgrading the passenger facilities.

The only thing we know is that resignalling, quadrupling of the Filton Bank and remodelling the eastern part of the station approaches is ongoing. Resignalling has been rescoped to leave out everything south of Bristol TM in this phase in order to permit electrification. This probably means that the signalbox will not go until Bristol South has been done, so the planned reinstatement of platforms in the old shed for the IEPs will not happen for a while. So that means IEPs (and electrification) in the main shed.

Whether that means building works in the main shed remains to be seen, Bath is having platforms extended longways and also outwards in order to fit the IEPs and provide clearance for overhead wiring, so conceivably there might need to be similar work in TM.

Note also that whilst the original plan was to electrify Filton Bank first and introduce some new express electric services, leaving Swindon to Bristol TM via Bath until last, it's now the other way round. I'd imagine that the new services can't start until quadrupling is complete.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Oberon on March 14, 2016, 20:21:17
I thought wiring Wootton Basset-Bath-Bristol had been put back to CP6. Are you saying Filton bank wiring has been similarly designated?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on March 14, 2016, 20:30:58
I thought wiring Wootton Basset-Bath-Bristol had been put back to CP6. Are you saying Filton bank wiring has been similarly designated?

No Filton bank is how Electric Trains will first reach Temple Meads


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: rower40 on March 14, 2016, 21:45:42
I thought wiring Wootton Basset-Bath-Bristol had been put back to CP6. Are you saying Filton bank wiring has been similarly designated?

No Filton bank is how Electric Trains will first reach Temple Meads
Because, with no wires or juice, they can coast down the bank.
How they LEAVE Temple Meads is another matter... ;D ;D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 14, 2016, 23:31:01

Unless I've missed it, there is no grand plan for redevelopment at this time.

There is a grand plan to have a Grand Plan. It has not yet really started life, and is awaited with impatience.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on July 04, 2016, 19:23:22
Just been made aware of a Bristol Evening Post online article today, "New ticket machine trial at Bristol Temple Meads to end nightmare queues for commuters". Sadly the article in true online post style is both confusing and lacking detail. References to ticket machines and ticket barriers are freely interchanged without much explanation. Might have to look for myself.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on July 04, 2016, 20:05:26
Here is the article from the Bristol Post. (http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/new-ticket-machine-trial-at-bristol-temple-meads-to-end-nightmare-queues-for-commuters/story-29473776-detail/story.html)

Quote
New ticket machine trial at Bristol Temple Meads to end nightmare queues for commuters
By L_Churchill  |  Posted: July 04, 2016

New trials at Bristol Temple Meads could see the end of nightmare queues for commuters.

Network Rail said it is testing additional ticket barriers at the station as part of its upgrade plan.

The company hopes that the new system will see less queues during busy periods at the railway station.

Staff will be on hand next week to direct passengers to the new gate locations, which will operate between 7.30am and 9.30am and 4.30pm to 6.30pm on weekdays from Monday, July 11 for two weeks.

Network rail said it will be monitoring the use of the new barriers to gauge their effectiveness.

Drop in sessions will be taking place on platform three of the station on Friday, July 8 from 7.30am until 9.30am.

Network Rail's scheme sponsor, Lisa Evans, said: "We are always looking at ways to improve the passenger experience at our stations. Bristol Temple Meads is a major transport hub in the South West and can get quite congested during peak travel times.

"We hope by undertaking these trials, we can get a better insight into the passenger flow and can test out other gate line locations within the station, to see where improvement can be made both in the short and long term."

It looks as though it's a new gate line barrier. I hope L_Churchill isn't their transport correspondent.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: brizzlechris on July 04, 2016, 20:46:41
There's a bit more clarity on the Network Rail Temple Meads account on Twitter...

11th-15th July - Queen Anne Gate - platform 4 (am/pm peak hours)
18th-22nd July - Bonaparte's Gate - platform 3 (am/pm peak hours)

https://twitter.com/networkrailBRI/status/749883173572636672


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ChrisB on July 05, 2016, 10:50:05
Here, in Network Rail's (http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/passenger-movement-improvement-trials-to-be-held-at-bristol-temple-meads-as-part-of-railway-upgrade-plan-1) own words....

Quote

Trials of additional ticket barriers will take place at Bristol Temple Meads station in the coming weeks as part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan, with the aim of easing passenger congestion during peak travel times.


Network Rail staff will be on hand to direct passengers to the new gate line locations, which will operate during the station’s busiest periods, 7.30-9.30am and 4.30-6.30pm, from Monday, July 11 to Friday, 15 July and Monday, 18 July to Friday, 22 July.

The usage and impact of these additional barriers will be monitored to gauge their effectiveness at easing passenger congestion and providing a smoother experience for station users.

Following the trials, further engagement activities are planned to assess passenger feedback before taking work forward.

To discuss the aim of these trials in further detail and to answer questions on future improvements for the station, Network Rail and GWR staff will be present at two drop-in events, which will be held at platform 3 on Monday, 4 July and Friday, 8 July from 7.30am to 9.30am.

Network Rail’s scheme sponsor, Lisa Evans, said: “We are always looking at ways to improve the passenger experience at our stations. Bristol Temple Meads is a major transport hub in the South West and can get quite congested during peak travel times.

“We hope by undertaking these trials, we can get a better insight into the passenger flow and can test out other gate line locations within the station, to see where improvement can be made both in the short and long term”.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Stroud Valleys on July 05, 2016, 14:00:28
The Queen Anne Gate on platform 4 would be my favoured option.

Hopefully they can encourage the current ticket barrier to be mainly used for people coming into the station and from the ticket hall, and to direct people leaving the station to use the Queen Anne Gate on platform 4. Would certainly help passenger flows up the stairs i.e. leavers on the left and the others coming in from the right. You could then successfully remodel the space outside Temple Meads to an extent i.e. new bus stops, drop offs, taxis etc


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on July 05, 2016, 15:23:53
The Queen Anne Gate on platform 4 would be my favoured option.

Hopefully they can encourage the current ticket barrier to be mainly used for people coming into the station and from the ticket hall, and to direct people leaving the station to use the Queen Anne Gate on platform 4. Would certainly help passenger flows up the stairs i.e. leavers on the left and the others coming in from the right. You could then successfully remodel the space outside Temple Meads to an extent i.e. new bus stops, drop offs, taxis etc

Part of the grand plan will be to move all the taxis and buses around the side of the station nearest to the ferry stage. Your plan will work with that, even if this is a stop-gap solution to an immediate problem.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: John R on July 05, 2016, 19:43:22
The Queen Anne Gate on platform 4 would be my favoured option.

Hopefully they can encourage the current ticket barrier to be mainly used for people coming into the station and from the ticket hall, and to direct people leaving the station to use the Queen Anne Gate on platform 4. Would certainly help passenger flows up the stairs i.e. leavers on the left and the others coming in from the right. You could then successfully remodel the space outside Temple Meads to an extent i.e. new bus stops, drop offs, taxis etc

I've often wondered that and then thought "no, it's so blindingly obvious that I must be missing a very good reason why it wouldn't work".  I can't see Bonaparte's gate working half so well as it doesn't provide the segregation of flows that you describe so well.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on July 05, 2016, 19:56:09
The opening of the Queen Anne gate for 'exiteers' whilst leaving the existing barriers for those entering the platforms, along with moving the buses and taxis to the underused road on the other side of the Brunel engine shed platforms seems like a win-win to me. Just as long as the side entrance can still be used by pedestrians from the Knights Templar.....One wonders how this stop gap solution fits with the overall grand plan for Temple Meads which seems to be all talk and no action.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on July 05, 2016, 22:53:16
I'm afraid "Queen Anne Gate" is too grand for me.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on July 05, 2016, 23:47:15
Brunel Gate for me.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Spaceship on July 06, 2016, 08:35:02
Something that always seems to create a bottleneck is the entrance/ exit into the old passenger shed if they got rid of the sliding doors the old entrance would width would be fine


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: initiation on July 08, 2016, 00:01:14
Something that always seems to create a bottleneck is the entrance/ exit into the old passenger shed if they got rid of the sliding doors the old entrance would width would be fine

Absolutely! Pass through this every morning. Especially bad when passing through with a bike or large luggage as this all but stops other traffic.

The area outside temple meads is chaos at the moment due to the building works going on, all foot and cycle traffic directed down a relatively narrow path directly outside loads of shops then either over a bridge one at a time or a bridge with a blind entrance.  Fantastic....


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on July 08, 2016, 07:44:07
Welcome to the Coffee Shop initiation


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on July 08, 2016, 08:03:35
The area outside temple meads is chaos at the moment due to the building works going on, all foot and cycle traffic directed down a relatively narrow path directly outside loads of shops then either over a bridge one at a time or a bridge with a blind entrance.  Fantastic....

Welcome indeed, initiation!

Many of the non-Bristol members who visit Temple Meads infrequently may be puzzled by the reference to shops. Tell them that it is on the well-worn route to the Knights Templar, however, and known exactly where you mean! The chaos is down to the enabling works for the plots of land intended for the next stages of the Enterprise Zone, and I assume involves the installation of the usual civils. I was sad to see the loss of the "Yurt Lush" eatery before I had gotten around to sampling it.

Perhaps you could keep us posted about future changes around the area?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: initiation on July 08, 2016, 09:12:52
I was sad to see the loss of the "Yurt Lush" eatery before I had gotten around to sampling it.

It is still there just in a different location. Turn left on exiting and head down towards the front of the old engine shed, it's taken over a portion of the car park.






Edit note: Quote marks fixed, for clarity. And welcome to the Coffee Shop forum, initiation.  ;)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on July 08, 2016, 10:34:55
I was sad to see the loss of the "Yurt Lush" eatery before I had gotten around to sampling it.

It is still there just in a different location. Turn left on exiting and head down towards the front of the old engine shed, it's taken over a portion of the car park.

Thanks!  ;D





Edit note: Quote marks fixed, for clarity. CfN.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Spaceship on July 08, 2016, 13:04:21
Since this was posted on the board I have taken a look at temple meads station when tramping back and forth through there daily The design of the station looks like it can handle many more people than it appears. Those two gates left and right of the main central one aren't used and are gated? It seems obvious to open them up as thats what they are designed for? The left one is really wide and would be great as it bypasses the ticket hall. Great if you have tickets already. Be interested on Monday to see if this temporary entrance thing is done or not?

Also I think they need to alter the up and down on all of the platforms as it can be a bit crowded trying to get down some of the stairs using the correct side. Some people don't bother all the time when it is busy at peak hours and you can get to all the platforms anyway. Maybe make the south side stairs the up and the north side stairs the down, that way the south side are good if you are hurrying down to a platform such as number 8. The stairs are located nearer the odd numbers anyway.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on July 08, 2016, 22:30:20
Sadly the Yurt's new location is not a patch on the old patch (pun alert).


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on July 09, 2016, 10:11:30
It is still there just in a different location. Turn left on exiting and head down towards the front of the old engine shed, it's taken over a portion of the car park.

Thanks initiation, I saw it! I must now return with cash and an appetite / thirst.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on September 03, 2016, 19:14:53
Since this was posted on the board I have taken a look at temple meads station when tramping back and forth through there daily The design of the station looks like it can handle many more people than it appears. Those two gates left and right of the main central one aren't used and are gated? It seems obvious to open them up as thats what they are designed for? The left one is really wide and would be great as it bypasses the ticket hall. Great if you have tickets already. Be interested on Monday to see if this temporary entrance thing is done or not?

Also I think they need to alter the up and down on all of the platforms as it can be a bit crowded trying to get down some of the stairs using the correct side. Some people don't bother all the time when it is busy at peak hours and you can get to all the platforms anyway. Maybe make the south side stairs the up and the north side stairs the down, that way the south side are good if you are hurrying down to a platform such as number 8. The stairs are located nearer the odd numbers anyway.

I asked some questions about the gate trial this week and was told that the wide gate by Bonapartes was a definite success while the narrower one by the Airport Flyer bus stop was less successsful because people are just not used to turning left out the subway unless they have a bike to find !


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on September 03, 2016, 20:14:20
Surely that could be a point in its favour – utilising the whole stairs rather than half.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: John R on September 03, 2016, 21:40:50
I'd agree.  Anything that splits the traffic on the stairs has to be encouraged.  It won't take long for passengers to get used to the new arrangement, whichever way it is.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: simonw on September 03, 2016, 22:12:36
Anything to add another 4+ gates to allow people to flow in|out and reduce blockages at the current set of gates


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: initiation on October 10, 2016, 22:27:20
Anything to add another 4+ gates to allow people to flow in|out and reduce blockages at the current set of gates

Yes there are a number of pinch points

1. Stairs down from platform particularly if a High Speed Train (HST) calls at platform 8/10 (or even with just a 3-4 car 150/158) which puts the majority of traffic through one staircase.
2. Not enough gates
3. The 'wide' ticket barrier for bikes/luggage is the first on you reach, fine in light traffic but with loads of people they all stop at the first barrier blocking it up for bikes/luggage while the other ones only yards away are fairly free flowing! Regularly see queus of bikes waiting to get out.
4. You're finally through the barriers only to hit a wall of tourists with luggage staring at the departure screens (particularly at weekends).
5. Exiting into the old engine shed, the sliding door blocks half the exit so only 2 people side by side or one bike can fit  through at a time.

Hopefully the trial run will be taken up, either option seemed to take off some traffic and that can only be a good thing.

Hopefully the ongoing 'enabling' works on the quayside will soon be over. The path has been getting progressively narrower and narrower leading to pedestrian & cycle chaos.

Edit: VickiS - Clarifying Acronym


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on December 01, 2016, 18:37:08
So, the Bristol Evening Post, (which as we all know is printed in Didcot) has led us all up the garden path again, today, by promising all the news on exactly what would be happening in the Temple Quarter redevelopment. Then about 2pm it disappeared from the website !


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 01, 2016, 23:27:40
Hmm.  ::)

The Bristol Post, as it's now called, is still published in Temple Way, Bristol - according to their website: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/contact.html  ???



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on December 01, 2016, 23:49:27
Chris it is published in Bristol but it is Printed in Oxfordshire and then put in lorrys and driven to Bristol  ::)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on December 01, 2016, 23:57:14
I know ;)  - but their website suggests otherwise.  Postcode BS2 0BY is no longer the Bristol Post.  ;)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on December 08, 2016, 01:05:31
It wouldn't be the first incorrect information to appear in the Post.  ;D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: initiation on April 06, 2017, 09:42:10
Anyone know what is going on with the ticket barriers at BTM? They have all been removed and manual checks are being done at the moment.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: plymothian on April 06, 2017, 11:29:50
Anyone know what is going on with the ticket barriers at BTM? They have all been removed and manual checks are being done at the moment.

Upgrading work.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: simonw on April 06, 2017, 11:33:43
Are they adding more gates and possibly a permanent another entrance and exit?

A few more ticket machines wouldn't go a miss!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Tim on April 06, 2017, 14:26:08
Are they adding more gates and possibly a permanent another entrance and exit?


That is my understanding although I am not sure about the timing


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on April 06, 2017, 20:22:49
Are they adding more gates and possibly a permanent another entrance and exit?


That is my understanding although I am not sure about the timing

It's all going to have to be rebuilt in the near future.

The Council and the University want a southern entrance for their new development on the Royal Mail site and the arena, plus a public walkway under the station. The council's masterplan has the current approach being closed to vehicles, with a drop-off and taxi rank on the north side of the station, presumably with a new station building. Don't forget too that when the signalbox is decommissioned, if they want to re-instate the platforms in the old passenger shed, they'll have to provide some kind of underpass. 

I believe that it will fall under the remit of the new WoE Metro Mayor, who is initially going to be based in the Engine Shed, so hopefully there is a plan prepared and waiting for the new Mayor to sign off on. 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on April 06, 2017, 20:45:36
Is it WOE, Metro mayor or Whoah Metro, Mayor ? Given the track record in Bristol I think both are equally valid !


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: initiation on April 06, 2017, 20:46:39
Network Rail have now put up a sign by the barrier location saying they are upgrading the barriers and 'these upgraded ticket barriers will have smartcard and barcode readers to support our touch smartcard pilot scheme commencing this summer'.

Hoping for some more entrances, ticket machines and barriers anyway!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on April 06, 2017, 22:54:28
Is it WOE, Metro mayor or Whoah Metro, Mayor ? Given the track record in Bristol I think both are equally valid !
And we already have the University of Woe!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on April 08, 2017, 22:01:17
I must have a word with one of our Mayors.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 08, 2017, 22:24:05
But not in North Somerset: we're apparently DOO* here.  ::)





* Dibley Opted Out.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on April 09, 2017, 07:45:39
That must be 'Trigger' Ashton and no, no, no,no. no Elfan then. Perhaps we could send them a box of Mrs Letitia Cropley's cakes in gratitude for all that they don't do in North Somerset.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on April 09, 2017, 21:18:16
Someone had to mention the Elfan in the room! If Britain awaits bad news following Brexit, goodness only knows what sort of poo-storm is coming to north somerset parish council (from now on spelled in lower case) for having decided to opt out and hope that the big boys will still connect with them.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: initiation on April 25, 2017, 21:03:31
New barriers are slowly going back in at BTM. Manual checks still going on. Based off the fact that the ones back in so far are in exactly the same location as before it seems unlikely we are having a significant increase in barrier numbers. Still holding out for a second bike/luggage barrier.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: rower40 on April 25, 2017, 21:38:53
I must have a word with one of our Mayors.
Is the one in charge the Western Super Mayor?
(Shamelessly stolen from another forum...)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on April 26, 2017, 13:44:01
Don't know if it's connected, but all five of the TVMs in the car park were hors de combat when I called in this morning to pick up tickets for tomorrow.

Incidentally, why barcode readers as well as smart card readers? I have just book tickets for Mrs FT, N!! and myself from Lisbon to Porto in June, and was able to print out my tickets at home, along with barcode. Surely we're not going to try something that sensible here?

(315 Km, about a 3-hour journey, €9.50 each, btw.)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on April 26, 2017, 16:59:43
Bar code readers for, er, rail tickets with bar codes or QR codes.

For print at home rail tickets (yes, there is such a thing) and for the tickets issued from the new hand held devices used on board trains. These replacements for Avantix, which issue tickets printed on
a paper roll rather than the traditional card stock, are slowly being introduced across the network.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on April 26, 2017, 19:44:07
Bar code readers for, er, rail tickets with bar codes or QR codes.

For print at home rail tickets (yes, there is such a thing) and for the tickets issued from the new hand held devices used on board trains. These replacements for Avantix, which issue tickets printed on
a paper roll rather than the traditional card stock, are slowly being introduced across the network.

Into the 1990s we go at last!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 27, 2017, 00:38:28
Don't know if it's connected, but all five of the TVMs in the car park were hors de combat when I called in this morning ...

They were still so at 23:30 last night, when I walked past them on my way into the station.  ::)

However, there were three orange-clad people in the fenced-off ticket barrier area - one of them actually working on the internals of a machine, and the other two chatting to each other.  :-X



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on April 27, 2017, 00:47:32
hors de combat

???

This?

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/w_03_zpsjcusb8sm.jpg)

 ;D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 27, 2017, 00:51:44
Those new Great Western Railway staff uniforms do look very smart, don't they?  :P



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 27, 2017, 08:59:57
hors de combat

???

This?

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/w_03_zpsjcusb8sm.jpg)

 ;D

Later in the war they developed a mechanism that flapped the horse's ears out of the way in time with the bullets...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: stuving on April 27, 2017, 10:05:26

Funny - I thought he meant those very friendly jeunes filles at Madame Yvette's ...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on April 27, 2017, 10:39:20
Do you suppose they travelled from Cannon Street to Horsted Keynes ?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on April 27, 2017, 17:01:27
Perhaps they did however they may have used The Small Hearse with The Small Horse !..


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on May 05, 2017, 16:25:33
hors de combat

???

This?

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/w_03_zpsjcusb8sm.jpg)

 ;D

Joey!!!

On a more joey front, I made my by now at least monthly pilgrimage to BPN last Thursday. I stopped at CNM for a coffee (and a sizeable saving on my fare) and noticed that all the TVMs there were kaput*. Arriving at BPN, I found that spanking new hi-tech state-of -the-art ticket barriers had been installed, leading to long queues as passengers and staff tried to make them work. At BHM on the return, the whole idea of gateline barriers had been forgotten.


(* Following BNM's droll riposte, I hope to go through as many European euphemisms for "knackered" as I can)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: John R on May 05, 2017, 18:29:37
A request and a query FT-N.

First the request, although we tend to abbreviate commonly used "in area" station codes, could those out of area be spelt out in full, at least the first time they are used.

Now the query, I'm puzzled as to why you need to alight at CNM to take advantage of a split. You can buy both tickets either at the outset or on the train at the same time if so permitted to do (i.e. if you aren't breaching any penalty fare rules). 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: initiation on May 06, 2017, 23:08:34
The new gateline at Temple Meads is now operational. They are able to read barcodes, smart cards and paper tickets.

In terms of number of barriers, the only change is that the wide gate directly facing the stairs (the one that was previously manually opened by staff during peak rushes) has been replaced by a standard 'wide' cycle/luggage/disabled access width ticket barrier. Because it was the closest to the stairs, a queue built up of those on autopilot while the remaining barriers were free flowing. Frustrating if you have a bike or luggage and only have a choice of 2 barriers to get through. On my return through the extra was out of action and coned off.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on May 06, 2017, 23:16:03
The new gateline at Temple Meads is now operational. They are able to read barcodes, smart cards and paper tickets.

However, when I walked through those ticket barriers at Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) at ten to six this evening, all of them were locked in the open position, with not one member of gateline staff in sight.  ::)



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on May 06, 2017, 23:19:26
Same at Swindon this evening at 2100hrs and at B Parkway this evening at 2205hrs both stations were busy plenty of passenger movement both arriving and departing .


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on May 06, 2017, 23:21:33
John R, I accede! I shall henceforth use the Civil Service standard approach to abbrevs.

I shall also explain my travel strategy. My train out is any BRI (Temple Meads) - CNM (Cheltenham) from 0830 onwards. My train from CNM - BHM (Birmingham New Street) is from Cardiff via Gloucester, hence the need to change. I could start with the 0900, but choose the 0830, giving me a margin for error and time for breakfast at the coffee shop next to Tesco Metro opposite the station in 'Nam. The fare from Brum to BPN (Blackpool North)  is usually cheapest on the 1115, getting me to my mum's, a 25 minute tram ride from North Pier around 1400. Doing it this way, and playing my Senior Git Card, brings me in at a price of around twenty to twenty five quid each way, as opposed to £177.00 for the "rock up and go" fare. I learned all this through the GWR Coffee Shop. Special mention goes to bignosemac, one of the masters of split ticketing.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: simonw on May 20, 2017, 13:42:50
Since the minor refit of gates from the public are of Temple Meads to Platform 3, I have noticed that the  gates are frequently open (0700-0730 and 1600:1630) when I use the station, and frequently not manned.

Are they working? and is revenue protection not important at these times.

Also, the orientation of the standard gates with the large gate is odd. The vast majority of traffic is to-from the stairs to the underpass. The gates appear to focus on traffic for platforms 1/3 only.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 26, 2017, 16:28:09
Just spotted this:

Quote
Getting Bristol Temple Meads ready for new Intercity Express trains

In autumn 2017 new Intercity Express trains will start being cascaded into use, and Network Rail is now working to ensure that the new trains can access station platforms.

At Bristol Temple Meads this summer, Platforms 13 and 15 will be extended in preparation for the new class 800 Hitachi trains. These trains are longer than the existing High Speed trains and – at up to 260m in length – will require additional platform length to allow all passengers to disembark.

Network Rail are currently working on access arrangements, as well as ensuring this project fits alongside other work taking place at Temple Meads, such as signalling renewals and the installation of new lighting.

Listed building consent has been granted by Historic England.

To extend the platforms, the existing ramp must first be demolished. This demolition will be carried out overnight, between 11.00pm and 5.00am, to minimise disruption to passengers:

Monday 26 June to Friday 30 June
Monday 3 July to Friday 7 July
Platform extension works will also take place overnight, over a three week period. These will be between the hours of 10.00pm and 5.00am on weekends and 11.00pm and 5.00am on week day nights:

Sat 29 July to Mon 31 July
Mon 31 July to Fri 4 August
Sat 5 August to Mon 7 August
Mon 7 August to Fri 11 August
Sat 12 August to Mon 14 August
Mon 14 August to Fri 18 August
Sat 19 August to Mon 21 August
Network Rail is writing to local neighbours and businesses to let them know about these works and is also working closely with GWR to ensure there is minimal disruption to passengers.

While trains won’t be running from platforms 13 and 15 on the four Sundays between 30 July and 20 August, Network Rail is working with GWR to understand how trains can be re-platformed. Passengers are advised to check the departures boards at the station for updated platform information on arrival at Bristol Temple Meads.

For more information, or to discuss any concerns during these works, please contact the 24 hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Source: Bristol Temple Quarter website (http://www.bristoltemplequarter.com/getting-bristol-temple-meads-ready-for-new-intercity-express-trains/)


Plansa are available on the Bristol City Council planning portal (http://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=simple); search for ref: 16/06244/LA


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on June 26, 2017, 18:16:37
Yet no mention of any work to start on the old station reinstatement (from platform 1). Do I take it that this is postponed until/if electrification reaches Temple Meads?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on June 26, 2017, 19:38:01
Bristol panel box is still in the way any no plans AIUI to recontrol the bit south of Bristol to allow it to close.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: SandTEngineer on June 26, 2017, 20:35:04
Bristol panel box is still in the way any no plans AIUI to recontrol the bit south of Bristol to allow it to close.
There are some rumours circulating that control of the remaining parts of Bristol Panel will be transferred to Exeter Panel.  Watch this space (but don't hold your breath in the process ;) ).


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on June 26, 2017, 21:20:19
Thanks for those replies. I suppose I should not be surprised that the headline grabbing PR about reinstating the Digby Wyatt shed appears to be fast receding to the horizon but it is still quite disappointing as it seemed a good idea and real enhancement to Temple Meads.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on June 26, 2017, 22:49:32
There is no reason why it shouldn't happen, even without the wires in place. The trains will still be going to Paddington via Parkway. Departure from that side of the station seems sensible.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 27, 2017, 10:03:44
The island containing Platform 13/15 is short compared with the others at Temple Meads; extending it looks like a good way to improve flexibility. But it's a long walk to the London trains from main entrance, so here's hoping that the plans to reopen the Midland Shed do eventually come about.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on June 27, 2017, 22:19:34
Extending existing platforms suggests two issues to me. Firstly, it comes at a cost. Secondly, if it is a stop gap plan to accommodate the new longer trains, is it not added expense to getting it right first time by sorting out the Digby Wyatt shed for the new stock a tad earlier?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: John R on June 27, 2017, 22:22:06
Not really.  There will be four trains to/from London in future. Two via Bath which will continue to use 13/15 as per today, and two via Parkway, for which it was intended to use the re-opened Digby Wyatt shed.  So the work on 13/15 would be needed come what may. 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on June 27, 2017, 22:46:24
Yes, good reasoning JohnR. I just am disappointed about the continued procrastination about getting Temple Meads up to the standards of other important UK cities.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on June 28, 2017, 08:59:26
Extending existing platforms suggests two issues to me. Firstly, it comes at a cost. Secondly, if it is a stop gap plan to accommodate the new longer trains, is it not added expense to getting it right first time by sorting out the Digby Wyatt shed for the new stock a tad earlier?

Still can't get in to the Digby Wyatt shed until they shift the signal box out of the way!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: martyjon on June 28, 2017, 10:06:10
I am surprised that this project does not include the removal of the stop block on platform 13 as it is only a few metres short of the running line from platform 15. This would provide another through line and possibly 2 more platforms (14 and 16) following the rest of TM's through platform numbering scheme.

I have been on an inbound service continuing to Taunton which has had to be held at Kingsland Road 'waiting for platform' when 13 was empty. Mind you there was some service disruption but when we eventually got into TM I noted Pl 3 - Cross Country terminator, Pl 5 - late running Cross Country SW to Glasgow, Pl 7 - Cardiff to Portsmouth Harbour (or vice versa), Pl 10 - SWT 159 awaiting departure to Waterloo, Pl 13 - empty (dead end platform), Pl 15 - FGW awaiting next London service. The service I was on went into Pl (11) / 12 after which it had been vacated by an on time Weymouth to Worcester service.

Removal of the Pl 13 stop block and the laying of a turnout connecting the line from Pl 13 to that from Pl 15 coupled with the planned extensions to Pl 13 and 15 would allow these two platforms to become 13/14 and 15/16 and thus looking to the future WHEN (if ever) the Portishead line is re-opened you could have cross/same platform interchange with services from/to that location with London services as the majority of London - Bristol services will be 5 car 80X units anyway although the planning documents do state the extensions are necessary for the new IEP 9/10 car trains. 



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: John R on June 28, 2017, 11:01:57
Bear in mind that much of the day 13 and 15 are fully utilised with London terminators. The advantage you are suggesting would be gained would only be useable for around 20 mins in any hour when 15 is occupied and 13 is free.

In respect of roueting Portishead workings into those platforms this would involve many more conflicting movements and reduce capacity, particularly if the services are linked with the Avonmouth line which would then involve crossing all lines through Bristol East Jn to get back into the right side for the branch. At a busy station like Temple Meads it's impossible to provide convenient cross platform opportunities for all passenger flows, and whose to say that Portishead to Bath and beyond will be a more significant flow than say to Filton Abbey Wood. (London and Reading passengers are just as likely to use the new fast services via Parkway anyway.)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on June 28, 2017, 16:57:40
In respect of roueting Portishead workings into those platforms this would involve many more conflicting movements and reduce capacity, particularly if the services are linked with the Avonmouth line which would then involve crossing all lines through Bristol East Jn to get back into the right side for the branch. At a busy station like Temple Meads it's impossible to provide convenient cross platform opportunities for all passenger flows, and whose to say that Portishead to Bath and beyond will be a more significant flow than say to Filton Abbey Wood. (London and Reading passengers are just as likely to use the new fast services via Parkway anyway.)

The favourite plan is to have trains from Portishead to Severn Beach and Portishead to Bath or possibly Westbury. P3 would be favourite for the first, maybe P4 for the return trip, maybe P9 for the Bath service.

I think the idea of reconnecting the down side of P13 is sensible. Even if it isn't used a great deal, it still gives an option if the need arises.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 06, 2017, 14:56:00
Happened upon these computer visualisations (http://www.ahr-global.com/Temple-Meads-Regeneration) which show how the Old Station might look in some imagined future where the whole project doesn't get canned and Temple Meads isn't allowed to gently settle into the swamp on which it stands... we can dream!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Rhydgaled on October 07, 2017, 22:18:10
Happened upon these computer visualisations (http://www.ahr-global.com/Temple-Meads-Regeneration) which show how the Old Station might look in some imagined future where the whole project doesn't get canned and Temple Meads isn't allowed to gently settle into the swamp on which it stands... we can dream!
My first impression: YUCK. Save our money for keeping the place from sinking (if indeed it's at risk of that) and putting in the extra platforms (in the old train shed) rather than spending on modern architecture for a station that looks very nice as it is thank you.

On closer inspection, the old train shed roof remains but is that in full or only in part? Is the modern roof section (in the foreground of the first pic) replacing anything or is there nothing there right now? If there's no demolition involved for that new roof, it isn't too bad I suppose but that weird blunt-triangular-prisim structure inside the old train shed looks very out of place.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on October 07, 2017, 22:35:52
On closer inspection, the old train shed roof remains but is that in full or only in part? Is the modern roof section (in the foreground of the first pic) replacing anything or is there nothing there right now? If there's no demolition involved for that new roof, it isn't too bad I suppose but that weird blunt-triangular-prisim structure inside the old train shed looks very out of place.

The new bit is to cover the bit where there is nothing now. 

Quote
"That weird blunt-triangular-prisim structure inside the old train shed"
I think it is supposed to be clear that it is not old and not to touch the listed historic structure.  Probably insisted on by Historic England. 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 08, 2017, 00:24:46

The new bit is to cover the bit where there is nothing now. 
 

To expand on this, eight bays (if I've counted correctly) of the roof of the Digby-Wyatt extension to Brunel's train shed were demolished in the 1970's to accommodate the current signal box. Personally I think it would be appropriate to restore these bays as they were, because the original roof complemented the main 'express curve' train shed; this image (http://bristol-rail.co.uk/w/images/thumb/c/cd/D7010-1.jpg/800px-D7010-1.jpg) shows how it was.


gently settle into the swamp on which it stands...


I don't think there is any particular problem with subsidence; I was alluding to the fact that Temple Meads is in a pretty shocking state at the moment and that if current levels of investment continue then it will eventually fall down.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on October 08, 2017, 08:36:28
At a guess those visualisations were done early on in the electrification project when it was planned that London trains would go into the old station (avoiding electrification of the curvy bit). Of course that required that resignalling would be complete so that the signal box could be removed and, ahem.

NR *are* currently doing quite a lot of work behind the scenes on the station, but you are right that there's certainly no sign of the comprehensive overhaul it requires if it's going to be fit for purpose for the next 100 years. A charitable explanation would be that NR are working on a plan behind the scenes with the University (who are redeveloping the old Royal Mail building) and Bristol City Council. I wouldn't hold my breath though. 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on October 08, 2017, 09:02:29
At a guess those visualisations were done early on in the electrification project when it was planned that London trains would go into the old station (avoiding electrification of the curvy bit). Of course that required that resignalling would be complete so that the signal box could be removed and, ahem.

Platforms at Bristol always seem a bit mysterious to me ... at times it feels there's plenty of capacity with "next train"s being hours away, the all of a sudden you get two at the same time:

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/p12bri.jpg)

What are the platform allocation plans for the future?  Will the station cope with four tracks worth of services flooding in from the north? Where will the London trains coming down Filton Bank terminate with a signal box in the way?  Brief call at Temple Meads followed by a reversal at the extra platform at Bedminster?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Adelante_CCT on October 08, 2017, 09:08:20
Quote
Brief call at Temple Meads followed by a reversal at the extra platform at Bedminster?

That's a practice that will occur when the class 800s start
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P05043/2017/11/13/advanced


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on October 08, 2017, 09:46:47
Quote
Brief call at Temple Meads followed by a reversal at the extra platform at Bedminster?

That's a practice that will occur when the class 800s start
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/P05043/2017/11/13/advanced

Good grief ... many a true word spoken in jest!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 08, 2017, 09:51:51

A charitable explanation would be that NR are working on a plan behind the scenes with the University (who are redeveloping the old Royal Mail building) and Bristol City Council...


University of Bristol are being either vague or tight-lipped about access from their new campus into Temple Meads via the underpass. The initial round of consultation for the Cattle Market site suggested that such access was possible, but showed the buildings orientated in a way that pretty much ignored it...



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on October 08, 2017, 17:08:27
I don't like the "prism with rounded corners" much either. The roof's alright but I wonder about ventilation, especially now we're going to have diesel trains until the end of time, as it looks rather lower than the old roof.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 08, 2017, 22:49:14
A charitable explanation would be that NR are working on a plan behind the scenes with the University (who are redeveloping the old Royal Mail building) and Bristol City Council. I wouldn't hold my breath though. 

No.  Neither will I.   :-X



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on November 23, 2017, 20:20:23
The uni have released what they want to replace the old sorting office with.

https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/first-glimpse-bristol-universitys-new-300m-campus/

Admittedly this isn't strictly the redevelopment of Temple Meads Station itself but this old eyesore is so associated with Temple Meads that I thought to include it here.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on November 23, 2017, 21:18:58
What are the platform allocation plans for the future?  Will the station cope with four tracks worth of services flooding in from the north? Where will the London trains coming down Filton Bank terminate with a signal box in the way? 

The plan is, although it has gone a bit quiet of late, to remove said signal box as soon as all of its functions have been transferred elsewhere, then extend the line from Platform 1 into the 1870 Digby Wyatt shed. This will obviously be done as part of the wider improvements as an underpass from the Friary entrance will be required. A new line into a further Platform 0 may also happen, and hopefully that lovely little wooden office perched high on the wall will see a man in a top hat looking down at the scene.

Quote
Brief call at Temple Meads followed by a reversal at the extra platform at Bedminster?

I used to spend hours watching the HSTs reversing at Bedminster when I was based in an office overlooking the site. We had the Orient Express on Fridays too, to use the washer by Victoria Park.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: martyjon on November 23, 2017, 21:28:55
Well I suppose if the UOB development goes ahead Marvin can be handed a hammer, a nail and he can drive the nail into the coffin of the arenal, something he has wanted to do since the day he was elected.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: SandTEngineer on November 23, 2017, 22:15:28
The uni have released what they want to replace the old sorting office with.

https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/first-glimpse-bristol-universitys-new-300m-campus/

Admittedly this isn't strictly the redevelopment of Temple Meads Station itself but this old eyesore is so associated with Temple Meads that I thought to include it here.
Crikey, that looks like replacing a disgusting eyesore with another equivalent one..... :P


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on November 23, 2017, 22:31:55
Well I suppose if the UOB development goes ahead Marvin can be handed a hammer, a nail and he can drive the nail into the coffin of the arenal, something he has wanted to do since the day he was elected.

Only since then?  ;D

Crikey, that looks like replacing a disgusting eyesore with another equivalent one..... :P

Slightly unfair - at least it hasn't been derelict for north of a decade. Not yet, anyway. It will probably actually get built, given that firstly the council aren't involved beyond planning permission, secondly it is definitely needed if the University is going to attract those valuable oversea fees as it trains a new generation of foreign computer hackers, and lastly because it won't cost more than a few years' Vice Chancellor average salary.

[/cynic]


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on November 23, 2017, 22:45:22
The uni have released what they want to replace the old sorting office with.

https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/first-glimpse-bristol-universitys-new-300m-campus/

Admittedly this isn't strictly the redevelopment of Temple Meads Station itself but this old eyesore is so associated with Temple Meads that I thought to include it here.
Crikey, that looks like replacing a disgusting eyesore with another equivalent one..... :P

The jury is out with me but I do have a small initial feeling of disappointment with what seems a fairly unadventurous edifice that may end up looking like many others.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 24, 2017, 08:54:26
Well I suppose if the UOB development goes ahead Marvin can be handed a hammer, a nail and he can drive the nail into the coffin of the arenal, something he has wanted to do since the day he was elected.

It's a different part of the site. It has no bearing on Marvin's evil plans.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on November 24, 2017, 09:38:40
It's a nothing special of a building. But look at Senate House, the library buildings next to it and some of the halls of residence up in Stoke Bishop; I don't know if the university has an architecture department, but if they do, it's not a good sign!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 24, 2017, 12:37:15
I think we should avoid reading too much into the artist's impressions - I doubt the final scheme will look much like them; they're just there to give an idea of scale for outline planning purposes.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on November 24, 2017, 20:11:30
Well I suppose if the UOB development goes ahead Marvin can be handed a hammer, a nail and he can drive the nail into the coffin of the arenal, something he has wanted to do since the day he was elected.

It's a different part of the site. It has no bearing on Marvin's evil plans.

One could be forgiven for thinking the Arenal site would make a good car park. How else will students and dons be able to travel between there and Clifton?

I think we should avoid reading too much into the artist's impressions - I doubt the final scheme will look much like them; they're just there to give an idea of scale for outline planning purposes.

Good point. After all, MetroBust looks nothing like the pictures in the initial "consultation" documents.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on November 24, 2017, 21:02:51
One could be forgiven for thinking the Arenal site would make a good car park. How else will students and dons be able to travel between there and Clifton?

Umm the article specifically says there will be a shuttle bus service from the new Campus to Clifton


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 24, 2017, 23:30:12
...there will be a shuttle bus service from the new Campus to Clifton

If only you could get to Clifton by train from Temple Meads!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on November 24, 2017, 23:34:38
If only you could get to Clifton by train from Temple Meads!

Some of them will work it out before graduation.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on November 25, 2017, 00:32:23
If only you could get to Clifton by train from Temple Meads!

Some of them will work it out before graduation.

Incurable optimist!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on November 25, 2017, 08:29:25
...there will be a shuttle bus service from the new Campus to Clifton

If only you could get to Clifton by train from Temple Meads!

But that would mean building a branch line from Clifton Down over 1/2 mile long.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 25, 2017, 11:17:03
...there will be a shuttle bus service from the new Campus to Clifton

If only you could get to Clifton by train from Temple Meads!

But that would mean building a branch line from Clifton Down over 1/2 mile long.

Rather less than that distance from CFN to the Library on Tyndalls Park Road, which is generally considered the 'centre' of the UoB (maybe you were thinking of the Wills Memorial?). That quibble aside, I expect it'll also run a little more frequently than the Severn Riviera Express, though given 20 years for the GRIP process - and half a billion quid - it may be possible to redouble the branch up to Clifton Down and get a 15-minute service.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on November 25, 2017, 12:10:34
A more frequent running on the whole of the route might be achieved by only redoubling 1 or 2 of the stations, Sea Mills for example. This would give more passing loops. Problem is that this would need more rolling stock and points/signalling costs too.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: martyjon on November 25, 2017, 12:18:45
Redouble the whole route from Narroways Junction to Holesmouth Junction and bring the Henbury Loop back into passenger use without further delays. Some hope.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: froome on November 25, 2017, 13:18:32
Redouble the whole route from Narroways Junction to Holesmouth Junction and bring the Henbury Loop back into passenger use without further delays. Some hope.

(genuine question): If the Henbury loop was opened, would redoubling of the track on the Severn Beach line actually be needed? (obviously it might be desirable). Presumably a circular service could have enough passing places to run fairly frequently in both directions.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on November 25, 2017, 18:11:33
...there will be a shuttle bus service from the new Campus to Clifton

If only you could get to Clifton by train from Temple Meads!

But that would mean building a branch line from Clifton Down over 1/2 mile long.

Rather less than that distance from CFN to the Library on Tyndalls Park Road, which is generally considered the 'centre' of the UoB (maybe you were thinking of the Wills Memorial?). That quibble aside, I expect it'll also run a little more frequently than the Severn Riviera Express, though given 20 years for the GRIP process - and half a billion quid - it may be possible to redouble the branch up to Clifton Down and get a 15-minute service.

No 0.6 miles to the Library and 0.7 miles to the Wills Memorial.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on November 25, 2017, 18:50:22
A more frequent running on the whole of the route might be achieved by only redoubling 1 or 2 of the stations, Sea Mills for example. This would give more passing loops. Problem is that this would need more rolling stock and points/signalling costs too.

Bringing the junction between Redland and Clifton Down back to Montpelier by double tracking that section, and doing similar work to achieve double tracking from just past the bridge over the Trym to Avonmouth would double capacity without needing extra signalling.

(genuine question): If the Henbury loop was opened, would redoubling of the track on the Severn Beach line actually be needed? (obviously it might be desirable). Presumably a circular service could have enough passing places to run fairly frequently in both directions.

Hm, good question. The answer would depend on what level of service you wanted to achieve. Assume for a moment that MetroRail West manages to achieve half-hourly services from Severn Beach. From Avonmouth to Severn Beach takes 11 minutes, so that is achievable - just. The next train would need to arrive at Avonmouth just as the train from Severn Beach arrived. It takes 12 minutes for the Bristol-bound train to clear the single line section between there and Clifton Down, where it would need to pass the next outbound train. So as things stand, there would not be room enough for another train from Henbury fitting in with the 30-minute frequency. Nor do I think it would fit in with hourly from Severn Beach and half-hourly from Avonmouth as things stand. Passing places are fine, but leave little room for manoeuvre. I think the only way to make services resilient at anything more than the current frequency on the SVB line is to make those passing loops very long - Avonmouth to Sea Mills and Clifton Down to Montpelier - as I described above. That isn't far short of redoubling the line completely, but does avoid replacing the bridge at Sea Mills and doing work on Montpelier tunnel.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: martyjon on November 26, 2017, 17:57:31
Was there a problem at Temple Meads this morning. A mate of mine texted me that he had to drive to Gloucester this morning as his train was about an hour late and that he, his wife, daughter and daughters boyfriend had arrived at station well in time to catch the first service to Gloucester to attend the christening of their first grandchild.

On arrival at station the CIS wasn't working so he sought help from the help point and was told there was a delay on the service and it hadn't left Bristol yet.

Looking at RTT it would appear that services north were initially working TM to North Somerset Junction then reversing round the rhubarb curve to Dr. Days junction.

In fact I did notice that one Cross Country service was cancelled between TM and New Street having to leave Barton Hill depot by the east, work to Lawrence Hill, reverse to North Somerset Junction then again reverse to Temple Meads. Presumably after loading the catering trolley and on board staff it then left TM via the reverse of the inbound movement to TM and ran ECS to New Street.

My mates reaction, he'll never plan to attend an important family function by rail again.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on November 26, 2017, 20:06:27
My mates reaction, he'll never plan to attend an important family function by rail again.

Sad.  We had problems today too ... "we decided to hop in a taxi" says a message from someone we had hoped was making her first of many journeys.   How will the railways cope with all these extra passengers encouraged to travel on their 26 - 30 railcards?
 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 26, 2017, 20:33:05
No 0.6 miles to the Library and 0.7 miles to the Wills Memorial.

My bad - I was measuring to Tyndalls Park Road - but the Library's on Tyndall Ave, which is, as you say, rather further.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on January 25, 2018, 17:44:14
Passenger capacity improvements from Dec 17 Network rail newsletter

Following the trials in July 2016, we have been working up the detail on the additional ticket barriers that will be introduced at Bristol Temple Meads in Autumn 2018.
In the spring we will start work on installing these at Queen Anne Gate (near the cycle racks) and at Bonapartes bar. The aim of the project is to ease congestion for passengers but also provides additional choices for exiting the station depending on your destination. More detail to follow in next Newsletter.

Cannot help thinking that the message 'more barriers than usual needing repair and maintenance at the same time' is already being prepared !


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on January 25, 2018, 19:23:16
Bristol City Council listed building consent application ref: 17/05690/LA - if you're interested! Approved on 21st December 2017.

Note that this application includes re-siting the bike racks from Platform 4 to a new location immediately outside the new gate - where they will, one assumes, be less secure and more exposed to wind and weather.

Edit: clarification


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on March 07, 2018, 11:26:56
Interesting to read about the new gates after the two trials which seem like an age ago now
Does anyone have any timescales for these works?

Of interest was talking at WSM station this morning, they are having gatelines (finally) put in, in October 2018
Haven't seen any plans for this - does anyone have a link to them?
(I assume they will be similar to what is at Hereford station??)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on March 07, 2018, 20:42:02
Edit Note:

Subsequent posts relating specifically to Weston super Mare Station have been split off into a separate topic.

See http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=10640.msg233004#msg233004



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on March 22, 2018, 10:42:55
BBC local radio report that Network Rail have announced a refurbishment of Temple Meads roof. Haven't seen any written details about it yet but I guess the leaky bit on Platform 5 has it's days numbered (unless it's a Grade 1 listed leak). 😀


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on March 22, 2018, 10:50:18
Points west segment during BBC Breakfast News this morning
Saying the sum of £40 million to be spent on repairs to the roof and re wiring of the station and also two new entrance and exits .


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on March 22, 2018, 12:26:13
And just how many times has this been announced, and nothing ever seems to happen?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 22, 2018, 17:19:48
So they're finally getting round to doing some long-overdue maintenance! It is shocking that it has been allowed to get into such a state.

It would be better news to hear that they have found a way to fund ongoing maintenance so that we don't find ourselves in this position again in 30 years - but that's just not the way state-owned infrastructure's done, sadly.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on May 18, 2018, 13:57:20
Evening Post has this on new entry gates for Temple Meads:

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/two-new-entrances-being-built-1575030


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on May 18, 2018, 14:13:24
The way GWR is going, we'll have hassle free entrances, with some rather less harrassed gateline staff, but no trains to catch or arrive on !


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on May 21, 2018, 10:46:17
The way GWR is going, we'll have hassle free entrances, with some rather less harrassed gateline staff, but no trains to catch or arrive on !

At Temple Meads I find it amazing how many times the gate line staff stand in the way of the barriers, just this morning there were 3 staff stood chatting blocking the exits


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on May 21, 2018, 10:59:45
Totally agree. And we poor blinkin' passengers , sorry CUSTOMERS, are made to feel like a major major' inconvenience, disturbing their cosy little chats. I cannot count the times I have been blanked by the gateline staff at Temple Meads when wishing them a good time of day or thanking them for letting me through. Is there a special grade of bloody mindedness/ charmlessness that equates with being sent to the gateline at TM ? I just wonder if they are sent to Blackpool North for training.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on June 05, 2018, 20:41:21
Totally agree. And we poor blinkin' passengers , sorry CUSTOMERS, are made to feel like a major major' inconvenience, disturbing their cosy little chats. I cannot count the times I have been blanked by the gateline staff at Temple Meads when wishing them a good time of day or thanking them for letting me through. Is there a special grade of bloody mindedness/ charmlessness that equates with being sent to the gateline at TM ? I just wonder if they are sent to Blackpool North for training.

Oi! I am here, you know!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: initiation on September 26, 2018, 19:13:25
So installation of the new gate line is going ahead up near the bike racks, with the exit direct onto the main approach.

Gates are installed and they remove the adjacent bike racks next week so I suspect it could be operational in the next few weeks.

(http://i63.tinypic.com/24ox2qf.jpg)
(http://i65.tinypic.com/ridh4w.jpg)

My only thought is that all the gates face the opposite way to the stairs, so the approach is from platform 4. Seems bizarre unless it will only be used by cyclists.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on September 26, 2018, 21:54:43
My only thought is that all the gates face the opposite way to the stairs, so the approach is from platform 4. Seems bizarre unless it will only be used by cyclists.

Done to allow some extra flat concourse area on the platform side of the gates rather than people queuing on the stairs to get out?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on September 26, 2018, 21:58:50
I concur. I suspect some pedestrian flow modelling has been done.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on September 26, 2018, 22:30:35
Yeah...I can just see BNM sashaying down the catwalk in the seasonal haute couture  of headgear., the flat cap. He might even get a flirtatious wink from one of the gateline staff


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on September 26, 2018, 22:40:31
Yeah...I can just see BNM sashaying down the catwalk in the seasonal haute couture  of headgear., the flat cap. He might even get a flirtatious wink from one of the gateline staff

Possibly a wink at Bristol. Paddington on the other hand, a roll of the eyes and a muttered curse. "Oh god*, not him again."





*Other flavours of deity are available. I'm an all inclusive pain in the ass.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: martyjon on September 27, 2018, 09:53:40
I concur. I suspect some pedestrian flow modelling has been done.

Using LEGO ?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on September 28, 2018, 22:35:11
So installation of the new gate line is going ahead up near the bike racks, with the exit direct onto the main approach.

My only thought is that all the gates face the opposite way to the stairs, so the approach is from platform 4. Seems bizarre unless it will only be used by cyclists.

Surely, a left turn out of the underpass will get one out of the station fairly quickly?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on September 28, 2018, 22:40:39
I would happily have used it last night at about 17:30 even walking around the other side as the queue for the only barriers there at present was on the right down into the subway.  I used the other stairs and went round. 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on September 28, 2018, 22:43:29
I would happily have used it last night at about 17:30 even walking around the other side as the queue for the only barriers there at present was on the right down into the subway.  I used the other stairs and went round. 

Often my strategy.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 18, 2018, 16:07:28
Some photos taken today at Temple Meads:

First, Bonaparte's Gate (adjacent to the Old Station);
Next is the new outdoor bike park. Some people may be lucky enough to get under cover of the canopy; most won't. To the left is the new Queen Anne's Gate;
Finally, a close-up of Queen Anne's Gate.

All looks ready to open!



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: CMRail on November 18, 2018, 17:54:23
Odd how they installed Orange dot matrix instead of white. They are white at Gloucesters new entrance so it must not be to so with matching?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Dispatch Box on November 20, 2018, 19:44:08
Odd how they installed Orange dot matrix instead of white. They are white at Gloucesters new entrance so it must not be to so with matching?

That new screen outside platform is really great, need to do the rest, be much better.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: CMRail on November 20, 2018, 22:05:57
Odd how they installed Orange dot matrix instead of white. They are white at Gloucesters new entrance so it must not be to so with matching?

That new screen outside platform is really great, need to do the rest, be much better.

Agreed, they look great at Stonehouse and Yate as well.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on November 21, 2018, 10:41:19
Barriers are up and ready to go on both platforms at Weston now
Was told they would be ready for the carnival on the 9th November so not sure when they will start being used


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Dispatch Box on November 21, 2018, 19:13:50
Odd how they installed Orange dot matrix instead of white. They are white at Gloucesters new entrance so it must not be to so with matching?

That new screen outside platform is really great, need to do the rest, be much better.

Agreed, they look great at Stonehouse and Yate as well.

Why have,nt they been put in at Cam & Dursley yet, Last time I looked they were just tellies in round white call points.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 14, 2018, 16:15:18
Quote
New ticket gates opening at Temple Meads

(https://i1.wp.com/www.bristoltemplequarter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Bonapartes-progress-Sept-2018.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1)

On Monday 17 December, Bristol Temple Meads will celebrate the opening of 14 new ticket gates for passengers.

More people than ever are travelling through the station each day and this number is only set to grow. The new ticket gates will add capacity, helping make it quicker and easier for passengers to get in and out of the station at peak times.

The new ticket gates are placed either side of the existing gates to the station and will be operational on weekdays from 7.00am until 10.00am and 4.00pm until 7.00pm.

Passengers will be able to enter and exit the station directly from the Friary through new ticket gates at Bonapartes Bar (shown below, right of existing exit).

There are also new, exit-only ticket gates being opened at Queen Anne Gate that will take passengers out onto Station Approach next to the British Transport Police office (shown below, to left of existing exit).

(https://i2.wp.com/www.bristoltemplequarter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/new-map-Dec-2018.png?fit=1447%2C926&ssl=1)
 
Source: Bristol Temple Quarter blog (https://www.bristoltemplequarter.com/new-ticket-gates-opening-at-temple-meads/)




Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on December 14, 2018, 16:49:10
Perhaps they are expecting a huge decamping to Wales to avoid paying the Severn Bridge tolls.......oh hang on a minute. :o


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on December 14, 2018, 18:43:16
I'm looking forward to using the new Bonaparte Gate. I'm catching the 18.12.  :D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Dispatch Box on December 14, 2018, 19:12:01
I'm looking forward to using the new Bonaparte Gate. I'm catching the 18.12.  :D

Nice Gates, Plenty of ways out now then?, I remember when the café was called the merchantman, why was the name changed.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on December 14, 2018, 19:32:08
What's happened to the side entrance to Bonapartes? Is there a fenced entrance to the door, similar to that opposite for access to the staff facilities.

If not then said door would have to be locked lest walking through Bonapartes bypasses the gateline.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on December 14, 2018, 19:43:00
I remember when the café was called the merchantman, why was the name changed.

Dunno.  And why was "The Reckless Engineer" renamed "The Sidings".   Does it relate to political correctness to encourage technical people to take care, or is it an indication that it's managers and accountants who run the railways these days with those with detailed knowledge of how to work things out on the side tracks?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Dispatch Box on December 14, 2018, 19:43:40
What's happened to the side entrance to Bonapartes? Is there a fenced entrance to the door, similar to that opposite for access to the staff facilities.

If not then said door would have to be locked lest walking through Bonapartes bypasses the gateline.

Would I think be changed and made into a fire exit only. The merchantman was in the days of travellers fare, with british rail sandwiches.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 14, 2018, 19:57:17
What's happened to the side entrance to Bonapartes? Is there a fenced entrance to the door, similar to that opposite for access to the staff facilities.

If not then said door would have to be locked lest walking through Bonapartes bypasses the gateline.

The plan in my post is misleading - the gateline is to the north of the side entrance to Bonaparte's, as you can see if you look at 17/05690/LA (or indeed my first photo in http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=10737.msg251920#msg251920)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on December 15, 2018, 01:36:35
I remember when the café was called the merchantman, why was the name changed.

Dunno.  And why was "The Reckless Engineer" renamed "The Sidings".   Does it relate to political correctness to encourage technical people to take care, or is it an indication that it's managers and accountants who run the railways these days with those with detailed knowledge of how to work things out on the side tracks?

You would need to write to someone at British Rail for an answer.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Dispatch Box on December 15, 2018, 13:20:27
What's happened to the side entrance to Bonapartes? Is there a fenced entrance to the door, similar to that opposite for access to the staff facilities.

If not then said door would have to be locked lest walking through Bonapartes bypasses the gateline.

Would I think be changed and made into a fire exit only.

Looks like its before the gateline on right side of station, so no problem then.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on December 15, 2018, 16:24:52
The gate line by Bonapartes will be of less use once the Train shed is in use again as that will do away with a large pedestrian flow from what is now the side entrance,I would think.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: martyjon on December 15, 2018, 16:39:17
The gate line by Bonapartes will be of less use once the Train shed is in use again as that will do away with a large pedestrian flow from what is now the side entrance,I would think.

True but WHEN !


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on December 15, 2018, 17:03:45
The gate line by Bonapartes will be of less use once the Train shed is in use again as that will do away with a large pedestrian flow from what is now the side entrance,I would think.

True but WHEN !

I'm believe 2020/21.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on December 17, 2018, 11:10:08
New barriers in use this morning, interestingly the Queens Ann Gate one was exit only - I thought they were meant to be both ways?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on December 17, 2018, 11:12:55
New barriers in use this morning, interestingly the Queens Ann Gate one was exit only - I thought they were meant to be both ways?

I think plan was always exit only. Bonopartes is 2 way

People exiting come in big peaks (when a train arrives) whereas people entering are a much more even flow - so there is some sense in having more outbound than inbound gates.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 17, 2018, 12:11:58
New barriers in use this morning, interestingly the Queens Ann Gate one was exit only - I thought they were meant to be both ways?

Not according to the planning application (17/05690/LA ).


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on December 18, 2018, 10:16:39
Interesting this morning caught a Cross Country train into Temple Meads, 99% of the time will always come into Platform 3
This morning we stop on platform 4, (3 was empty) and there are many station staff already there directing people to the new exit at Queen Anne Gates.

Co-incidence, or a subtle push to show people where the new exit is?
And to get usage numbers moving?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on December 18, 2018, 10:49:46
On the face of it it appears to be a good idea to have XC services stop at P4 instead of P3 to direct folk to exit through the Queen Anne Gates. However, it's not so good if you're making a connection.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: eXPassenger on December 18, 2018, 11:16:23
Interesting this morning caught a Cross Country train into Temple Meads, 99% of the time will always come into Platform 3
This morning we stop on platform 4, (3 was empty) and there are many station staff already there directing people to the new exit at Queen Anne Gates.

Co-incidence, or a subtle push to show people where the new exit is?
And to get usage numbers moving?

I see an unfortunate side effect from the new gates on passengers being met.  Previously a 'meeter' could wait in the booking hall and all incoming passengers went past them.  Now both parties will need to know that they must agree a specific meeting point.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 18, 2018, 13:29:47
Every silver lining has a cloud...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: simonw on December 18, 2018, 13:35:04
With the current Temple Meads gyratory mess (many pavements|paths to Bristol are blocked), many commuters leaving the station will find the Bonapartes exit much better than walking through the crowded booking hall.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on December 18, 2018, 19:08:03
Every silver lining has a cloud...

Depends on whom you are meeting.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 18, 2018, 19:14:14
I tried telling Lisa that the station map of BRI on the NRE website has not been updated... first she showed me some other maps, then she thanked me for my feedback. Can anyone think of a more effective way of nudging them into updating it?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on December 18, 2018, 19:17:37
I tried telling Lisa that the station map of BRI on the NRE website has not been updated... first she showed me some other maps, then she thanked me for my feedback. Can anyone think of a more effective way of nudging them into updating it?

No. But I bet if she gets the same message from a few dozen people, something could happen.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on December 18, 2018, 19:52:22
I tried telling Lisa that the station map of BRI on the NRE website has not been updated... first she showed me some other maps, then she thanked me for my feedback. Can anyone think of a more effective way of nudging them into updating it?

Lisa at NRE does know the answer to the most philosophical of questions though.

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/rps20181218_194748_zps3hno0fqk.jpg)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on December 19, 2018, 10:08:46
On a train in to work this morning two chaps in National Rail coats were talking, and I overheard them say something that I was wondering if someone on here would know the answer to?

At Easter 2021, "Bristol East" will be closed for six weeks for improvement works

I am curious as to where this "Bristol East" actually is and what it will affect?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: SandTEngineer on December 19, 2018, 10:12:15
I expect they were referring to Bristol East Junction (just London side of Temple Meads station) which is scheduled to be remodelled and relaid in the next couple of years.  It was supposed to be done before electrification, so there is a clue there..... :P


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 19, 2018, 11:05:59
According to FOSBR (http://fosbr.org.uk/ourcase) (Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways):

Quote
Bristol East Junction is the complex of railway lines to the east of Temple Meads station. This end of the station has eight platform tracks, two through lines and three sidings; at the far end of the junction the routes become two tracks towards Bath (the Great Western Main Line) and four tracks towards Bristol Parkway. There was a third route, the Midland Railway line to Gloucester, but this now only gives access to Barton Hill Traction and Rolling Stock Depot.

The Network Rail scope of works is as follows:

  • remodel and rationalise within the existing geographical constraints
  • recovery 57 point ends and replacing with 47 including Kingsland Road sidings
  • replace the Bristol East Signal Gantry for electrical clearances
  • junction lighting
  • waterproof Avon Street bridge and replace decking
  • install all overhead electrification (OLE) structures conventionally across the junction.

Network Rail states that the re-modelling will provide:

  • operational flexibility (all lines can reach all platforms)
  • increased line speed on the east side of the Gantry
  • capacity requirements for the 2018 Intercity Express Programme (IEP) timetable and all capacity requirements up to year 2043.

Remodelling of the junction also provides the capacity and flexibility to incorporate the MetroWest timetable; it is vital for MetroWest Phase 2 and desirable for Phase 1.

There is currently no funding for this capacity improvement. However the National Audit Office’s recent report on electrification suggests that Bristol East Junction could usefully be funded and put in place now before the delayed electrification works resume. The Mayor, Marvin Rees, has written to the DfT to ask for Bristol East Junction as compensation for the delay in electrification; apparently the Department for Transport (DfT) are offering £10m from the savings of electrification for the development study for Bristol East Junction, but are not (at present) offering to pay for the engineering works themselves. The Mayor has said that he would welcome FOSBR support for this campaign. It is likely that FOSBR and other rail campaign groups will be asking DfT for FULL funding for these vital improvement works.

Although  Over-Head Line Equipment (OHLE) structures presumably won't be installed, you might be forgiven for hoping that any new work includes passive provision for them.


Edit: VickiS - clarifying acronym


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on December 19, 2018, 11:44:52
Although OHLE structures presumably won't be installed, you might be forgiven for hoping that any new work includes passive provision for them.

It would be really good to put the foundations in so that the new cabling is not damaged when they are put in.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: CMRail on December 19, 2018, 17:41:52
Although OHLE structures presumably won't be installed, you might be forgiven for hoping that any new work includes passive provision for them.

It would be really good to put the foundations in so that the new cabling is not damaged when they are put in.

if ever*


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Dispatch Box on December 19, 2018, 19:43:42
According to FOSBR (http://fosbr.org.uk/ourcase) (Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways):

Quote
Bristol East Junction is the complex of railway lines to the east of Temple Meads station. This end of the station has eight platform tracks, two through lines and three sidings; at the far end of the junction the routes become two tracks towards Bath (the Great Western Main Line) and four tracks towards Bristol Parkway. There was a third route, the Midland Railway line to Gloucester, but this now only gives access to Barton Hill Traction and Rolling Stock Depot.

The Network Rail scope of works is as follows:

  • remodel and rationalise within the existing geographical constraints
  • recovery 57 point ends and replacing with 47 including Kingsland Road sidings
  • replace the Bristol East Signal Gantry for electrical clearances
  • junction lighting
  • waterproof Avon Street bridge and replace decking
  • install all overhead electrification (OLE) structures conventionally across the junction.

Network Rail states that the re-modelling will provide:

  • operational flexibility (all lines can reach all platforms)
  • increased line speed on the east side of the Gantry
  • capacity requirements for the 2018 Intercity Express Programme (IEP) timetable and all capacity requirements up to year 2043.

Remodelling of the junction also provides the capacity and flexibility to incorporate the MetroWest timetable; it is vital for MetroWest Phase 2 and desirable for Phase 1.

There is currently no funding for this capacity improvement. However the National Audit Office’s recent report on electrification suggests that Bristol East Junction could usefully be funded and put in place now before the delayed electrification works resume. The Mayor, Marvin Rees, has written to the DfT to ask for Bristol East Junction as compensation for the delay in electrification; apparently the Department for Transport (DfT) are offering £10m from the savings of electrification for the development study for Bristol East Junction, but are not (at present) offering to pay for the engineering works themselves. The Mayor has said that he would welcome FOSBR support for this campaign. It is likely that FOSBR and other rail campaign groups will be asking DfT for FULL funding for these vital improvement works.

Although OHLE structures presumably won't be installed, you might be forgiven for hoping that any new work includes passive provision for them.


This is why I thought they were doing it at xmas, But did not think it would take that long though.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on December 19, 2018, 20:08:06
On a train in to work this morning two chaps in National Rail coats were talking, and I overheard them say something that I was wondering if someone on here would know the answer to?

At Easter 2021, "Bristol East" will be closed for six weeks for improvement works

I am curious as to where this "Bristol East" actually is and what it will affect?
I know this! But only because I asked the same question in a different context a couple of days ago... So to complement Red Squirrel's answer above, it's the junction without a pin on the map at this post: http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=20829.msg254343#msg254343

But my new question (yes!) is
Quote
The Network Rail scope of works is as follows:

  • remodel and rationalise within the existing geographical constraints
  • recovery 57 point ends and replacing with 47 including Kingsland Road sidings
  • replace the Bristol East Signal Gantry for electrical clearances
  • junction lighting
[/b]
  • waterproof Avon Street bridge and replace decking
  • install all overhead electrification (OLE) structures conventionally across the junction.
What purpose does the junction lighting serve? At sidings and maintenance depots it presumably serves for security and to allow staff to move around safely at night, but a junction?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on December 19, 2018, 20:11:55
Although OHLE structures presumably won't be installed, you might be forgiven for hoping that any new work includes passive provision for them.

It would be really good to put the foundations in so that the new cabling is not damaged when they are put in.

if ever*

It would have been very sensible to have done the same along Filton Bank during the recent virtual rebuild, but it wasn't done. Part of the problem with the electrification was the presence of all sorts of uncharted cabling alongside the tracks, meaning that the High Output kit couldn't be used as efficiently as expected. As a proportion of the total cost of the requadrification, foundations for the gantrys that will happen one day would have been modest. All the bridges along the Bank have been adapted or completely rebuilt to take the cables, but the absence of the foundations is one of those economy measures that is certain to cost a lot more in the long run.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 19, 2018, 20:52:04
It would have been very sensible to have done the same along Filton Bank during the recent virtual rebuild, but it wasn't done. Part of the problem with the electrification was the presence of all sorts of uncharted cabling alongside the tracks, meaning that the High Output kit couldn't be used as efficiently as expected. As a proportion of the total cost of the requadrification, foundations for the gantrys that will happen one day would have been modest. All the bridges along the Bank have been adapted or completely rebuilt to take the cables, but the absence of the foundations is one of those economy measures that is certain to cost a lot more in the long run.

On one of NR's twitter vids someone dressed in orange said that they were carefully recording where they were hiding all their cables, so maybe it'll be alright... except that it'll be 25 years before they get round to electrifying Bristol... and I don't know about you, but if I follow the family tradition then I will be well and truly away with the fairies by then and won't care!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: paul7575 on December 19, 2018, 21:51:14
Re “junction lighting” mentioned above - it is permanent low level lighting in the vicinity of S&C units to allow regular maintenance overnight without having to worry about taking portable lighting to the site.

IIRC the first major installations were at some junctions on the WCML.

Paul


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on December 19, 2018, 22:36:42
At a large and complex junction like Bristol East will be, that makes so much sense.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: stuving on December 19, 2018, 22:47:13
Re “junction lighting” mentioned above - it is permanent low level lighting in the vicinity of S&C units to allow regular maintenance overnight without having to worry about taking portable lighting to the site.

IIRC the first major installations were at some junctions on the WCML.

Paul

There's words and pictures of some here, from Railway Electrical Services Ltd (http://www.railwayelectricalservices.co.uk/lighting-installations-hillmorton):
Quote
Hillmorton
Client: Birse Rail
Type of Project: Junction Lighting
Value: £55k

The West Coast Main Line (WCML). The purpose of the lighting was to provide an appropriate level of illumination that would permit maintenance activities currently undertaken in daylight to be done during the night, when access is more readily available. “Flat Beam” Technology lights were used, set at 1.5m above rail level on posts and high level on existing structures.

Works comprised of:

    Installation of light fittings onto the pre-installed columns
    Installation of connection boxes onto the base of the columns
    Installation of lighting control equipment
    Electrical supply alterations
    Installation of cables into the existing troughing routes/ UTX
    Testing & Commissioning
(http://www.railwayelectricalservices.co.uk/userfiles/100_3758.jpg)

I guess (but it doesn't say) that there's a switch, so it's only on when needed.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on December 20, 2018, 01:20:23
That makes sense, a lot of sense. Thanks!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: martyjon on December 20, 2018, 06:10:40
Re “junction lighting” mentioned above - it is permanent low level lighting in the vicinity of S&C units to allow regular maintenance overnight without having to worry about taking portable lighting to the site.

Mine is so small I can carry it around in my tollbag, its called 'A TORCH'.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Clan Line on December 20, 2018, 10:09:37
Re “junction lighting” mentioned above - it is permanent low level lighting in the vicinity of S&C units to allow regular maintenance overnight without having to worry about taking portable lighting to the site.

Mine is so small I can carry it around in my tollbag, its called 'A TORCH'.

Of course, everyone knows the dictionary definition of a torch..........

"a metal or plastic container used for the storage of flat batteries"


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: martyjon on December 20, 2018, 11:09:42
Re “junction lighting” mentioned above - it is permanent low level lighting in the vicinity of S&C units to allow regular maintenance overnight without having to worry about taking portable lighting to the site.

Mine is so small I can carry it around in my tollbag, its called 'A TORCH'.

Of course, everyone knows the dictionary definition of a torch..........

"a metal or plastic container used for the storage of flat batteries"


But mine is one of these new fangled ones that don't need batteries, you wind it up and it always 'dies' at the most inconvenient moment.
 >:( >:( >:( >:(


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 20, 2018, 11:17:07
Mine is so small I can carry it around in my tollbag...

...you wind it up and it always 'dies' at the most inconvenient moment.
 >:( >:( >:( >:(

Is it just me?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on December 20, 2018, 11:53:03
No its not !!...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Dispatch Box on December 20, 2018, 12:03:12
Re “junction lighting” mentioned above - it is permanent low level lighting in the vicinity of S&C units to allow regular maintenance overnight without having to worry about taking portable lighting to the site.

Mine is so small I can carry it around in my tollbag, its called 'A TORCH'.

Of course, everyone knows the dictionary definition of a torch..........

"a metal or plastic container used for the storage of flat batteries"


But mine is one of these new fangled ones that don't need batteries, you wind it up and it always 'dies' at the most inconvenient moment.
 >:( >:( >:( >:(

Bit like the clockwork radio.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on December 20, 2018, 12:43:38
Mine is so small I can carry it around in my tollbag...

...you wind it up and it always 'dies' at the most inconvenient moment.
 >:( >:( >:( >:(

Is it just me?

Definitely not!  ;D ;D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Spaceship on December 21, 2018, 11:25:48
A couple of years ago I remember we had a week when they opened up the other gates and I assuming they counted people numbers going through. Have used both the new gates this week and its excellent if you have to go out  / in with the bike, has speeded up getting through the station much quicker for me. Especially when you have to get a train on return. Have heard that only open during peak hours though, which is understandable as they still need to man them as away from the main entrance barriers. Should stop people crowding along platform 3 which I felt was quite risky what with moving trains and slippery floors.

 A lot of extra cycle stands outside - I would have put them inside if they could fit them in, for bike security. No-one using the outside ones this morning, when I came through.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 21, 2018, 11:44:06
... A lot of extra cycle stands outside - I would have put them inside if they could fit them in, for bike security. No-one using the outside ones this morning, when I came through.

I think there were 69 stands each capable of securing 2 bicycles under cover in the old arrangement; under the new regime there look to be about 60 stands (there may be a few more tucked around the corner by the old Motorail entrance to Platform 2), in a less secure area, with a few under partial cover .

One gets the impression that the needs of cyclists were not a primary concern when this scheme was developed.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on December 21, 2018, 19:52:48
I think I read there are to be some new ones inside too, but I'm not sure exactly where. As for security, the outside stands are right in front of the Transport Police station. Nevertheless, I don't think I'd like to leave a bike there overnight.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on December 24, 2018, 13:35:50
Oddly both new exit points were not in use this morning


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Celestial on December 24, 2018, 14:11:42
Maybe it was felt that the rush hour this morning would be light enough not to need it?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Dispatch Box on December 28, 2018, 15:48:41
15:46 To Bath spa is delayed by about 14 minutes, this train may be delayed after Bristol temple meads due to a fault with the signalling system at Bath spa. We are sorry to announce that this train has no toilet facilities.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on December 28, 2018, 20:40:57
15:46 To Bath spa is delayed by about 14 minutes, this train may be delayed after Bristol temple meads due to a fault with the signalling system at Bath spa. We are sorry to announce that this train has no toilet facilities.

And this has what to do with Bristol TM redevelopment?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Dispatch Box on December 28, 2018, 22:49:43
15:46 To Bath spa is delayed by about 14 minutes, this train may be delayed after Bristol temple meads due to a fault with the signalling system at Bath spa. We are sorry to announce that this train has no toilet facilities.

And this has what to do with Bristol TM redevelopment?

Put here as thought was not right on the Cotswold thread, and as the train passed through temple meads, thought ok.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on January 04, 2019, 11:19:31
Something I noticed this morning which I thought odd
If St Anne's Gate is to be solely used as an exit, why are there two TV monitors showing departures times and a PA system announcing departures?

Seems a wasted expense


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Dispatch Box on January 05, 2019, 11:31:54
Something I noticed this morning which I thought odd
If St Anne's Gate is to be solely used as an exit, why are there two TV monitors showing departures times and a PA system announcing departures?

Seems a wasted expense

To me, sounds like it was put in, to be two way, and the station staff should be using it as two way.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on January 05, 2019, 13:04:25
Something I noticed this morning which I thought odd
If St Anne's Gate is to be solely used as an exit, why are there two TV monitors showing departures times and a PA system announcing departures?

Seems a wasted expense

Looking at the planning history of these gates, you might get the impression that things were not managed quite as competently as you might hope - a second application (18/06452/LA) was required because:

Quote
During the works to install two new gatelines it was found that the existing conduit within the Main Shed did not have the capacity to hold the caballing(sic) required for the gatelines.

...just the kind of thing you'd think they'd check, particularly given that it's a listed building and they can't change a toilet roll without consent.

However both applications show Queen Anne Gate as an entrance as well as an exit - so it looks like the change of usage was a last-minute thing.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: plymothian on January 05, 2019, 13:36:06
But at least there is provision that it could be used as both and entrance and an exit, even if in general practice it's exit only.  So, if there is a problem with the concourse or Bonapartes, the station still has potential access and egress.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Dispatch Box on January 05, 2019, 13:39:52
But at least there is provision that it could be used as both and entrance and an exit, even if in general practice it's exit only.  So, if there is a problem with the concourse or Bonapartes, the station still has potential access and egress.

So really, For extra capacity or if the the others break down, They at least have that one.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: plymothian on January 05, 2019, 14:01:34
Pretty much.  Imagine the concourse having to close for some reason, you'd either push people arriving at the front through the car park and round to Bonapartes, or open up St Anne's as an entrance.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 15, 2019, 16:10:54
In the absence of anything else much happening at Auld Leakie (aka Temple Meads), I am thrilled to hear that the Pumpkin (Platform 10/12) is to be refurbished and re-branded as a 'Coffee Room'. Full details at https://www.bristol.gov.uk/planning-and-building-regulations/look-at-and-track-planning-applications, search for 19/01075/LA.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: SandTEngineer on March 15, 2019, 16:21:43
How is the PO building demolition going?  Haven't been that way recently to be able to have a look.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 15, 2019, 16:30:09
How is the PO building demolition going?  Haven't been that way recently to be able to have a look.

It is very much happening!

Meanwhile, Bristol City Council have applied (to themselves, of course) for planning permission to install a new 4m wide shared cycle path and pedestrian walkway running for about 450m south-eastwards from the ferry landing stage towards Not Arena Island. Plans are at https://www.bristol.gov.uk/planning-and-building-regulations/look-at-and-track-planning-applications ref 19/01051/LA.

The walkway will consist of pontoons floating in the Floating Harbour, and will pass under the northern end of Temple Meads Station.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on March 15, 2019, 18:50:30
Yes, a lot of the old building is now rubble and vanishing fast. It'll be too dark to see it tonight when I pass through the station but last Monday if looked about half gone.
On thing I wondered about though. They could dispose of the rubble by road, river or rail from where they are. I wonder what they chose?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on March 15, 2019, 19:44:23
Yes, a lot of the old building is now rubble and vanishing fast. It'll be too dark to see it tonight when I pass through the station but last Monday if looked about half gone.
On thing I wondered about though. They could dispose of the rubble by road, river or rail from where they are. I wonder what they chose?

These days they usually crush it up and leave it on site for the new developers to use.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 17, 2019, 14:44:54
How is the PO building demolition going?  Haven't been that way recently to be able to have a look.

Not a great photo, but my train was in the way! Here's how it looked on 16th March; you can see that not much remains.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: SandTEngineer on March 17, 2019, 15:42:02
Thanks for posting that RS.  Looks as though it might be all gone by the next time I'm likely to pass by at the begining of May.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 17, 2019, 16:40:34
Yes, a lot of the old building is now rubble and vanishing fast. It'll be too dark to see it tonight when I pass through the station but last Monday if looked about half gone.
On thing I wondered about though. They could dispose of the rubble by road, river or rail from where they are. I wonder what they chose?

These days they usually crush it up and leave it on site for the new developers to use.

They did that with the former police HQ at New Bridewell. The rebar was taken away, the concrete crushed down.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 17, 2019, 18:05:16
Here's a better angle, taken today from Platform 1 - you can see that most of the central 'hall' of the old sorting office has gone, but one side of this and a wing remain.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 17, 2019, 18:25:41
You would think the antenna would have come in handy at the new place.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on March 18, 2019, 10:22:39
How is the PO building demolition going?  Haven't been that way recently to be able to have a look.

It is very much happening!

Meanwhile, Bristol City Council have applied (to themselves, of course) for planning permission to install a new 4m wide shared cycle path and pedestrian walkway running for about 450m south-eastwards from the ferry landing stage towards Not Arena Island. Plans are at https://www.bristol.gov.uk/planning-and-building-regulations/look-at-and-track-planning-applications ref 19/01051/LA.

The walkway will consist of pontoons floating in the Floating Harbour, and will pass under the northern end of Temple Meads Station.

I work for a company which has offices in a Belgian city called Mechelen which has a very nice example, which is very pretty indeed when lit up at night - http://www.eltis.org/discover/case-studies/pedestrians-walk-water-mechelen-belgium (http://www.eltis.org/discover/case-studies/pedestrians-walk-water-mechelen-belgium). It acts as a kind of express walking route and is quite nice as its cycle free, so you don't have to keep looking out for cyclists!

It's not without it's issues though, it ices up badly in the winter, the local kids like to hang out on it under the bridges and smoke, and I'd be a bit nervous about walking on it at night as it's a bit quiet and I you could be a bit vulnerable to being trapped in a way that you wouldn't on the street.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on March 18, 2019, 11:02:25
Yes, it's the equivalent of the urban underpass and all the associated antisocial activities.
Likewise the bridge under Temple Meads at the northern end would not be my cup of tea at night either.
Are there architectural solutions? For example, but not really workable in this case, spaces under some of the bridges in London over the Thames are big enough to have cafes/restaurants next to the walkway. These stay open into the night making for a busier environment.
I'm no architect but I wonder if anyone could come up with workable solutions to the issue?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on March 18, 2019, 11:12:33
Yes, it's the equivalent of the urban underpass and all the associated antisocial activities.
Likewise the bridge under Temple Meads at the northern end would not be my cup of tea at night either.
Are there architectural solutions? For example, but not really workable in this case, spaces under some of the bridges in London over the Thames are big enough to have cafes/restaurants next to the walkway. These stay open into the night making for a busier environment.
I'm no architect but I wonder if anyone could come up with workable solutions to the issue?
You mean Avon Street and/or Gas Lane? Or even Kingsland Road as well. I've never heard of anything nasty happening there but they're not exactly pleasant (albeit for other reasons) in the daytime.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 18, 2019, 12:03:31
I presume johnneyw is referring to this:


Meanwhile, Bristol City Council have applied (to themselves, of course) for planning permission to install a new 4m wide shared cycle path and pedestrian walkway running for about 450m south-eastwards from the ferry landing stage towards Not Arena Island. Plans are at https://www.bristol.gov.uk/planning-and-building-regulations/look-at-and-track-planning-applications ref 19/01051/LA.

The walkway will consist of pontoons floating in the Floating Harbour, and will pass under the northern end of Temple Meads Station.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on March 18, 2019, 12:31:27
Of course! My misinterpretation of "would" lead me to think he was referring to something that already exists.  :-[

Of course something similar already does exist, alongside the New Cut and under whatever they call the Inner Circuit Road nowadays (Temple Way, I think). And Mrs Bmblbzzz, who used to work nearby, has reported unsettling events there, (under that bridge) though nothing specific (daytime).


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on March 18, 2019, 12:37:34
Yes, it's the equivalent of the urban underpass and all the associated antisocial activities.
Likewise the bridge under Temple Meads at the northern end would not be my cup of tea at night either.
Are there architectural solutions? For example, but not really workable in this case, spaces under some of the bridges in London over the Thames are big enough to have cafes/restaurants next to the walkway. These stay open into the night making for a busier environment.
I'm no architect but I wonder if anyone could come up with workable solutions to the issue?
You mean Avon Street and/or Gas Lane? Or even Kingsland Road as well. I've never heard of anything nasty happening there but they're not exactly pleasant (albeit for other reasons) in the daytime.

Neither the Avon Street Bridge nor the Cattle Market Road underpass would fill me full of joy to walk through at night. 😕  That, though, was just an example I gave.
I was thinking more about what to do about the proposed river walkway when it goes under the railway lines to avoid the sort of antisocial activities that you find in some underpasses especially after dark. Not an easy one that. Good lighting helps but on it's own, tends not to be sufficient and it's not even as if there would be a lot of cars passing either.
Perhaps a wider walking space under the railway? Perhaps a bit of thought into the general look? I'll give a recent example here. On a visit to Portsmouth a fortnight back, I used the underpass beneath the railway at Portsmouth Harbour Station to get to the Gunwharf Quays district. Now, rather than the usual grotty railway underpass, this one was well lit with nicely finished walls and ceiling, predominantly painted white. What struck me was that there was no graffiti, not just a little but absolutely none at all. No litter either.
Now, I admit this wasn't night time and it is a busy concourse but it really was not what I expected to encounter.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 18, 2019, 13:20:24

Of course something similar already does exist, alongside the New Cut and under whatever they call the Inner Circuit Road nowadays (Temple Way, I think). And Mrs Bmblbzzz, who used to work nearby, has reported unsettling events there, (under that bridge) though nothing specific (daytime).

<pedant mode>Floating Harbour, not New Cut. And it's been Temple Way since it was built.</pedant mode>

Some people call the area between the footpath under the bridge and the bridge abutment 'home'... quite a sheltered spot, though perhaps not so very much too Hot about three o'clock in the morning...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 18, 2019, 13:53:50

Of course something similar already does exist, alongside the New Cut and under whatever they call the Inner Circuit Road nowadays (Temple Way, I think). And Mrs Bmblbzzz, who used to work nearby, has reported unsettling events there, (under that bridge) though nothing specific (daytime).

<pedant mode>Floating Harbour, not New Cut. And it's been Temple Way since it was built.</pedant mode>


Ah! I know what you mean now. I was trying to recall a footpath under Bath Bridge.


Neither the Avon Street Bridge nor the Cattle Market Road underpass would fill me full of joy to walk through at night. 😕  That, though, was just an example I gave.

Me neither, although I do park my car there occasionally.

Quote
I was thinking more about what to do about the proposed river walkway when it goes under the railway lines to avoid the sort of antisocial activities that you find in some underpasses especially after dark. Not an easy one that. Good lighting helps but on it's own, tends not to be sufficient and it's not even as if there would be a lot of cars passing either.
Perhaps a wider walking space under the railway? Perhaps a bit of thought into the general look? I'll give a recent example here. On a visit to Portsmouth a fortnight back, I used the underpass beneath the railway at Portsmouth Harbour Station to get to the Gunwharf Quays district. Now, rather than the usual grotty railway underpass, this one was well lit with nicely finished walls and ceiling, predominantly painted white. What struck me was that there was no graffiti, not just a little but absolutely none at all. No litter either.
Now, I admit this wasn't night time and it is a busy concourse but it really was not what I expected to encounter.

Good lighting is a must. CCTV might put an opportunist off, but it's still no good for the victim. An avuncular old copper saying "Mind how you go!" might work, but won't happen.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 18, 2019, 14:20:17

An avuncular old copper saying "Mind how you go!" might work...


...or they could perhaps project this, in a loop, onto the underside of the bridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sg-2vtu0GE


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on March 18, 2019, 15:01:02
Yes, Floating Harbour, sorry. Silly mistake, especially as I did think about it.

There used to be cave-like sloping sections of mud and rock under the bridge but they've been fenced off for a while, presumably to deter those who call it home (which of course doesn't solve any problem at all, but that's perhaps not for this thread).


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on March 18, 2019, 19:05:31
I was on the Severn Riveria Express for a quick shop in town today but got a bit distracted looking at the demolition work on the former Post Office building next to Temple Meads. The "tower" on the left hand side of both of Red Squirrel's earlier photos was being rapidly pulled apart by the big grabber thingy that they were using. By the time of my return journey from Temple Meads on the 16.35, I can confirm that most of it was gone.






Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on March 19, 2019, 10:56:44
In the absence of anything else much happening at Auld Leakie (aka Temple Meads), I am thrilled to hear that the Pumpkin (Platform 10/12) is to be refurbished and re-branded as a 'Coffee Room'. Full details at https://www.bristol.gov.uk/planning-and-building-regulations/look-at-and-track-planning-applications, search for 19/01075/LA.

Not seen the big exciting addition in the underpass mentioned anywhere yet . . .
Between the ladies and Gents toilets there is now a water machine for drinking water . . . WOW !!

I've been away in Spain, will try to remember to get a pic of the PO building tonight whilst awaiting my service back to Weston


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on March 19, 2019, 11:05:41


Not seen the big exciting addition in the underpass mentioned anywhere yet . . .
Between the ladies and Gents toilets there is now a water machine for drinking water . . . WOW !!

Cannot help wondering where the water for said machine might be coming from :o


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 19, 2019, 12:29:02
Not seen the big exciting addition in the underpass mentioned anywhere yet . . .

I presume you mean the eastern entrance?

It would be interesting to have a look at the lease that Good and Proper (https://www.bristoltemplequarter.com/business-profile-good-proper/) were given for their recently-opened retail unit, which will have to go when the subway is extended.

The timings and details will be subject to negotiations between Network Rail and the University of Bristol. One can imagine that there may be a debate going on as to who pays how much for what...

According to University of Bristol (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/temple-quarter-campus/new-campus/process/):

Quote
After feedback from Bristol City Council and other partners, we submitted a revised masterplan in February 2018. This was unanimously approved subject to final details.

This shows changes to the layout of the buildings to allow easier access through the campus and provide more open and welcoming spaces for staff, students and the public to enjoy.

The main changes are:

Cattle Market Road site

  • Three buildings instead of four; two academic and one residential.
  • Siting the main academic building parallel to the harbour to improve opportunities for a vibrant waterfront area.
  • Strengthening the connection to the potential entrance to Temple Meads Station.
  • Re-aligning the pedestrian, cycle and transport links to work with the new layout.

(My bold)


The 'emerging masterplan' will be 'shared for wider consumption' in Spring 2019 - so, soon! The extension to the underpass presumably won't open while the UoB Campus is a building site, so Good and Proper are probably alright for a couple of years...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on March 19, 2019, 13:10:14
Not seen the big exciting addition in the underpass mentioned anywhere yet . . .

I presume you mean the eastern entrance?


As you come down the steps from Platforms 3/4 it is just on the right hand side - As long as I am not running for my train I will get a piccy on the way home this evening


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 19, 2019, 13:48:20
Not seen the big exciting addition in the underpass mentioned anywhere yet . . .

I presume you mean the eastern entrance?


As you come down the steps from Platforms 3/4 it is just on the right hand side - As long as I am not running for my train I will get a piccy on the way home this evening

Ah, I think we are at angry dolphins here - I'm talking about the extension of the subway, you're talking about the new drinking fountain...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on March 19, 2019, 18:35:26
Water fountain


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on March 19, 2019, 19:13:00
Even more worried than I was before, now I see just where it has been placed ! ;D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 19, 2019, 20:22:24
Presumably so the more woke among us can refill our multiple use water bottle?
Mm. Assuming 10 seconds, or longer to allow for the traditional cautious run of water, how long will that take to fill the bottles of a full IET? So a token gesture, but I'm sure it will be used. The positioning will serve to remind us all that you never own a drink, merely rent it.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on March 19, 2019, 20:24:19
Almost surprising a drinking fountain isn't securi-dramaed out of existence considering the range of threats it poses: supply for dehydrated bombers, infections from dirty nozzles, slip risk from splashes, retail outlets suing for loss of trade...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on March 20, 2019, 09:35:06
Am currently at New str, notice they have the same fountain outside the toilets in the yellow lounge here.
Must have been some funding nationwide?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Surrey 455 on March 20, 2019, 21:38:58
Am currently at New str, notice they have the same fountain outside the toilets in the yellow lounge here.
Must have been some funding nationwide?

This linked story is a year old but confirms that Network Rail wants to install water fountains in most of their managed stations.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/feb/12/network-rail-to-install-water-fountains-in-majority-of-its-train-stations-this-year


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on March 25, 2019, 12:34:25
Taken on departure from BTM heading towards Parkway


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 25, 2019, 14:11:19
Taken on departure from BTM heading towards Parkway

Surely someone could think of an appropriate flag to fly for the last few days? Even if at half-mast.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 25, 2019, 14:18:07
Taken on departure from BTM heading towards Parkway

Surely someone could think of an appropriate flag to fly for the last few days? Even if at half-mast.

Does this mean that Ann-Margret's not coming?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: martyjon on March 25, 2019, 14:51:18
Taken on departure from BTM heading towards Parkway

Haven't got very far with this demolition project seeing it was started weeks ago, Oh its in Bristol. that explains it, its in the city where everything takes longer to achieve than elsewhere.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on March 25, 2019, 15:05:27
Taken on departure from BTM heading towards Parkway

Haven't got very far with this demolition project seeing it was started weeks ago, Oh its in Bristol. that explains it, its in the city where everything takes longer to achieve than elsewhere.

It looks like they are currently clearing away what was already demolished, the building was a kind of L shape and they have done one side of it. I'm guessing that once the current rubble etc is cleared away they will finish demolishing the rest of it?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 25, 2019, 15:08:08
Taken on departure from BTM heading towards Parkway

Haven't got very far with this demolition project seeing it was started weeks ago, Oh its in Bristol. that explains it, its in the city where everything takes longer to achieve than elsewhere.

To be fair, it was quite a big building and they have demolished most of it now. From what I remember of the planning application, Network Rail were ever so keen that the demolition contractors should try very hard not to drop rubble on the tracks; perhaps that explains why they've left this bit until last, and are taking it down carefully.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 25, 2019, 15:13:15
...the building was a kind of L shape...

Pretty square actually: https://goo.gl/maps/Ex4MUH7A9kP2

It's the western portion that remains, which is quite close to the railway - so you'd want to be a bit careful about where you dropped yer rubble.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on March 26, 2019, 14:04:29
The steel cutting machine was in place last night, so imagine the final steelworks are starting to come down today

They use water sprays whilst taking down the walls so there won't be a problem with dust etc blowing across the station


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: the void on March 27, 2019, 16:13:23
getting smaller by the day.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 29, 2019, 13:32:15
More pics of the slowly-disappearing Sorting Office. The final one was taken at around 9pm last evening; interesting to see that there seems to be more happening at night than during the day - maybe that's been stipulated to reduce the risk of debris landing on the railway? If so it would go some way to explaining why this part of the job is taking time.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on March 29, 2019, 18:51:14
https://www.bristoltemplequarter.com/major-progress-on-former-sorting-office-site/


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on March 29, 2019, 19:07:18
I noticed that last night as well. They seemed to have a large mobile crane parked next to the railway, so indeed, perhaps they are doing overnight to reduce the risk if anything goes wrong. 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: the void on April 01, 2019, 10:56:22
Today...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 01, 2019, 11:09:03
It's beginning to look like the aftermath of some parties I went to when I was younger.😁
It does however still look tidier and sturdier than my garage. 😕


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 02, 2019, 18:30:21
At Temple Meads there were posters informing everyone of a passenger count today and tomorrow and that a member of the survey staff might ask you to complete a brief questionnaire with them.
It didn't take all that long before one of said staff asked if I would participate and with about 15 minutes until my train I was pleased to oblige. Sadly it was a very brief one in my case as I fell at the first hurdle when asked if I was using the station to change trains (I wasn't). The chap told me that they were only surveying people using Temple Meads as a changing point.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on April 03, 2019, 09:47:54
At Temple Meads there were posters informing everyone of a passenger count today and tomorrow and that a member of the survey staff might ask you to complete a brief questionnaire with them.
It didn't take all that long before one of said staff asked if I would participate and with about 15 minutes until my train I was pleased to oblige. Sadly it was a very brief one in my case as I fell at the first hurdle when asked if I was using the station to change trains (I wasn't). The chap told me that they were only surveying people using Temple Meads as a changing point.

I was on the look out for the people in orange no sign when I passed through over the past two days


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 03, 2019, 10:56:14
At Temple Meads there were posters informing everyone of a passenger count today and tomorrow and that a member of the survey staff might ask you to complete a brief questionnaire with them.
It didn't take all that long before one of said staff asked if I would participate and with about 15 minutes until my train I was pleased to oblige. Sadly it was a very brief one in my case as I fell at the first hurdle when asked if I was using the station to change trains (I wasn't). The chap told me that they were only surveying people using Temple Meads as a changing point.

I was on the look out for the people in orange no sign when I passed through over the past two days

I was 'accosted' on platform 3. Same day, I glanced at a similar but much smaller survey notice roughly taped to a post by the Lidl exit at Lawrence Hill which surprised me a bit. Didn't read it properly though, in truth it was not easy to read, taped as it was, to a post. It might have referred to Temple Meads.
Anyone at Temple Meads today might still be asked as it's the last survey day their today.

Edit by Red Squirrel - fixed quotes


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 04, 2019, 11:51:31
Severnside CRP/Network Rail are working on a scheme to refurbish the Old Station Signal Box (that's the old manual box, not the 'modern' PSB) for use as (rather small) offices - see https://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=P5BZ9IDNGRV00



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 04, 2019, 12:06:28
Severnside CRP/Network Rail are working on a scheme to refurbish the Old Station Signal Box (that's the old manual box, not the 'modern' PSB) for use as (rather small) offices - see https://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=P5BZ9IDNGRV00



Can't picture where the box is located. Just have passed it loads of times too!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on April 04, 2019, 12:51:27
Can't picture where the box is located. Just have passed it loads of times too!

Hope this link (https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-inside-the-original-temple-meads-railway-station-the-extended-train-35150734.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=C7A9E48C-AA6D-415C-8197-C9062C313526&p=27394&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1) works. Should give you an idea.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 04, 2019, 12:59:42
Can't picture where the box is located. Just have passed it loads of times too!

Hope this link (https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-inside-the-original-temple-meads-railway-station-the-extended-train-35150734.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=C7A9E48C-AA6D-415C-8197-C9062C313526&p=27394&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1) works. Should give you an idea.

Yes it works and I remember it now. It's true though, it is quite compact and bijou!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 13, 2019, 13:16:47
Got a distance glimpse of the old post office building today from the A4320 near St Philips.
Demolition progress seems to have slowed somewhat due, I guess, to the remaining structure being close to the platforms and therefore a requirement to tread gingerly is in order.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 25, 2019, 15:23:43
For those following the demolition of the former PO building by Temple Meads, catch it while you can. Had a look while at TM today and there ain't much left. No camera to take a picture with as, at the time, my alter ego Capt Halfwit was in charge!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on April 25, 2019, 19:48:36
Yeah, there's so little of it left I had to deliberately look for it on Saturday! I won't really miss it.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 25, 2019, 20:15:39
A slightly contre-jour shot looking north-west from Cattle Market Road, with the main train shed of Temple Meads to the left. Still a bit to do!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 25, 2019, 21:09:52
A slightly contre-jour shot looking north-west from Cattle Market Road, with the main train shed of Temple Meads to the left. Still a bit to do!

Yep, what is left is still a good few times larger than my house.... but sadly, so much tidier!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: stuving on April 26, 2019, 18:11:48
And here's an announcement from Network Rail (https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/network-rail-sets-out-gbp-1million-plan-to-improve-station-facilities#) about having put in that water fountain, and similar stuff, to the tune of £1M. While it includes things both done and not yet done at Reading and Paddington, the biggest item is:
Quote
In the next year work will begin on a new roof at the station which will enable the continued safe running of the station and more than 150 new seats will be installed.

Not quite sure how to read that...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 26, 2019, 18:23:59
Last I heard (here: https://www.bristoltemplequarter.com/work-to-transform-bristols-temple-meads-station-gets-underway/) the re-roofing of Temple Meads is budgeted at £40M, so not really part of this £1M scheme! Does 150 seats equate to two or three new 5-seater benches on each platform?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on April 26, 2019, 19:21:22
Does 150 seats equate to two or three new 5-seater benches on each platform?
Or a very small Arenal.  :D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: eXPassenger on April 26, 2019, 22:51:39
Quote
Quote
In the next year work will begin on a new roof at the station which will enable the continued safe running of the station and more than 150 new seats will be installed.

Not quite sure how to read that...

I envisaged the seats on the roof to watch the building work.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on April 27, 2019, 07:08:54
And here's an announcement from Network Rail (https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/network-rail-sets-out-gbp-1million-plan-to-improve-station-facilities#) about having put in that water fountain, and similar stuff, to the tune of £1M. While it includes things both done and not yet done at Reading and Paddington, the biggest item is:
Quote
In the next year work will begin on a new roof at the station which will enable the continued safe running of the station and more than 150 new seats will be installed.

Not quite sure how to read that...

Oops - I started a separate thread on the "similar stuff" looking at Paddington and Reading too. ((here)) (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=21495.msg263805#msg263805)

I'm afraid I get very cynical at looking at various meanings in press releases.   Are "new seats" new for old replacements (maintenance) or extra seats?   Where extra seats on trains are claimed, they can be multi-counted if a train makes multiple runs; guess it would be far-fetched to think that might happen on station seating, with one seat used a dozen or more times a day ...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on April 30, 2019, 16:11:57
Last bits


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on April 30, 2019, 16:12:56
Apologies, was trying to upload to other thread, but created a new one in error

I'll leave for admin to merge

Sorted - grahame


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Robin Summerhill on April 30, 2019, 16:23:01
Apologies, was trying to upload to other thread, but created a new one in error

I'll leave for admin to merge

Sorted - grahame

But if you try to access it from the "last post" link on the home page (as I just did) you get a message saying that either the item is missing or is barred to you (or some such!)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on April 30, 2019, 16:31:34
[snip]

Sorted - grahame

But if you try to access it from the "last post" link on the home page (as I just did) you get a message saying that either the item is missing or is barred to you (or some such!)

That will be a transient issue, Robin ... you will have clicked on a link from a page served to you before I did the merge, but clicked after I did the merge and so modified the database record.  I'm happy that it's sorted for posterity ... even if it gives an odd response or two while the update's working through the system.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on May 01, 2019, 11:25:17
Last bits

Whilst it may be nearly demolished above the ground, apparently there's quite a lot to sort out below ground as the building had a sizeable basement. The council has just authorised £140k for some test drilling to see if there is a cheaper way to sort it out, bearing in mind that under the terms of it's deal with the University, it is on the hook for the costs of demolition and site remediation.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on May 01, 2019, 11:37:49
Last bits

Whilst it may be nearly demolished above the ground, apparently there's quite a lot to sort out below ground as the building had a sizeable basement. The council has just authorised £140k for some test drilling to see if there is a cheaper way to sort it out, bearing in mind that under the terms of it's deal with the University, it is on the hook for the costs of demolition and site remediation.


Presumably, the University will have a say on whether the 'cheaper' solution is a satisfactory one or not.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on May 11, 2019, 19:02:08
Can't picture where the box is located. Just have passed it loads of times too!

Hope this link (https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-inside-the-original-temple-meads-railway-station-the-extended-train-35150734.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=C7A9E48C-AA6D-415C-8197-C9062C313526&p=27394&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1) works. Should give you an idea.

Yes it works and I remember it now. It's true though, it is quite compact and bijou!

Grabbed a chance to step in the old train shed today and take a picture

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/oldsbbri.jpg)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on May 16, 2019, 14:52:28
Network Rail have submitted a Prior Approval application (19/01792/RA) relating to scheme to improve the maintenance access to Bristol East Jct; you can see it here: https://tinyurl.com/y2p2qnyq

The works involve demolishing the red-brick wall to the left of the bridge (see here: https://tinyurl.com/y4rjk7p3) and replacing it with a new gated access leading to a 44m-long ramp up to track level. The remaining area will be landscaped.

Aside from the fact that this application suggests things are still moving in the right direction with regard to the Bristol East Jct improvement, one drawing - the proposed Layout Plan (W1103F-BDG-DRG-ECV-000010, PROPOSED LAYOUT PLAN) gives a tantalising view of the new track layout: I'm no expert on these things but I can count, and there are definitely 7 tracks crossing Gas Lane Bridge instead of 6. Others may be able to glean more from staring at the S&C layout...

Edit: Removed reference to unrelated application.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: stuving on May 16, 2019, 16:04:57
Aside from the fact that this application suggests things are still moving in the right direction with regard to the Bristol East Jct improvement, one drawing - the proposed Layout Plan (W1103F-BDG-DRG-ECV-000010, PROPOSED LAYOUT PLAN) gives a tantalising view of the new track layout: I'm no expert on these things but I can count, and there are definitely 7 tracks crossing Gas Lane Bridge instead of 6. Others may be able to glean more from staring at the S&C layout...

And there is this in the covering letter - apparently put there specifically so we can read too much into it:
Quote
Over the next few years, Bristol Council expects that this area will be developed further with additional housing and facilities for Bristol University. Network rail shall be increasing passenger capacity and retail within the station itself and implement an electrification programme and Bristol East Junction (BEJ) track renewal and improvements to the existing junction layout east of Bristol Temple Meads to meet current and future forecasted demand. This will result in additional physical infrastructure within the railway boundary.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: SandTEngineer on May 16, 2019, 17:22:08
I don't have my hands on the signalling plan just yet, but once I do I will draw up one of my track layout plans and post it here (aka Filton 4T).


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on May 16, 2019, 20:15:51
Actually, you get a less-tantalising view of the proposed track layout on W1103F-BDG-DRG-ECV-000015 SWEPT PATH/VISIBILITY SPLAY - it shows more of the layout, and some interesting dotted paths which someone with an over-active imagination could believe related to routing trains into the Old Station - or, at least, passively providing for it...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: SandTEngineer on May 17, 2019, 10:05:23
RS.  Has the old PO building gone now?  Any updated photographs? ;)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on May 17, 2019, 10:18:35
I've not been to Temple Meads for a couple of weeks - anyone else been there lately?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on May 17, 2019, 10:26:48
RS.  Has the old PO building gone now?  Any updated photographs? ;)

I was there on Wednesday. Entering and leaving Temple Meads by train you see no indication of the building. Looking from the platforms at that end of TM (and provided no IETs are blocking the view) you can see that there are still some "below ground" bits to demolish as the site is not totally level. Sadly no pics from me. It might not be long now until all the pics just show a cleared site.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on May 17, 2019, 11:56:27
RS.  Has the old PO building gone now?  Any updated photographs? ;)

The building has completely gone, they are currently clearing the site of the debris that was left behind
When that is done the Eastern end of P15 is where there was an underground section (mainly as the land wasn't level) they will then have to clear that away.

It is noticeably brighter and chillier waiting a service on P15 now - I am not looking forward to the winter months !


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on May 17, 2019, 16:29:39
RS.  Has the old PO building gone now?  Any updated photographs? ;)

I was there on Wednesday. Entering and leaving Temple Meads by train you see no indication of the building. Looking from the platforms at that end of TM (and provided no IETs are blocking the view) you can see that there are still some "below ground" bits to demolish as the site is not totally level. Sadly no pics from me. It might not be long now until all the pics just show a cleared site.

AIUI it's a little bit more complicated than that to actually clear the site as there's some kind of basement level that has to be dealt with. Presumably there will be some jolly deep foundations to go in, and that too will have to be done very carefully to avoid shaking the TM shed to pieces.

But indeed, to all intents and purposes the building is no more. 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 24, 2019, 12:41:23
According to the Bristol Post (story here (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-temple-meads-labelled-poundland-2996405)), Network Rail are seeking to bring forward plans to extend of Temple Meads subway so as to exploit the blockade required for the Bristol East Jct project:

Quote
“The rationale for expediting this scheme is to take advantage of the existing planned rail closure for Bristol East junction which would provide a window for the scheme and reduce costs.






Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on June 24, 2019, 12:54:39
According to the Bristol Post (story here (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-temple-meads-labelled-poundland-2996405)), Network Rail are seeking to bring forward plans to extend of Temple Meads subway so as to exploit the blockade required for the Bristol East Jct project:

Quote
“The rationale for expediting this scheme is to take advantage of the existing planned rail closure for Bristol East junction which would provide a window for the scheme and reduce costs.

Concern in the article that this is being pushed forward rather fast ... or perhaps just a good opportunity to brief the incoming BaNES leader with appropriate assurances?

Quote
A council leader has raised alarms over the handling of a multi-million pound revamp of Bristol Temple Meads, as transport campaigners brandished it the “Poundland” of train stations.

The scheme is being pushed through faster than usual to take advantage of a window for the work to take place with the planned closure of a rail junction, according to a report to the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) Committee.

Bath & North East Somerset Council leader Dine Romero, at her first Weca meeting, said she needed reassurance about how the project would be handled because the £26.6million the combined authority has earmarked for it was “such a significant sum of money”.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on June 24, 2019, 16:44:08
BBC News - Poundland anger at Bristol Temple Meads railway station slur
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-48741833

Have to say, that whilst Bristol Temple Meads is desperately in need of investment, I'm in agreement with Poundland. Poorly chosen comparison by David Redgewell.

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/Screenshot_20190624_164609_zps1agt4iuf.jpg)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 25, 2019, 10:57:20
What irritates me about this sorry tale is that the Bristol Post have managed to spin a good news story about essential work being brought forward, into some sort of Bath v Bristol political infighting thing (with a twitter spat on the side, for good measure). That was their journalistic decision, and they will know which version of events sells more advertising! However given the glacial pace at which rail investment decisions are currently made, isn't it a cause for celebration that someone has decided to get on and do something?



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on June 25, 2019, 13:07:32
A rare railway example of employing just a bit of JFDI?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 25, 2019, 19:35:11
And so it continues:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D91fSE7XUAIrOgo.jpg:large)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 26, 2019, 10:00:20
The outline business case (https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/1-Outline-Business-Case-Templatev11_Bristol-Temple-Meads-Eastern-Entrance-Final-redacted.pdf) for the eastern entrance is on the WECA website. Key points here, and note firm dates for Bristol East jct works:

Quote
The entrance will extend the existing passenger subway, used to access platforms, directly through to the development site on Cattle Market Road, where the University of Bristol intends to locate its new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. The entrance will improve permeability through the station, and create a gateway entrance to the east of the city. The new entrance will include gatelines as a form of revenue protection to the station (it will not form part of a public unpaid route through the station), as well as required facilities for passengers to buy tickets, access information regarding trains, and potential retail facilities. The entrance will comply with Network Rail requirements regarding accessibility, security and safety, and design guidance for stations. The entrance will provide sufficient capacity to accommodate existing and future demand from the east of the station, which is expected to increase significantly as the University’s development is built out and the Temple Quarter area is regenerated. There will be a direct interface with the development site on Cattle Market Road, where it will be necessary to locate public realm and potentially canopy cover and cycle parking in connection with the new entrance.

The structural works required to deliver the entrance will require closure of platforms 13 and 15 for a number of weeks during construction, which currently service trains into London. Due to the level of disruption and cost associated with these track closures, it is necessary to utilise the existing planned closures that Network Rail has agreed for their network critical re-signalling works to Bristol East Junction. If the opportunity to align these two projects is missed then it may not be possible to deliver an eastern entrance to station, as it is unlikely that significant track closures for these services could be secured for this project in isolation.

[...]

Due to the criticality of utilising the planned track closures to carry out structural works, it is necessary to expedite the delivery timeframe of this project. The track closure is planned for Summer 2021; design work, procurement and enabling works associated with the new entrance must be complete by this time to allow structural works to be carried out during the Summer 2021 track closure. Any non-structural works to fit out and commission the entrance can be carried out after this period, but must be coordinated with the University of Bristol’s development and construction timescales.

Due to the level of interface and coordination with the Bristol East Junction signalling works and the compressed timescales for design work, Network Rail will take responsibility for delivery of this scheme, utilising in-house resource and expertise to progress the project through their GRIP governance process and ensure the Summer 2021 milestone can be met.






Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: martyjon on June 26, 2019, 10:42:32
There used to be an exit from the subway onto Cattle Market Road and also an exit direct from the subway to the forecourt up an additional flight of steps in front to the 4 or 5 steps to the point where pax turn left or right up to platforms 3/4 at present but the forecourt exit gate has been blocked in.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on June 26, 2019, 13:49:09
As well as the exit to the underside of the incline,that comes out below the Station frontage,.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on June 26, 2019, 14:18:59
So. Only 2 years to get all the ducks in a row, or no eastern portal. I can't see that the university would countenance that, so things had better start moving.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on June 26, 2019, 19:36:24
So. Only 2 years to get all the ducks in a row, or no eastern portal. I can't see that the university would countenance that, so things had better start moving.

I'm not sure it's no eastern portal, probably just a lot more expensive and longer.

On a separate note, does anyone know if the east junction resignalling work includes remodelling of the junction. Wasn't that one of the main reasons for delaying the wiring of Temple Meads? Perhaps when that's done we can have some electrification?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Celestial on June 26, 2019, 19:51:42
Do we know whether the government has actually approved the Bristol East work? I think every major investment decision is decided separately now, which is a change from the past? I agree though that once done, it makes sense to finish off the electrification.  Unfortunately Grayling and sense aren't often seen in the same sentence, though hopefully he will be gone soon (which may cause another delay, as someone new gets up to speed.)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Robin Summerhill on June 26, 2019, 21:08:47
Quote from: Western Pathfinder
As well as the exit to the underside of the incline,that comes out below the Station frontage,.

I didn't know about that one - and I used to work there  ;D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on June 26, 2019, 23:57:10
Quote from: Western Pathfinder
As well as the exit to the underside of the incline,that comes out below the Station frontage,.

I didn't know about that one - and I used to work there  ;D

It's still used occasionally as a route to busses on rail replacement.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: eXPassenger on June 27, 2019, 09:13:26
Quote from: Western Pathfinder
As well as the exit to the underside of the incline,that comes out below the Station frontage,.

I didn't know about that one - and I used to work there  ;D

It's still used occasionally as a route to busses on rail replacement.

I have used it and it felt as though we were walking all the way to Yatton.  It also needs a good scrub and a coat of paint.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Robin Summerhill on June 27, 2019, 10:53:51
Quote from: eXPassenger
Quote from: Western Pathfinder
Quote from: Robin Summerhill
Quote from: Western Pathfinder
As well as the exit to the underside of the incline,that comes out below the Station frontage,.

I didn't know about that one - and I used to work there  ;D

It's still used occasionally as a route to busses on rail replacement.

I have used it and it felt as though we were walking all the way to Yatton.  It also needs a good scrub and a coat of paint.

Where's the entrance from the subway then? Under the stairs by the lift to platform 3?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Hellzapoppin on June 27, 2019, 11:29:56
The Bristol East works is a track remodelling project and nothing to do with resignalling, that’s already done and dusted.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: eXPassenger on June 27, 2019, 13:41:01
Quote from: eXPassenger
Quote from: Western Pathfinder
Quote from: Robin Summerhill
Quote from: Western Pathfinder
As well as the exit to the underside of the incline,that comes out below the Station frontage,.

I didn't know about that one - and I used to work there  ;D

It's still used occasionally as a route to busses on rail replacement.

I have used it and it felt as though we were walking all the way to Yatton.  It also needs a good scrub and a coat of paint.

Where's the entrance from the subway then? Under the stairs by the lift to platform 3?

Yes


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 27, 2019, 13:53:33
The Bristol East works is a track remodelling project and nothing to do with resignalling, that’s already done and dusted.

Well yes: the signalling works that will be required for Bristol East will, technically, be signalling rather than resignalling. However the work will involve removing a lot of old signalling kit and replacing it with new (albeit in a different place), so you can see how people might see it that way.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 27, 2019, 16:51:36
From this post (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=21831.msg267999#msg267999), we might deduce that it will take 16 days to completely fill the Temple Meads train shed with scaffolding and, after a suitable gestation of nine months, another 16 days to take it all out again!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on June 27, 2019, 18:17:34
In much the same way that mating elephants is carried out,that being at a great height with a lot of noise and usually takes many months to produce results.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: martyjon on June 27, 2019, 19:57:22
Quote from: eXPassenger
Quote from: Western Pathfinder
Quote from: Robin Summerhill
Quote from: Western Pathfinder
As well as the exit to the underside of the incline,that comes out below the Station frontage,.
I didn't know about that one - and I used to work there  ;D
It's still used occasionally as a route to busses on rail replacement.
I have used it and it felt as though we were walking all the way to Yatton.  It also needs a good scrub and a coat of paint.
Where's the entrance from the subway then? Under the stairs by the lift to platform 3?
Yes

Confusion seems to reign on this one.

Imagine you have stepped off a service from London via Parkway at TM on platform 15 and have climbed down the staircase to the subway and are heading along the subway, past the toilets on the left you come to some 4/5 steps up to a plinthe where you have the option to then turn left for more steps up to platform 4 or right for more steps up to platform 3. If you were to knock a hole in the wall which forms the 4th edge of the plinthe opposite the 4/5 steps you would find a flight of steps which takes you up to another wall which if you knocked a hole in that wall you would find you are out on the station forecourt.

Now if the line was closed through Bath and you were heading for Bus Replacements back to Bath, you would follow the lineage on the subway surface to the lift up to platform 3 taking you to the right of the 4/5 steps and then if you progressed to the left of the lift and then continued along this dingy dungeon type tunnel it will bring you out on to a lower level road which provides a kinda forecourt to Bristol And Exeter House where you would board your rail replacement service to Bath.

Usually when Bristol holds its 'Open Doors' weekend visits are available to members of the public to the 'Dungeons of Temple Meads' which usually get booked up in minutes after bookings open.

Did you know that at the bottom of the incline where the tram lines are and there is a childrens nursery at present there was a building which was the Bristol BR Staff Association building and underneath the bottom of the incline itself there were two skittle alleys in tunnels underneath the incline itself which run parallel to the Bath Road which were accessed from the British Rail Staff Association (BRSA) building.


Edit: VickiS - Clarifying acronyms


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Robin Summerhill on June 27, 2019, 20:14:35
Quote from: martyjon

Did you know that at the bottom of the incline where the tram lines are and there is a childrens nursery at present there was a building which was the Bristol BR Staff Association building and underneath the bottom of the incline itself there were two skittle alleys in tunnels underneath the incline itself which run parallel to the Bath Road which were accessed from the BRSA building.

Yup - knew that from being a British Rail Staff Association (BRSA) member back in the 60s (just) and 70s, and also working there as part of a band in the 1980s


Edit: VickiS - Clarifying Acronym


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on June 27, 2019, 21:20:11
Me too I've played a couple of skittle matches there myself. In the 1970s the WLA used to have meetings in the bar ,iirc. That's The Western Locomotive Assocation ,not The Woman's Land Army !.


Whilst I'm here

It would seem that SOS Transport Paid a visit to Temple Meads today see the attached below.

https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/transport-secretary-supports-major-project-to-improve-rail-services-across-the-west-of-england/.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on June 28, 2019, 05:52:26
Quote from: eXPassenger
Quote from: Western Pathfinder
Quote from: Robin Summerhill
Quote from: Western Pathfinder
As well as the exit to the underside of the incline,that comes out below the Station frontage,.
I didn't know about that one - and I used to work there  ;D
It's still used occasionally as a route to busses on rail replacement.
I have used it and it felt as though we were walking all the way to Yatton.  It also needs a good scrub and a coat of paint.
Where's the entrance from the subway then? Under the stairs by the lift to platform 3?
Yes
Confusion seems to reign on this one.

[snip]

Someone's going to love me for so many levels of quoting.   As a picture paints a thousand words, can I try to interpret this ...

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/underbri.jpg)

* The currently well loved known passenger subway in Cyan
* The subway being described in this conversation in Orange
* Suggestion of an exit to the east side where the PO building used to be in Sickly Green




Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: stuving on June 28, 2019, 09:37:39
 As a picture paints a thousand words ...

If you "go" down Lower Station Approach/Bristol & Exeter Mews via the medium of Google Street View, you can see the locked exit door with its "Rail Replacement Bus Services" sign. If your medium is Google Maps, you can even see how that sign has moved in mysterious ways since 2012. And of course the bricked (stoned?) -up entrance from the forecourt can be visited too.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on June 28, 2019, 11:09:45
Me too I've played a couple of skittle matches there myself. In the 1970s the WLA used to have meetings in the bar ,iirc. That's The Western Locomotive Assocation ,not The Woman's Land Army !.


Whilst I'm here

It would seem that SOS Transport Paid a visit to Temple Meads today see the attached below.

https://www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/transport-secretary-supports-major-project-to-improve-rail-services-across-the-west-of-england/.

I shiver when I see Chris Grayling involved with anything. Is there such a thing as an anti Midas?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: jamestheredengine on June 28, 2019, 22:21:41
Confusion seems to reign on this one.

Imagine you have stepped off a service from London via Parkway at TM on platform 15 and have climbed down the staircase to the subway and are heading along the subway, past the toilets on the left you come to some 4/5 steps up to a plinthe where you have the option to then turn left for more steps up to platform 4 or right for more steps up to platform 3. If you were to knock a hole in the wall which forms the 4th edge of the plinthe opposite the 4/5 steps you would find a flight of steps which takes you up to another wall which if you knocked a hole in that wall you would find you are out on the station forecourt.

When was this closed? The masonry on the outer wall looks old.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: martyjon on June 28, 2019, 22:26:33
Confusion seems to reign on this one.

Imagine you have stepped off a service from London via Parkway at TM on platform 15 and have climbed down the staircase to the subway and are heading along the subway, past the toilets on the left you come to some 4/5 steps up to a plinthe where you have the option to then turn left for more steps up to platform 4 or right for more steps up to platform 3. If you were to knock a hole in the wall which forms the 4th edge of the plinthe opposite the 4/5 steps you would find a flight of steps which takes you up to another wall which if you knocked a hole in that wall you would find you are out on the station forecourt.

When was this closed? The masonry on the outer wall looks old.


Got no idea.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on June 28, 2019, 22:41:54
From platform three go down the steps to the underground subway ,and as soon as your feet hit the floor look to your left and there is a blue line on the floor that leads to the passenger lift, walk towards the lift and the doors that lead to the passageway are on your left hand side, it's not a public area inside ,so I will not go into any further details.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on June 28, 2019, 22:52:30
From platform three go down the steps to the underground subway ,and as soon as your feet hit the floor look to your left and there is a blue line on the floor that leads to the passenger lift, walk towards the lift and the doors that lead to the passageway are on your left hand side, it's not a public area inside ,so I will not go into any further details.

It sounds like it might be the concealed entrance to the UK U.N.C.L.E  HQ. I'm giving my age away a bit there. 😁


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on June 28, 2019, 22:55:53
Walk into the Taylor's shop and ask for Mr Solo !.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on June 28, 2019, 22:58:58
Walk into the Taylor's shop and ask for Mr Solo !.

Just open Channel D.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on June 28, 2019, 23:02:57
And I am still the proud owner of a Man From UNCLE badge!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 29, 2019, 06:27:42
From platform three go down the steps to the underground subway ,and as soon as your feet hit the floor look to your left and there is a blue line on the floor that leads to the passenger lift, walk towards the lift and the doors that lead to the passageway are on your left hand side, it's not a public area inside ,so I will not go into any further details.

I've been through that way on a couple of occasions, and don't remember signing an NDA either time... sadly all I can remember is that it's really scruffy down there, and they advise you not to touch the walls because toilet waste from not-retaining toilets heads that way under gravity.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Robin Summerhill on June 29, 2019, 09:31:05
Quote from: jamestheredengine
Quote from: martyjon
Confusion seems to reign on this one.

Imagine you have stepped off a service from London via Parkway at TM on platform 15 and have climbed down the staircase to the subway and are heading along the subway, past the toilets on the left you come to some 4/5 steps up to a plinthe where you have the option to then turn left for more steps up to platform 4 or right for more steps up to platform 3. If you were to knock a hole in the wall which forms the 4th edge of the plinthe opposite the 4/5 steps you would find a flight of steps which takes you up to another wall which if you knocked a hole in that wall you would find you are out on the station forecourt.

When was this closed? The masonry on the outer wall looks old.

I have used that route out of the station as a kid, and also the one to Cattle Market Road. They were generally only open IIRC at peak traffic periods, by which I don't mean "the peak" in the accepted sense of the term, but when 10 or 12 coach trains from WSM or Weymouth disgorged their hordes of day trippers on weekend evenings during the summer, and all of them were going the same way - out of the station.

I can't give a specific closure date either, but an educated guess would suggest some time c.1962


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 29, 2019, 11:01:45
When was this closed? The masonry on the outer wall looks old.

Bristol Temple Meads became a Grade I listed building on 1st Nov 1966 (see here for details: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1282106). Even if, as Robin Summerhill suggests, the entrance was blocked a few years before that date, I think they would have had sufficient sensitivity to use matching stonework.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Rob on the hill on June 29, 2019, 12:38:16
The BTM tunnels tours begin from this passage. They are part of the annual Bristol Open Doors Days and the tours are free, but get booked very quickly due to limited spaces and high demand.

From a google search: https://www.flickr.com/photos/newage2/sets/72157624024078970/


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on June 29, 2019, 13:31:00
The BTM tunnels tours begin from this passage. They are part of the annual Bristol Open Doors Days and the tours are free, but get booked very quickly due to limited spaces and high demand.

From a google search: https://www.flickr.com/photos/newage2/sets/72157624024078970/

As mentioned here and earlier on, these tours are booked out in the blink of an eye. I've had zero success in getting myself on a tour over some years. There must be people waiting online for the very second that tickets become available to book them. Sells out quicker than Glasto or the FA Cup.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Rob on the hill on June 29, 2019, 14:03:37
The BTM tunnels tours begin from this passage. They are part of the annual Bristol Open Doors Days and the tours are free, but get booked very quickly due to limited spaces and high demand.

From a google search: https://www.flickr.com/photos/newage2/sets/72157624024078970/

As mentioned here and earlier on, these tours are booked out in the blink of an eye. I've had zero success in getting myself on a tour over some years. There must be people waiting online for the very second that tickets become available to book them. Sells out quicker than Glasto or the FA Cup.

I managed to get on one of the tunnel tours in 2016. It wasn't part of Open Doors but a GWR 175th anniversary event. It included a tunnel tour followed by ferry boat to ss Great Britain and guided tour of the ship/museum.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Robin Summerhill on June 29, 2019, 20:50:13
As regards direct egress from the subway to the main station approach, as I recall there wasn't much of a landing at the top of those stairs. Ticket inspectors stood on both sides of the exit, and that used to create a log jam on the stairs. You would only need one person to fall over in the queue and a lot of people behind them would find themselves being knocked over and falling back down the stairs.

Thinking more about it now, it wouldn't surprise me if someone thought it a bit hazardous even back then, and H&S legislation wouldn't countenance the arrangement at all these days.

This may explain why this particular route out of the station was completely abandoned and permanently blocked up, whilst the others just had locked gates at their openings. (In the case of Cattle Market Road route it's got the Lost Property Office sitting in front of it now.)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: GBM on July 01, 2019, 06:53:42
And I am still the proud owner of a Man From UNCLE badge!

How did you get that?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 01, 2019, 08:25:13
And I am still the proud owner of a Man From UNCLE badge!

How did you get that?

Didn't they used to hand them out at Del Floria's Tailor Shop?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on July 01, 2019, 10:41:09
And I am still the proud owner of a Man From UNCLE badge!

How did you get that?

Didn't they used to hand them out at Del Floria's Tailor Shop?

Not to me they didn't but they did a wonderful job with pressing my trousers!

Found the badges collecting dust in the back of a little shop in Hope Cove in 1980 but alas no one pointed me to a hidden door.  5p each, had to buy the lot. Sold/gave away most of them to friends but still have at least one.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: caliwag on July 01, 2019, 14:05:46
Article in your esteemed local Trumpet...is this of any newsworthiness or something drummed up on a quiet Monday by Phil Space and Phillipa Page (Apologies to Private Eye)

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-temple-meads-junction-trains-3031350


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Robin Summerhill on July 03, 2019, 20:02:59
Quote from: Red Squirrel
Quote from: jamestheredengine
When was this closed? The masonry on the outer wall looks old.

Bristol Temple Meads became a Grade I listed building on 1st Nov 1966 (see here for details: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1282106). Even if, as Robin Summerhill suggests, the entrance was blocked a few years before that date, I think they would have had sufficient sensitivity to use matching stonework.

I was at Temple Meads today so I went to have a more detailed look at the external wall where the exit via the stairway once was.

The infilled section very closely matches the original. All a trained eye could see was that the blockwork is very slightly less rough and the individual blocks are a little smaller.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on July 03, 2019, 22:27:03
Quote from: eXPassenger
Quote from: Western Pathfinder
Quote from: Robin Summerhill
Quote from: Western Pathfinder
As well as the exit to the underside of the incline,that comes out below the Station frontage,.
I didn't know about that one - and I used to work there  ;D
It's still used occasionally as a route to busses on rail replacement.
I have used it and it felt as though we were walking all the way to Yatton.  It also needs a good scrub and a coat of paint.
Where's the entrance from the subway then? Under the stairs by the lift to platform 3?
Yes
Confusion seems to reign on this one.

Someone's going to love me for so many levels of quoting. 

Ahem!  :o ::) >:(


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Rob on the hill on July 20, 2019, 12:29:10
The BTM tunnels tours begin from this passage. They are part of the annual Bristol Open Doors Days and the tours are free, but get booked very quickly due to limited spaces and high demand.

From a google search: https://www.flickr.com/photos/newage2/sets/72157624024078970/

As mentioned here and earlier on, these tours are booked out in the blink of an eye. I've had zero success in getting myself on a tour over some years. There must be people waiting online for the very second that tickets become available to book them. Sells out quicker than Glasto or the FA Cup.

I managed to get on one of the tunnel tours in 2016. It wasn't part of Open Doors but a GWR 175th anniversary event. It included a tunnel tour followed by ferry boat to ss Great Britain and guided tour of the ship/museum.

The BTM tunnels are not included in the Open Doors weekend in September, which is a shame. Anyone know why this is?

Here are the venues for this year: https://bristolopendoors.org.uk/whats-on/


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on July 22, 2019, 15:35:53
For anyone who is interested, the inbound bus stop outside the Sidings/Reckless Engineer pub is now out of action as of yesterday and looks as though it will be imminently removed for the pavement to be widened. 

The new bus stop a little further in has opened, although it is definitely unfinished, and has an air of someone realising at the last minute that there would be hell to pay if everyone had to get off at the bottom of Victoria Street / outside the Garden Inn as I'd seen posted elsewhere. 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: martyjon on July 22, 2019, 16:13:59
For anyone who is interested, the inbound bus stop outside the Sidings/Reckless Engineer pub is now out of action as of yesterday and looks as though it will be imminently removed for the pavement to be widened. 

The new bus stop a little further in has opened, although it is definitely unfinished, and has an air of someone realising at the last minute that there would be hell to pay if everyone had to get off at the bottom of Victoria Street / outside the Garden Inn as I'd seen posted elsewhere. 


AIUI the new bus stop is a Metrobus stop, the inbound stop for other services will be in Victoria Street, described as a 5 minute walk to the side entrance to the railway station. Out of interest also, the outbound stop for the Brislington P & R is on Redcliffe Way opposite St. Mary's Redcliffe Church which is about a 10 minute walk from the station entrance whilst the service passes the new bus stop at the bottom of the incline, a 2 minute walk from the stations main entrance.

For years I have thought that those planning the present day road network of Bristol were bonkers, with the latest unveilings I realise we got what we got when its devised by idiots.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on July 22, 2019, 21:59:35
AIUI the new bus stop is a Metrobus stop, the inbound stop for other services will be in Victoria Street, described as a 5 minute walk to the side entrance to the railway station. Out of interest also, the outbound stop for the Brislington P & R is on Redcliffe Way opposite St. Mary's Redcliffe Church which is about a 10 minute walk from the station entrance whilst the service passes the new bus stop at the bottom of the incline, a 2 minute walk from the stations main entrance.

For years I have thought that those planning the present day road network of Bristol were bonkers, with the latest unveilings I realise we got what we got when its devised by idiots.

I'm sure it will all make sense when the new side entrance to Temple Meads is finished. In about 5 years' time.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on July 23, 2019, 10:09:58
For anyone who is interested, the inbound bus stop outside the Sidings/Reckless Engineer pub is now out of action as of yesterday and looks as though it will be imminently removed for the pavement to be widened. 

The new bus stop a little further in has opened, although it is definitely unfinished, and has an air of someone realising at the last minute that there would be hell to pay if everyone had to get off at the bottom of Victoria Street / outside the Garden Inn as I'd seen posted elsewhere. 

I must admit I did panic when my bus carried on past here last night

On early plans the new stop was going to be near the abandoned hotel.
But as the many of the buses that stop at Temple Meads now come past St Mary Redcliffe perhaps these plans have changed


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on July 23, 2019, 21:49:48
For anyone who is interested, the inbound bus stop outside the Sidings/Reckless Engineer pub is now out of action as of yesterday and looks as though it will be imminently removed for the pavement to be widened. 

The new bus stop a little further in has opened, although it is definitely unfinished, and has an air of someone realising at the last minute that there would be hell to pay if everyone had to get off at the bottom of Victoria Street / outside the Garden Inn as I'd seen posted elsewhere. 


AIUI the new bus stop is a Metrobus stop, the inbound stop for other services will be in Victoria Street, described as a 5 minute walk to the side entrance to the railway station. Out of interest also, the outbound stop for the Brislington P & R is on Redcliffe Way opposite St. Mary's Redcliffe Church which is about a 10 minute walk from the station entrance whilst the service passes the new bus stop at the bottom of the incline, a 2 minute walk from the stations main entrance.

For years I have thought that those planning the present day road network of Bristol were bonkers, with the latest unveilings I realise we got what we got when its devised by idiots.

The number 2 stopped there on Monday, but that was perhaps driver error/mutiny avoidance!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 24, 2019, 09:55:34
For years I have thought that those planning the present day road network of Bristol were bonkers, with the latest unveilings I realise we got what we got when its devised by idiots.

For the most part, the changes made to Bristol's road network since about 1990 have been positive:

* Removal of through traffic past the Cathedral;
* Removal of the dual-carriageway through the middle of Queen Square;
* Removal of much through traffic from The Centre;
* Removal of Redcliffe Flyover.

The one scheme most people agree was aberrant was the Temple Circus Gyratory which replaced Redcliffe Flyover. Wise heads at the time said that a crossroads arrangement would make more sense, but possibly due to a failure of nerve they were over-ruled. Now, at last, we are getting one. I would agree that the positioning of the MetroBus stops is surprisingly inconvenient, but that is just one aspect (albeit an important one) of what is otherwise a huge improvement.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on July 24, 2019, 11:14:24
A lot of people seem to, or say they, miss the flyover. It was a feature of the city (an ugly one IMO, although quite fun to use). The most dramatic of the improvements listed by RS above has to be (IMO) the transformation of Queen Square from an urban motorway to an extremely pleasant area of both leisure and work.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: WelshBluebird on July 24, 2019, 11:41:08
Having only known Queen Square it as it is today, I am totally bamboozled by the pictures of it with a dual carriageway running through the centre of it! Utter madness. Of course, there is an element of it being "of the time" as in that era, and especially in Bristol, the car was king. But it still totally baffles me that anyone thought that was a good idea.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on July 24, 2019, 11:44:25
"That time" was the 1930s, in this case.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on July 25, 2019, 16:31:37
"That time" was the 1930s, in this case.

Indeed, as part of the larger inner circuit road - don't think that the only municipal philistinism was postwar, plenty of it prewar - the Portway dates back to 1926, during which time all sorts of other interesting stuff was demolished. 

Also, don't forget that not only did Queens' Square have road running through the middle, but the sides of the square were used as a bus park. Amazing that as much remains as it does really.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on August 18, 2019, 17:03:19
And here's an announcement from Network Rail (https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/network-rail-sets-out-gbp-1million-plan-to-improve-station-facilities#) about having put in that water fountain, and similar stuff, to the tune of £1M. While it includes things both done and not yet done at Reading and Paddington, the biggest item is:
Quote
In the next year work will begin on a new roof at the station which will enable the continued safe running of the station and more than 150 new seats will be installed.

Not quite sure how to read that...

I spotted the new seats the other day - very happy to report that they are not the appalling bum-freezer/cheese grater style metal seats that blight many a station, but proper cast-iron-and-wood benches complete with 30s-style GWR roundels. NR deserve 11/10 for this - they are, in every way, perfect!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: the void on August 19, 2019, 07:15:39
It's actually a combination of the two - there are quite a few new 'cheese grater' benches too. I don't know why it's taken them so long to install these new benches - the wooden ones have been stacked up in the service tunnel for years. They've also put notices on the new benches, announcing the fact that they've installed new benches. Well yes, we can see that!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on August 19, 2019, 09:25:40
"If you notice this notice, you will notice it's not worth noticing."


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on August 20, 2019, 17:51:19
"If you notice this notice, you will notice it's not worth noticing."

Or, as they say in Yukon Territory:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48585760917_635a8a3f11_c.jpg)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on August 20, 2019, 17:58:19
And for the more officious local authority officer!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on August 24, 2019, 18:17:08
And here's an announcement from Network Rail (https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/network-rail-sets-out-gbp-1million-plan-to-improve-station-facilities#) about having put in that water fountain, and similar stuff, to the tune of £1M. While it includes things both done and not yet done at Reading and Paddington, the biggest item is:
Quote
In the next year work will begin on a new roof at the station which will enable the continued safe running of the station and more than 150 new seats will be installed.

Not quite sure how to read that...

I spotted the new seats the other day - very happy to report that they are not the appalling bum-freezer/cheese grater style metal seats that blight many a station, but proper cast-iron-and-wood benches complete with 30s-style GWR roundels. NR deserve 11/10 for this - they are, in every way, perfect!

I've attached an image of one of the new benches, with affixed notice:


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: rower40 on September 03, 2019, 07:13:54
I've attached an image of one of the new benches, with affixed notice:

Did the other side of the notice read "Wet Paint"?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: IndustryInsider on September 03, 2019, 09:32:21
Similar signs at Reading on the new seating installed on the platforms there.  A very different design of seat to the one pictured above in Bristol, to match the modern design of the station.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on September 03, 2019, 10:57:18
On a similar theme Weston station has also had new seats installed.
Nothing too special about that except they seem to have been made to measure as they are all different lengths fitting into specific areas
They have one bench that literally is only big enough for two people  ;D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 28, 2019, 11:47:59
I went along to a meeting at Mott MacDonald the other day, reviewing the current status of the upgrade plan for Temple Meads. You'll see something very similar to this on the new FOSBR website when it goes live, but for now here's my report!

New main entrance

Perhaps the biggest change in these proposals is to the main entrance. The current entrance at the top of the station incline is cramped and confusing, with arriving and departing passengers crossing paths with people buying tickets, and little opportunity to add retail outlets. Perhaps surprisingly, 60% of station users already enter through the northern entrance – the narrow path across the front of the Midland shed. If the plans go ahead, this will become the main entrance.

The Midland Shed looks set to become a foyer for the station. Platforms 0 and 1, on the site of the current Signal Box, will be extended to about the point where the path currently crosses, thus avoiding the need for a subway or bridge to cross these tracks.

Eastern entrance

There was not much detail as to how the eastern entrance, giving access to the University development on the old Post Office site, will work. It was clear that this will not be a right of way, but purely an entrance to the station. The artist’s impression also showed a footbridge linking the platforms outside the main train shed; apparently this may be required in future to boost the capacity of the subway.

Buses

Terminating buses will be moved from the station incline to the Friary. This caused raised eyebrows at the meeting, because the new, nearly complete road scheme at Temple Gate may not accommodate this very well.

Parking

Cycle parking will be ‘decanted’, first to a temporary containerised facility at Friary and then later to a high quality cycle hub capable of accommodating 800 to 1000 bikes.

A new multistory car park (with cycle parking) on the southern side of the River Avon will replace all the staff and public car parking in the Midland Shed area, on the incline and in the current Temple Gate multistory. A path along the current Fish Dock siding will allow quick, easy, level access into the southern end of the station.

The pedestrian area in front of the (current) main entrance is to be extended, moving vehicles further away from the station building. The only private car parking retained here will be for disabled users.

Taxis will continue to use the Incline. This drew criticism from a representative of the taxi drivers, who felt that taxis and buses should be in the same place.

Retail

Retail is a very important aspect of major modern stations. Station retail is one of the few areas in the sector that is still experiencing growth, and it is recognised that Temple Meads currently has a very poor offer. These plans allow much scope for extending retail here, but it is also recognised that this needs to reflect Bristol’s special ‘independent’ streak – so units will be fitted out at a level which will appeal to independents.

Accessibility

The main criticism of accessibility concerned the distances between modes. People arriving by train who wish to travel on to places such as Wells or Cheddar, for example, will need to go at least 250m to reach their bus at Temple Gate. Even local terminating buses will be over 100m from the station.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on November 28, 2019, 13:17:42
Thanks for the very clear summary.

If the northern entrance is to become the official main entrance, as well as the most popular, then it does make sense for buses to stop in the Friary rather than on the Incline. I agree with the taxidriver that it would be more convenient to have taxis and buses in the same area, but I wonder if there will be space. I also wonder how passengers to/from the buses will interact with those coming on foot or bike from the Valentine and Cheesegrater bridges: is there a plan to build a second footbridge across the 'moat'?

Finally, where is the Fish Dock siding? It sounds like there's going to be a footbridge across the Avon directly into the station?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: infoman on November 28, 2019, 13:54:54
Fishdock was/is the sidings on the right hand side of Platform two if you are looking towards the trains arriving from the weston direction


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 28, 2019, 14:07:54
Finally, where is the Fish Dock siding? It sounds like there's going to be a footbridge across the Avon directly into the station?

To expand on infoman's reply, the plan involves using the trackbed on the west side of the Cattle Market Road bridge. It wasn't clear whether this this meant taking out both tracks into the Platform 2 bay, or just the westernmost; I had imagined that P2 would be used for Portishead terminators but perhaps that's not necessary.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on November 28, 2019, 14:37:17
Thanks. Fish Dock perhaps makes more sense as a name than Platform 2, as I don't think I've ever seen a passenger service there. Mind you, maybe Yellow Engineering Train Dock would be most appropriate!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on November 28, 2019, 14:53:23
Thank you for that report. Does the removal of the subway represent the first stroke of "value engineering"? I thought that P0 and P1 were going to be for the via Parkway London services primarily, but unless P1 is extended, it won't hold a 9-car IET.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on November 28, 2019, 16:02:23
Thank you, very informative.

So, some speculation based on Red Squirrel's summary. 

- Using the Midland shed for a foyer is a neat trick as indeed, it avoids having to build over or under platforms 0 and 1. It's quite a big space and IIRC there are a row of windows on the northern side that could be unbricked for light. But I imagine that there is very little, if any, structural alteration that needs to be made to the listed shell. Which could make for speedy consenting and build. There's also the possibility of taking over the existing event space for offices etc.

- Furthermore, it should be possible to build the new foyer before the signal box is removed, which can't happen until various bits of track west of Bristol have been resignalled, which I believe is currently postponed. Also handy. However, that resignalling will facilitate electrification, so it's good news that platforms 0 and 1 are in the plan. I *think* that if the start of P0 and P1 are moved a little west of the current walkway there's just about enough space for a 10-car IET.

- I believe that a public walkway under the station was promised by the Council and University and work is planned to build it during the 2021 blockade.

- Busses - the only service that you'd really need to be on the Friary is the A1 and A2 towards the airport. The rest could conceivably all end up on Temple Gate, with the southbound stop used to berth the odd bus.

- Where the cycle hub would be is an interesting question. My guess is that the current car park between the station and the Friary will end up with a big glass box on it, and the ground floor of that box would be a load of retail and food chains, which might explain why Network Rail is so supportive of local businesses for a change.   

- The car parking will go on the Kwik-Fit site. Using the engineers' siding is a neat trick as it exits on the level next to the BTP offices, but as far as I can see, the platform face is still kept if required as there are two lines. I reckon you could just about get away with an entrance and exit into the roundabout to permit northbound exits with a bit of work and phasing of the lights.

One question though - was there any mention of electrification in the plans?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 28, 2019, 17:03:17
Thank you for that report. Does the removal of the subway represent the first stroke of "value engineering"?

I don't think so - I think it was always going to be a big ask to create a public subway right under the station because that would require either a set of ticket barriers at every platform, or a whole new subway built through the vaults. As it is, there will be a new route along the Floating Harbour immediately to the north of the station, so anyone wanting to get round rather than into the station will at least have that as an option.

I thought that P0 and P1 were going to be for the via Parkway London services primarily, but unless P1 is extended, it won't hold a 9-car IET.

As soon as I saw the stubby little bay on the artist's impression, I thought 'Aha, that'll do for terminators coming in on the reliefs - Severn Beach, Henbury, Gloucester, Great Malvern... By my reckoning the platforms will be about 160m, so enough to accommodate a 5-car IET or a Castle set.


One question though - was there any mention of electrification in the plans?


No.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on November 28, 2019, 17:25:45
- Where the cycle hub would be is an interesting question. My guess is that the current car park between the station and the Friary will end up with a big glass box on it, and the ground floor of that box would be a load of retail and food chains, which might explain why Network Rail is so supportive of local businesses for a change.   
At the moment there's cycle parking in front of the BTP* station and on P2 (or 3? thereabouts). Not sure why the parking in front of BTP has to move?

*That's British Transport Police not Boston Tea Party, though it might be a good idea to have one of each onsite.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on November 28, 2019, 17:36:53
Very interesting information. Did anyone stick their neck out with timescales for these changes? Are there any illustrations of the plans available yet.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on February 05, 2020, 22:35:47
The first phase of remodelling Bristol East Junction - moving the substation near Oxford St in St Philips - appears to have begun:

(https://fosbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/bristol-east-20200205.jpg)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on February 06, 2020, 10:56:30
The first phase of remodelling Bristol East Junction - moving the substation near Oxford St in St Philips - appears to have begun:

(https://fosbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/bristol-east-20200205.jpg)

I noticed there are lots of these temporary footpaths being installed the other end of the station too, linking platform 2 and West of the station


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on February 06, 2020, 13:06:04
So that's what they're doing!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on February 06, 2020, 15:03:03
Quote
On Track – Putting Temple Meads Station at the heart of Bristol’s future
Posted on February 6, 2020 by marvinjrees
Today’s guest blog comes from Sir Peter Hendy CBE, Chair of Network Rail.

It’s a crucial time for Temple Meads station. Investment in a new rail fleet is creating extra train capacity and faster connections between Bristol, London and elsewhere, and passenger numbers passing through Brunel’s masterpiece are expected to reach 22 million a year by 2030.

We’ve wanted to improve Temple Meads station for passengers and people passing through the area for a long time.

We haven’t had the resources to do this on our own, so we’ve grasped a once-in–a-lifetime opportunity to work with Bristol City Council, WECA, Homes England and the University of Bristol to put Temple Meads at the heart of a new urban quarter helping to unlock new homes, jobs, opportunities and connectivity.

Improvements to the station will make it a 21st century transport hub by doubling its passenger capacity and linking to public transport improvements that will reduce congestion, reduce carbon use and make it easier to travel to and around the city.

As part of the Temple Quarter masterplan work we plan to:

•Make it easier for passengers to move around in the station itself, create new platforms and improve existing ones.
•Transform the northern gateway (by the Friary) creating a new concourse with improved retail, ticket office and passenger facilities.  The gateway will open up to a new transport hub on the Friary with easy connections for pedestrians, cyclists and the local and citywide bus network.
•Create a new eastern entrance from the station subway opening onto the University of Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and the east of the city.
We’re excited and proud to see Temple Meads at the centre of this harmonious, co-ordinated plan to create a thriving new quarter in the centre of the city that will help boost the city economy and open up opportunities for people and businesses.

Succeeding in this needs a shared ambition so we really value the support and collaboration from our fellow partners both to create something unique for Bristol, its citizens and economy, and, as we should, putting passengers first on our railway.

Bristol City Council is presenting an overview of the work in Temple Quarter, and an update on how future proposals for the area are progressing, to the Growth and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee next week. You can view the presentation here (https://democracy.bristol.gov.uk/documents/s46151/Bristol%20Temple%20Quarter%20Slides%20Feb%2020.pdf) and here (https://democracy.bristol.gov.uk/documents/s46150/Bristol%20Temple%20Quarter%20Report%20Feb%2020.pdf).
Source: Mayor of Bristol's Blog (https://thebristolmayor.wordpress.com/2020/02/06/on-track-putting-temple-meads-station-at-the-heart-of-bristols-future/)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on June 26, 2020, 17:32:48
Information received from Network Rail

Quote

Good Morning,

Please see our press release below that was issued today on behalf of the roof refurbishment contract signing at Bristol Temple Meads.

Contract signing kick-starts a cleaner, brighter future for Bristol passengers

Bristol Temple Meads

Rail passengers are set to see the historic Bristol Temple Meads brought back to its former glory with a huge restoration programme getting underway this summer.   
   
Network Rail’s plans have reached an important milestone with the signing of Taziker as primary contractor in a three-year refurbishment of the famous Victorian roof on the city’s oldest station.
   
In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, the £24 million contract is good news for the economy with around 75 full-time workers expected onsite at the peak of the project.   
   
Taziker has also committed to creating apprenticeships for local people; offering a unique opportunity to work alongside experts with experience on other heritage landmarks including Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol and the Royal Albert Bridge in Plymouth.   
   
As well as refreshing the roof for a cleaner, brighter experience for passengers, work on the Grade I listed structure will protect it from further deterioration for future generations. It will involve extensive metal and woodwork repairs and the complete re-glazing of the roof and canopies. This is the first major refurbishment of the station roof in over 25 years; due for completion in 2023.   
   
The project is part of a wider programme of railway upgrades in the area to improve reliability, capacity and the overall passenger experience.   
   
This includes the remodelling of a crucial junction just outside the station; a complete rewire of the station’s electrical system, and in collaboration with West of England Combined Authority the creation of a new station entrance which will offer access to a new university of Bristol campus and the east of the city. 
   
Mike Gallop, Western Route Director, Network Rail, said: “This is a great moment for Bristol and the whole West of England as we will be providing a brighter station for passengers, worthy of the original creator, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
 
We're ambitious about our plans for the railway in the city, and this is just the first step in providing a world-class station to enable more people to get to their jobs and encouraging more investment in the area."
 
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “I’m really pleased that Temple Meads will be renovated while we look forward to future expansion of an eastern entrance. This is a much-needed step forward in the enhancement of the station and a significant boost for Bristol during this really difficult time.
 
The Council is working to improve the transport network in Bristol for pedestrians and cyclists, and we’re pushing ahead with the Bus Deal to make it easier for residents in Bristol to travel safely and sustainably. Making improvements to Temple Meads feeds into Bristol’s ambitions for cleaner air and carbon neutrality.
 
We’re grateful for the progress that has been made so far and look forward to seeing the final improvements to a symbol of Bristol’s past and future transport network.”
 
Tom Nicotra, Business Development Director, Taziker said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work on another of Brunel’s masterpieces and have experience working on landmarks including Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension bridge and the Royal Albert bridge in Plymouth.   
   
We understand the special place that these pieces of infrastructure hold in the hearts of local communities. They represent a gateway to the history of the area and a living place of the city’s heritage. We look forward to restoring this fantastic piece of Victorian engineering.”   
 
Nina Howe, Passenger Manager, Transport Focus said: “Passengers will welcome this investment in Bristol Temple Meads station. We know their satisfaction with the station had improved, but it was still lagging behind other major stations including Paddington and Reading. The refurbishment of the roof will go a long way to improve the overall environment for passengers. Network Rail and train operators will need to keep any disruption during the work to a minimum with visible, helpful staff on hand to provide support.” 

Best wishes

Tala Ghannam | Communications Executive
Network Rail | Temple Point | Redcliffe Way | Bristol | BS1 6NL

Edit: Press release shewn as quote - RS


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: martyjon on June 26, 2020, 20:35:03
Information received from Network Rail

Good Morning,

Please see our press release below that was issued today on behalf of the roof refurbishment contract signing at Bristol Temple Meads.

Contract signing kick-starts a cleaner, brighter future for Bristol passengers

Bristol Temple Meads

Rail passengers are set to see the historic Bristol Temple Meads brought back to its former glory with a huge restoration programme getting underway this summer.   
   
Network Rail’s plans have reached an important milestone with the signing of Taziker as primary contractor in a three-year refurbishment of the famous Victorian roof on the city’s oldest station.
   
In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, the £24 million contract is good news for the economy with around 75 full-time workers expected onsite at the peak of the project.   
   
Taziker has also committed to creating apprenticeships for local people; offering a unique opportunity to work alongside experts with experience on other heritage landmarks including Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol and the Royal Albert Bridge in Plymouth.   
   
As well as refreshing the roof for a cleaner, brighter experience for passengers, work on the Grade I listed structure will protect it from further deterioration for future generations. It will involve extensive metal and woodwork repairs and the complete re-glazing of the roof and canopies. This is the first major refurbishment of the station roof in over 25 years; due for completion in 2023.   
   
The project is part of a wider programme of railway upgrades in the area to improve reliability, capacity and the overall passenger experience.   
   
This includes the remodelling of a crucial junction just outside the station; a complete rewire of the station’s electrical system, and in collaboration with West of England Combined Authority the creation of a new station entrance which will offer access to a new university of Bristol campus and the east of the city. 
   
Mike Gallop, Western Route Director, Network Rail, said: “This is a great moment for Bristol and the whole West of England as we will be providing a brighter station for passengers, worthy of the original creator, Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
 
We're ambitious about our plans for the railway in the city, and this is just the first step in providing a world-class station to enable more people to get to their jobs and encouraging more investment in the area."
 
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “I’m really pleased that Temple Meads will be renovated while we look forward to future expansion of an eastern entrance. This is a much-needed step forward in the enhancement of the station and a significant boost for Bristol during this really difficult time.
 
The Council is working to improve the transport network in Bristol for pedestrians and cyclists, and we’re pushing ahead with the Bus Deal to make it easier for residents in Bristol to travel safely and sustainably. Making improvements to Temple Meads feeds into Bristol’s ambitions for cleaner air and carbon neutrality.
 
We’re grateful for the progress that has been made so far and look forward to seeing the final improvements to a symbol of Bristol’s past and future transport network.”
 
Tom Nicotra, Business Development Director, Taziker said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work on another of Brunel’s masterpieces and have experience working on landmarks including Bristol’s iconic Clifton Suspension bridge and the Royal Albert bridge in Plymouth.   
   
We understand the special place that these pieces of infrastructure hold in the hearts of local communities. They represent a gateway to the history of the area and a living place of the city’s heritage. We look forward to restoring this fantastic piece of Victorian engineering.”   
 
Nina Howe, Passenger Manager, Transport Focus said: “Passengers will welcome this investment in Bristol Temple Meads station. We know their satisfaction with the station had improved, but it was still lagging behind other major stations including Paddington and Reading. The refurbishment of the roof will go a long way to improve the overall environment for passengers. Network Rail and train operators will need to keep any disruption during the work to a minimum with visible, helpful staff on hand to provide support.” 

Best wishes

Tala Ghannam | Communications Executive
Network Rail | Temple Point | Redcliffe Way | Bristol | BS1 6NL


I am of a certain vintage that I can remember the last refurbishment of the roof glazing at TM. Unless the glazing is periodically cleaned the roof of the station will look just as bad as it is now, would not the deployment of a power wash jet clean the glazing as if I remember the last refurbishment proclaimed the roof was good for another 100 years and that was a mere 50 years ago unless a member posting on this forum can provide the actual date of the last refurbishment of the roof.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 26, 2020, 22:58:05

I am of a certain vintage that I can remember the last refurbishment of the roof glazing at TM. Unless the glazing is periodically cleaned the roof of the station will look just as bad as it is now, would not the deployment of a power wash jet clean the glazing as if I remember the last refurbishment proclaimed the roof was good for another 100 years and that was a mere 50 years ago unless a member posting on this forum can provide the actual date of the last refurbishment of the roof.


The last refurbishment was done in the 1980s using the cheapest materials and with minimal provision for such basic activities as actually being able to clean the plastic material that was used for the glazing.

We can be sure that this time they'll do a far better job.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on June 26, 2020, 23:43:23

We can be sure that this time they'll do a far better job.

That made I larff! ;D ;D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on June 27, 2020, 09:06:56

We can be sure that this time they'll do a far better job.

That made I larff! ;D ;D

Making proper provision for safe access to clean the glazing and/or minimising the need for cleaning follows not from choice but from modern health ad safety laws (CDM Regs). It would be limited to what is reasonably practicable in an old listed building, but some provision would need to be made. In modern high rise buildings the glass has a super-hydrophobic surface that resists dirt so it is self cleaning. I don't know if it would work for the underside of the glass with soot from diesel fumes but that would appear to be the solution if it exists. 



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on June 27, 2020, 11:13:56
So this heralds the end of the wet weather puddle on platform 5 then. It just won't seem the same any more.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 27, 2020, 11:16:46

We can be sure that this time they'll do a far better job.

That made I larff! ;D ;D

I've studied the spec.

Last time they used a plastic material for the glazing which has now delaminated and discoloured (it's not just dirty!). Remember that this was done at the nadir of Britain's railways; Filton Bank had just been dequadrified and the Settle and Carlisle was set to close.

This time they're using real glass..!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on June 27, 2020, 12:06:57

This time they're using real glass..!

That made I smile! I hope it has provision for cleaning occasionally.

I don't know if it would work for the underside of the glass with soot from diesel fumes but that would appear to be the solution if it exists. 

That, or electrification. The new IETs look pretty clean at present, but the Voyagers especially can get a bit claggy.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 27, 2020, 12:19:08
It's all there, in 15/01847/LA (https://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?previousCaseType=Application&keyVal=NMSJVPDNIX900&previousCaseNumber=16%2F01740%2FCOND&activeTab=summary&previousKeyVal=O4ZY9IDNL4C00)!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Celestial on June 27, 2020, 12:29:25
One thing I've noticed at Temple Meads is that on some of the normal platform canopy glazing, it is so covered with moss that there is no light coming through at all. Now I know that cleaning isn't as simple as someone putting a ladder up and giving it a spray and a wipe, but conversely, it won't be as hard and expensive as the main train shed roof.  So it does seem poor that it would appear to be decades since it was last done.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 27, 2020, 12:37:57
One thing I've noticed at Temple Meads is that on some of the normal platform canopy glazing, it is so covered with moss that there is no light coming through at all. Now I know that cleaning isn't as simple as someone putting a ladder up and giving it a spray and a wipe, but conversely, it won't be as hard and expensive as the main train shed roof.  So it does seem poor that it would appear to be decades since it was last done.

Well as I said:

Last time they used a plastic material for the glazing which has now delaminated and discoloured (it's not just dirty!).

If you look at 15/01847/LA as linked in my previous post, you'll see the material was actually GRP. This time it will be laminated glass, and they will put up an access system to allow for cleaning.

I think the mindset in the '86 renovation reflected the general view that there wasn't much point spending a lot of money on a station given that by the year 2000 we'd all be using flying cars.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: caliwag on June 27, 2020, 14:42:54
We had the glass V cleaning debate on St Pancras extension. Cradles were installed, and could only be used when the juice was switched off. It's pretty much a 24 hour station ( As much as we knew at design time) so really the cradles were a fairly cumbersome waste. I think the coating that can be applied to the glass relies on rain and therefore would be pretty ineffective internally. The issue is always break dust and diesel fumes. I assume 125s are still used. So I guess St P is looking a bit grubby now.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on June 27, 2020, 14:56:27
It's all there, in 15/01847/LA (https://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?previousCaseType=Application&keyVal=NMSJVPDNIX900&previousCaseNumber=16%2F01740%2FCOND&activeTab=summary&previousKeyVal=O4ZY9IDNL4C00)!

It is, and very interesting too.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Celestial on June 27, 2020, 15:01:22
One thing I've noticed at Temple Meads is that on some of the normal platform canopy glazing, it is so covered with moss that there is no light coming through at all. Now I know that cleaning isn't as simple as someone putting a ladder up and giving it a spray and a wipe, but conversely, it won't be as hard and expensive as the main train shed roof.  So it does seem poor that it would appear to be decades since it was last done.

Well as I said:

Last time they used a plastic material for the glazing which has now delaminated and discoloured (it's not just dirty!).

If you look at 15/01847/LA as linked in my previous post

Sorry, I think that's a rather patronising and disappointing reply that doesn't encourage discussion but makes me feel slapped down.

Particularly as the aspect of the station I was referring to is not covered by the proposal, as the planning application makes clear.  And even if it did, the comment was in relation to an aspect that could have easily have been better maintained over the last 20 years or so, regardless of what the current proposal is.

But I won't bother commenting further if that's going to be the tone of any response.  Hardly a friendly forum?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on June 27, 2020, 15:05:13
It's all there, in 15/01847/LA (https://planningonline.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?previousCaseType=Application&keyVal=NMSJVPDNIX900&previousCaseNumber=16%2F01740%2FCOND&activeTab=summary&previousKeyVal=O4ZY9IDNL4C00)!

It is, and very interesting too.



Also this from NR on their Twitter feed https://mobile.twitter.com/networkrailwest/status/1276470264239321090


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on June 27, 2020, 15:46:43

But I won't bother commenting further if that's going to be the tone of any response.  Hardly a friendly forum?

I'm deep (ocean deep) into 'stuff' today ... but I noted this.

It's so easy on a forum for just a single response from one member to come across unfriendly - especially in an environment where we gain strength from different views and ways of expressing them.   And it's so easy (when writing) to 'say' something that's taken in a way that was not intended.

I know little of the roof at Temple Meads; will probably be very light in any comments I make - but hope all of the rest of you can carry on.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on June 27, 2020, 16:45:32

But I won't bother commenting further if that's going to be the tone of any response.  Hardly a friendly forum?

I'm deep (ocean deep) into 'stuff' today ... but I noted this.

It's so easy on a forum for just a single response from one member to come across unfriendly - especially in an environment where we gain strength from different views and ways of expressing them.   And it's so easy (when writing) to 'say' something that's taken in a way that was not intended.

I know little of the roof at Temple Meads; will probably be very light in any comments I make - but hope all of the rest of you can carry on.

Squirrels don't bite, in my experience.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 27, 2020, 17:17:37

Sorry, I think that's a rather patronising and disappointing reply that doesn't encourage discussion but makes me feel slapped down.


That wasn't my intention, and I'm sorry for any offence. You were (as I see now re-reading your post) very clearly talking about the extended canopies rather than the overall roof, but somehow I missed that. My bad.

I think you are also suggesting that the fact that the main roof was badly repaired in 1986 does not excuse the lack of maintenance elsewhere. I would have to agree.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Celestial on June 27, 2020, 17:29:43

That wasn't my intention, and I'm sorry for any offence. You were (as I see now re-reading your post) very clearly talking about the extended canopies rather than the overall roof, but somehow I missed that. My bad.

I think you are also suggesting that the fact that the main roof was badly repaired in 1986 does not excuse the lack of maintenance elsewhere. I would have to agree.
Thanks for that, it's appreciated. I think the fact that several people had liked your post particularly wound me up, given the tone I read into it, hence my aggrieved response.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: southwest on June 27, 2020, 18:14:01

That wasn't my intention, and I'm sorry for any offence. You were (as I see now re-reading your post) very clearly talking about the extended canopies rather than the overall roof, but somehow I missed that. My bad.

I think you are also suggesting that the fact that the main roof was badly repaired in 1986 does not excuse the lack of maintenance elsewhere. I would have to agree.
Thanks for that, it's appreciated. I think the fact that several people had liked your post particularly wound me up, given the tone I read into it, hence my aggrieved response.

It happens quite a lot on here, quite a few people either don't realise they are doing it or enjoy aggravating people, often the ons who have been on here the longest. It would just be nice if people thought about what they typed before typing.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Celestial on June 27, 2020, 18:30:15

It happens quite a lot on here, quite a few people either don't realise they are doing it or enjoy aggravating people, often the ons who have been on here the longest. It would just be nice if people thought about what they typed before typing.
I don't imagine for one moment that Red Squirrel was deliberately trying to aggravate me. Your second comment is undoubtedly true of social media generally, but I wouldn't say this forum is any worse than others, and actually probably a lot better. Still, the apology was very much appreciated and has been accepted, so the matter is closed as far as I am concerned.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on June 27, 2020, 18:50:55
It happens quite a lot on here, quite a few people either don't realise they are doing it or enjoy aggravating people, often the ons who have been on here the longest. It would just be nice if people thought about what they typed before typing.

I rather thought a misunderstanding had happened and been cleared [edit to add - thank you for confirming that, Celestial] ... moving on, with members better understanding each other.

Some of us old hands can indeed irritate - if I mention Melksham more than a couple of dozen times a day, for example. But there's no enjoyment with that irritation.   There are other times that we irritate or are sharp with others without realising it - you, too, southwest (and I have mentioned it once or twice) can do so. Let's understand than and talk on.  And if any of us, really, enjoy aggravating then perhaps this is not the place for us.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on June 28, 2020, 07:24:23
Spats are rare on this forum....more likely to be seen on gentlemen of a certain vintage, occupying a dining car eating fillet steak and drinking port.....hmmm, reminds me of someone..... ;D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on July 20, 2020, 12:22:20
Not sure whether this merited a new thread but it links into development at Temple Meads, especially it's further transport links.  Although it's been covered a little in the past, Bristol Live have a fairly interesting article on the cable car idea that seems to have still not gone away. The proposal it to include Temple Meads in the system, link below.

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/plans-cable-cars-between-bristol-4331798?fbclid=IwAR1PTla4iwN5JG-O4MN2pz1rckrWt3YbrpGfHiKzkBf0PVT34I7HQsbshUI


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on July 20, 2020, 21:15:31
Not sure whether this merited a new thread but it links into development at Temple Meads, especially it's further transport links.  Although it's been covered a little in the past, Bristol Live have a fairly interesting article on the cable car idea that seems to have still not gone away. The proposal it to include Temple Meads in the system, link below.

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/plans-cable-cars-between-bristol-4331798?fbclid=IwAR1PTla4iwN5JG-O4MN2pz1rckrWt3YbrpGfHiKzkBf0PVT34I7HQsbshUI

It comes around most years, mid-summer. We had guided pods once, to break the monotony. Most grandiose plans for public transport for Bristol either fizzle out or turn into a couple of slightly amended, but fantastically expensive, bus routes.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on July 20, 2020, 22:41:12
The article indicates that Bristol City Council don't like it so it may not be that bad an idea after all.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on July 21, 2020, 10:54:24
The article indicates that Bristol City Council don't like it so it may not be that bad an idea after all.

If they do put in a planning application, BCC's attitude will be very interesting.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 21, 2020, 11:24:04
The article indicates that Bristol City Council don't like it so it may not be that bad an idea after all.

If they do put in a planning application, BCC's attitude will be very interesting.

The Bristol Live article says:

Quote
The council says Clifton Cable Company is welcome to progress its own planning application.

I'm not normally one who ascribes to this kind of theory, but it did leave me wondering whether the council makes a profit on planning applications. If so, they should do well out of this scheme.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: bobm on July 21, 2020, 11:30:52
News for cyclists from Network Rail (https://www.networkrail.co.uk/communities/passengers/our-stations/bristol-temple-meads/).

Quote
Updates to cycle parking

Cycle parking on platforms 3 and 4 is being removed from Sunday 6 September 2020, to allow for renovations and for station security.

Any bikes left on the station platform will be moved to a secure location on Sunday 6 September 2020. If your bike is among those moved, please contact a member of station staff by Friday 6 November 2020.

All cycle parking on Station Approach will remain and a new facility is being built. Further details will be confirmed soon – please watch this space.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: rogerw on July 21, 2020, 12:02:46
I'm not normally one who ascribes to this kind of theory, but it did leave me wondering whether the council makes a profit on planning applications. If so, they should do well out of this scheme.
All planning applications attract a fee, the bigger the application, the larger the fee. There is an upper limit on fees but I don't know what the current limit is. So yes, BCC will make money from any application but they will also have to spend money dealing with it. Whether they will make a profit is another matter and I doubt if any one can give an answer to that


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on July 21, 2020, 12:51:55

I'm not normally one who ascribes to this kind of theory, but it did leave me wondering whether the council makes a profit on planning applications. If so, they should do well out of this scheme.

They probably don't, especially not if the cost of defending appeals against meritless decisions is taken into account. An example is the refusal of the McDonalds in Fishponds. Leaving aside the merits or otherwise of the food dispensed by that company's franchise holders, the application was not to build a McDonalds, but for demolition of an existing warehouse and construction of two-storey restaurant. That was in keeping with national and local planning frameworks and was recommended for approval by the planning officer. It was refused because of a loud protest, which persuaded the planning committee that it could cost them their seats, with the subsequent appeal costing BCC a figure north of £100,000. Such is the price of popularity democracy.

That said, would this idea need one application for a transport network, or lots of individual ones for a pylon, ticket office, ice cream stall, toilets for all appropriate categories etc?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 04, 2020, 14:19:08
Quote
NEW BIKE STORAGE AT TEMPLE MEADS BRANDED ‘SEXIST INFRASTRUCTURE’

Anybody whose bike is still locked to the stands inside Bristol Temple Meads has until Sunday to remove it.

The stands next to platforms four and seven are closing both due to renovations and station security, according to Network Rail. Any bikes left on the platforms will be moved to a secure location on Sunday and can be collected until November 6.

Replacement cycle racks being installed outside the station on Friary have already come in for criticism from a city council cabinet member for transport.

[...]

Former cabinet member Mhairi Threlfall... said: “Dear @networkrail why on earth have you opted for these? My bike has very high handle bars so will not fit, I reckon this will be similar for many women let alone the pure weight of my bike means I can never use the top slider, the curved roof is a nonsense. #sexistinfrastructure”

Full article (https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/new-bike-storage-at-temple-meads-branded-sexist-infrastructure/?fbclid=IwAR2RAofv4UtnxbYZ4uZ3ExxnzIpHWADSTt5SiXOQ2s4-CgcUzBZG4E1RDbg)
Source: Bristol 24/7


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on September 04, 2020, 14:29:00
I assume the 'male' bike sheds are where you tie it to a pole, the 'female' ones are where you slide it in. I await with bated breath to see the design of the transgender bike sheds.
Wil they be in various shades of skin tone, a range of sizes to acommodate the vertically and circumferencely challenged,  and will they all have a plaque to say they were nothing to do with slavery ?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on September 04, 2020, 17:30:22
Quote
NEW BIKE STORAGE AT TEMPLE MEADS BRANDED ‘SEXIST INFRASTRUCTURE’

Anybody whose bike is still locked to the stands inside Bristol Temple Meads has until Sunday to remove it.

The stands next to platforms four and seven are closing both due to renovations and station security, according to Network Rail. Any bikes left on the platforms will be moved to a secure location on Sunday and can be collected until November 6.

Replacement cycle racks being installed outside the station on Friary have already come in for criticism from a city council cabinet member for transport.

[...]

Former cabinet member Mhairi Threlfall... said: “Dear @networkrail why on earth have you opted for these? My bike has very high handle bars so will not fit, I reckon this will be similar for many women let alone the pure weight of my bike means I can never use the top slider, the curved roof is a nonsense. #sexistinfrastructure”

Full article (https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/new-bike-storage-at-temple-meads-branded-sexist-infrastructure/?fbclid=IwAR2RAofv4UtnxbYZ4uZ3ExxnzIpHWADSTt5SiXOQ2s4-CgcUzBZG4E1RDbg)
Source: Bristol 24/7

The obvious answer is for a sign asking gentlemen to make sure they are on top, unless specifically asked by a lady who wants to go on top. I can see problems with that, though.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on September 04, 2020, 17:38:08
She's not the first person to point out this problem. It's also an issue for the elderly of either sex and of course children. As well as for anyone with a bike (let alone trike) which is in some way non-standard. All these points were made when they were trialling the onboard bike cupboards for the IETs (and probably Voyagers too).


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 04, 2020, 18:56:10
Probably the best thing that can be said for this arrangement is that it is, to use a good old Bristol word, tempry.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JontyMort on September 05, 2020, 19:27:11
“...the curved roof is a nonsense”...

Is that the bike shed or the curved roof at Temple Meads? If the latter, a little harsh, surely 🙂


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on September 06, 2020, 08:01:26
“...the curved roof is a nonsense”...

Is that the bike shed or the curved roof at Temple Meads? If the latter, a little harsh, surely 🙂

Pretty sure it's the bike sheds.  Temple Meads without the high curved roof would either be pointed straight ahead line the original Brunel train shed, to the detriment (removal of) services headed out to the south towards Weston-super-mare, Portishead and Taunton or be an underground 'dungeon' setup like Birmingham New Street, where a rather nice Plaza drops passengers down onto dark, cramped, low-roofed platforms where the trains apologetically come in and out.

The bike sheds each have a curved roof.  They look less than conventional.  But then, it strikes me that they may well work, and they may not have been done that way in the past simply because material and construction methods didn't allow for them.   They have the benefit of a higher rise inside to give space and a lower edge to provide more of a barrier against the wind and rain (help keep things drier), they are double sided (space efficient) and they don't have a roof ridge (easier cleaning from either side, reduced feature to maintain).



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on September 07, 2020, 12:38:02
Quote
NEW BIKE STORAGE AT TEMPLE MEADS BRANDED ‘SEXIST INFRASTRUCTURE’

Anybody whose bike is still locked to the stands inside Bristol Temple Meads has until Sunday to remove it.

The stands next to platforms four and seven are closing both due to renovations and station security, according to Network Rail. Any bikes left on the platforms will be moved to a secure location on Sunday and can be collected until November 6.

Replacement cycle racks being installed outside the station on Friary have already come in for criticism from a city council cabinet member for transport.

[...]

Former cabinet member Mhairi Threlfall... said: “Dear @networkrail why on earth have you opted for these? My bike has very high handle bars so will not fit, I reckon this will be similar for many women let alone the pure weight of my bike means I can never use the top slider, the curved roof is a nonsense. #sexistinfrastructure”

Full article (https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/new-bike-storage-at-temple-meads-branded-sexist-infrastructure/?fbclid=IwAR2RAofv4UtnxbYZ4uZ3ExxnzIpHWADSTt5SiXOQ2s4-CgcUzBZG4E1RDbg)
Source: Bristol 24/7

Amusing that this new facility is actually not at the station
I'm sure those that use the main entrance or the new entrance on Platform 4 are not too happy about this


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on September 07, 2020, 16:13:28
The Bristol 24/7 article includes the sentence:

Within the shelters is Cyclepods’ Easylift Premium: “a highly convenient gas-assisted two level bicycle parking system” whose manufacturers promise that the lifting system ensures a bicycle can be parked on the top level “effortlessly”.

Perhaps Mhairi Threlfall had not realised this when raising her concerns that women could not use it.  Looking at the demonstration video, it does look a bit of an involved process to use though....but she surely cannot be saying that men would find this easier?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 07, 2020, 17:26:41
All seems fairly straightforward to me... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qrBR9341bw


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on September 07, 2020, 18:20:33
All seems fairly straightforward to me... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qrBR9341bw

That demo really does. The one used on the Bristol 24/7 article seemed to make it look rather more complex with various hooks, belts and locks.  Even I could operate the one on the clip above despite sometimes being capable of being confounded by the operation of a pedal bin.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on September 07, 2020, 18:40:38
If it's like the ones at BPW then it's not complicated. Takes a bit of strength and height, doesn't move as smoothly as that promo (well, it wouldn't, would it?) but within most adult capabilities. The most annoying aspect is probably the locking possibilities – you can only lock through a wheel, not the frame, which isn't really safe for overnight parking in most urban UK locations. But at least it's not wheel benders...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 07, 2020, 19:03:53
Seems like there are two versions: The one in the Bristol 24/7 clip has an additional bracket to allow you to lock your frame to the stand, and also to lock your wheels individually, whereas the other clip shows a simpler version that you might use in a more secure location such as a card-accessed facility.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Surrey 455 on September 08, 2020, 20:49:22
Quote
Former cabinet member Mhairi Threlfall... said: “Dear @networkrail why on earth have you opted for these? My bike has very high handle bars so will not fit, I reckon this will be similar for many women let alone the pure weight of my bike means I can never use the top slider, the curved roof is a nonsense. #sexistinfrastructure”

Do Raleigh still make Choppers then? I presume that is what Mhairi Threlfall is riding.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on September 09, 2020, 09:51:32
I saw the Temple Meads bike parking yesterday. There is quite a lot of it and there is some provision for locking the frame but it's nowhere near as good as a Sheffield stand from that point of view. It's all between the Cheesegrater Bridge and the bridge across the moat.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on September 09, 2020, 09:56:33
Quote
Former cabinet member Mhairi Threlfall... said: “Dear @networkrail why on earth have you opted for these? My bike has very high handle bars so will not fit, I reckon this will be similar for many women let alone the pure weight of my bike means I can never use the top slider, the curved roof is a nonsense. #sexistinfrastructure”

Do Raleigh still make Choppers then? I presume that is what Mhairi Threlfall is riding.
A retro-Chopper was launched a few years ago to ride the retro wave but somehow I doubt if that's anything like Mhairi Threlfall's bike. She used to have a Bristol Bike but the photo below is from a tweet of hers about it being stolen, so I don't know what she has now.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EG-d9orWsAApg7T?format=jpg&name=small)
https://twitter.com/mthrel/status/1184338913386733569


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on September 09, 2020, 10:13:47
On the plus side, with the bike parking being on that side of the station.
Hopefully I won't have to consistently dodge the bikes speeding up the pavements now around the station


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 09, 2020, 10:38:49
Well... for a while you may find that problem gets worse, as people realise they can't park their bikes where they thought they could, and panic.

If some of the principles of Gear Change (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/904146/gear-change-a-bold-vision-for-cycling-and-walking.pdf) are applied here, which we can hope for, then conflicts between people on foot and people on bikes could be greatly reduced.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on September 15, 2020, 12:44:51
Another milestone?  NR purchase the old Brunel Shed from Bristol City Council.  A few more details below but although NR say they want to things with it, they don't really say what this is.


https://www.business-live.co.uk/commercial-property/historic-station-designed-isambard-kingdom-18935477?fbclid=IwAR2c1QjTDnAzBwcrVLRKGPa08ZhtcUEUwOf6A6Dsy0pIlR-mPCS-zyS-Vj8


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 20, 2020, 17:08:22
Just spotted a planning application, for new signalling equipment on Platforms 9 and 11 at Temple Meads, which appears to show the new junction layout for Bristol East jct... go to https://pa.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search for 20/04736/LA


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on October 20, 2020, 19:44:48
Just spotted a planning application, for new signalling equipment on Platforms 9 and 11 at Temple Meads, which appears to show the new junction layout for Bristol East jct... go to https://pa.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search for 20/04736/LA

So it does - well spotted!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 20, 2020, 22:57:38
It's at times like this we could do with S&TE's wisdom; I can't make much sense of it. Seems like the main enhancement is that Severn Beach trains can be washed on their way out, but there must be more to it than that...

I do like the fact that the BGL2 lines have their mileages measured from Derby...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: stuving on October 20, 2020, 23:13:31
It's at times like this we could do with S&TE's wisdom; I can't make much sense of it. Seems like the main enhancement is that Severn Beach trains can be washed on their way out, but there must be more to it than that...

I do like the fact that the BGL2 lines have their mileages measured from Derby...

You do realise that's the existing - or rather the preexisting - layout, used (as the text says) to show the renewal area? In fact, it's copied straight out of Trackmaps book 3 (2010), and ought to have their copyright credited! (Unless NR think of the track as their copyright, of which the diagram is a copy ...)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 20, 2020, 23:39:51
Ah. Oh. I was comparing it with TrackIT, which shows 5 lines at Bristol East Gantry; I make it 6 on this diagram. But as I hinted, I am utterly hopeless at reading these things so apologies if I've led anyone up the garden path.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: stuving on October 21, 2020, 11:42:30
Ah. Oh. I was comparing it with TrackIT, which shows 5 lines at Bristol East Gantry; I make it 6 on this diagram. But as I hinted, I am utterly hopeless at reading these things so apologies if I've led anyone up the garden path.

The sixth line on the printed diagram leads to Barton Hill depot, which has been demonetised since 2010. The start of it was kept as a headshunt, and may still be in use. But obviously something else is intended for the track around the Floating Harbour anyway. The various online diagrams have differing versions of what is still left, as understandably their minders don't give a lot of priority to removing bits as they go out of use. And of course at times even Network Rail are not that sure which lines are in use, but haven't actually been used for ages.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on October 21, 2020, 13:05:53

The sixth line on the printed diagram leads to Barton Hill depot, which has been demonetised since 2010. The start of it was kept as a headshunt, and may still be in use. But obviously something else is intended for the track around the Floating Harbour anyway. The various online diagrams have differing versions of what is still left, as understandably their minders don't give a lot of priority to removing bits as they go out of use. And of course at times even Network Rail are not that sure which lines are in use, but haven't actually been used for ages.

That's "demonised", surely?  ;D

The track around the Floating Harbour left to the west of Platform , parallel with Friary, and is probably what is shown as the High Level Siding. The bridge over the river has a nice turnout for it. Also of interest to the Taunton end are the lines into what I think was the old fish dock? That, and the line parallel to P1, would make a good route out for tram-train if it ever comes around.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Pavement on October 21, 2020, 20:22:55
This council video has 3 illustrations of a redeveloped Temple Meads at 0:53. https://youtu.be/XIk9bVXN2JM

Interestingly they all show the reinstatement of the spire. Artistic licence, or a real aspiration, do you reckon?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 21, 2020, 20:42:06
Interesting film!

The Temple Meads spire been shown in a few illustrations, but I've not seen any formal commitment to restore it. The cupola at the old General Hospital was recreated a few years ago though, which shows that it can be done fairly cheaply using modern materials, so I see no reason why they wouldn't.

Edit: My FoSBR chums spotted this oddity:

     2030 New Portbury Avonmouth Severnside rail link and cycling routes open - 3,360 new jobs, GVA GBP215m

Seems cheap for a tunnel or bridge across the Avon, and we're sure we'd have heard..!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on October 23, 2020, 07:03:44
Edit: My FoSBR chums spotted this oddity:

     2030 New Portbury Avonmouth Severnside rail link and cycling routes open - 3,360 new jobs, GVA GBP215m

Seems cheap for a tunnel or bridge across the Avon, and we're sure we'd have heard..!


Ah - so it is a joke, after all!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on October 23, 2020, 07:24:14
Edit: My FoSBR chums spotted this oddity:

     2030 New Portbury Avonmouth Severnside rail link and cycling routes open - 3,360 new jobs, GVA GBP215m

Seems cheap for a tunnel or bridge across the Avon, and we're sure we'd have heard..!


Ah - so it is a joke, after all!

Many a true word ... Portishead, Portbury, Avonmouth, Stan Drew's Road, Severn Beach, Cross Hands, and Pilning, change for South Wales, Aztec West, Filton Abbey Wood, Horfield, Ashton Road, Stapleton Road ... but, sure, that's not going to happen ... nor the southward extension to Clevedon.


Edited to correct my error in the quoted text - TonyK


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 23, 2020, 09:06:40
...

Interestingly they all show the reinstatement of the spire. Artistic licence, or a real aspiration, do you reckon?

I make no apologies for quoting this a second time:

Firstly because I feel the need to draw attention to Pavement's pun, which I missed first time. A-spir-ation -brilliant!

Secondly because it crossed my mind that Bristolians have form when it comes to repairing broken spires. The spire of St Mary Redcliffe was struck by lightning in 1446. The rebuilding project got to GRIP 3 in about 1843, and the spire had been rebuilt by 1872. Seems almost indecently hasty.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on October 25, 2020, 11:38:47
Speaking of Bristol East Junction, the orange army is hard at work this weekend.

https://twitter.com/networkrailwest/status/1320315783629721600

(I'm not sure how to embed this, so just click.)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on November 12, 2020, 17:15:57
Just noted a planning application (Bristol City Council 20/03845/F) for a new storage building for Arriva TrainCare at Days Road. This scheme:

Quote
...would deliver a modern storage unit which would be used ancillary to the railway depot. The proposed building would replace the existing poor-quality stores that will be demolished as part of the remodelling of the running tracks, required by the upgrading of Temple Meads Station. The proposed store therefore has wider implications for the delivery of improvements to Bristol Temple Meads Station and sustainable transport in the area.

The buildings to go are the long thin structures between the carriage washer and Days Road; the new building will sit on the SIM-card-shaped rectangular bund at the top of this view: https://goo.gl/maps/mU1j1ABAXbRK2pej8

This work is presumably related to the Bristol East remodelling.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on January 04, 2021, 16:12:55
Quote
WORK STARTS ON REFURBISHMENT OF HISTORIC TEMPLE MEADS ROOF

(https://www.bristol247.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Bristol-Temple-Meads-scaffolding-photo-Martin-Booth-1600x900.jpg)

Platforms two and three at Bristol Temple Meads are currently out of action as work begins to refurbish the roof of the main train shed.

Over Christmas, a team from Network Rail installed foundations and are starting to erect scaffolding towers, with the installation due to continue on Saturday nights during 2021.

Once complete, these towers will support a huge safety screen while refurbishment work on the historic roof is carried out overhead.

The roof renovations at Temple Meads are due to last until 2023.

...continues (https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/work-starts-on-refurbishment-of-historic-temple-meads-roof/)
Source: Bristol 24/7


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on January 04, 2021, 19:54:42
Quote
WORK STARTS ON REFURBISHMENT OF HISTORIC TEMPLE MEADS ROOF

(https://www.bristol247.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Bristol-Temple-Meads-scaffolding-photo-Martin-Booth-1600x900.jpg)

Platforms two and three at Bristol Temple Meads are currently out of action as work begins to refurbish the roof of the main train shed.


When was platform 2 last used, other than for parking?

Fixed quotes - RS


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on January 05, 2021, 12:31:28
With such little space for anything at Temple Meads I wonder if anyone ever thought of splitting the roof area into a new upper level that could have been used for retail / offices etc?

Massive initial cost, but would have brought so much needed additional space


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on January 05, 2021, 14:59:51
With such little space for anything at Temple Meads I wonder if anyone ever thought of splitting the roof area into a new upper level that could have been used for retail / offices etc?

Massive initial cost, but would have brought so much needed additional space

I suspect the station's Grade 1 listed status pretty well rules out any significant changes to the building, though some kind of mezzanine might work.

When was platform 2 last used, other than for parking?

Platform 2 is the old Motorail bay at the Portishead end of the station. I think Bristol 24/7 have allowed themselves to get confused!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: eightonedee on January 05, 2021, 18:06:36
Quote
With such little space for anything at Temple Meads I wonder if anyone ever thought of splitting the roof area into a new upper level that could have been used for retail / offices etc?

Massive initial cost, but would have brought so much needed additional space

With the retail space market struggling with all the retail failures, and an oversupply of office space even in "thriving" centres, I imagine that the forecast rental returns from space with compromises forced on it by the need to respect features of an important historic listed building are unlikely to be attractive.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on January 06, 2021, 09:10:06
Platform 2 is the old Motorail bay at the Portishead end of the station. I think Bristol 24/7 have allowed themselves to get confused!

Wot I thought too.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: DaveHarries on January 27, 2021, 22:18:58
Here's a heads-up for you all. And well in advance too.

GWR's website, in its engineering works section, states that work will be taking place from "Bristol Temple Meads to Lawrence Hill/Patchway" between Saturday 10th July and Friday 06th August. I gather from another forum that this closure will only be for part of the work though!

HTIOI,
Dave


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: stuving on January 27, 2021, 23:12:41
Here's a heads-up for you all. And well in advance too.

GWR's website, in its engineering works section, states that work will be taking place from "Bristol Temple Meads to Lawrence Hill/Patchway" between Saturday 10th July and Friday 06th August. Presumably this will be the remodelling of Bristol East Junction along with all associated works (signalling, etc.)

HTIOI,
Dave

The EAS confirms this is when Bristol East is scheduled, saying for week 15 (from 10th July):
Quote
BRISTOL EAST 8 WEEK CORE BLOCKADE. PART 1
OF 8.

POSSESSION CONTINUES AS P2021/2688025

MAJOR TIMETABLE AMENDMENTS REQUIRED.

THROUGH ROUTE AVAILABLE VIA RHUBARB
CURVES THROUGHOUT [APART FROM DURING
NBS PERIOD].

SERVICES BETWEEN FILTON BANK AND TEMPLE
MEADS TO REVERSE IN BRISTOL EAST DEPOT
AREA [APART FROM DURING NBS PERIOD].

NO ACCESS TO BARTON HILL DEPOT FOR
DURATION.

NBS is "no booked services".

Now, you'll have spotted that 8 weeks goes well past the 8th August. Part two starts with this comment for week 19:
Quote
BRISTOL EAST 8 WEEK CORE BLOCKADE. PART 5
OF 8.

THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF P2021/2688027.

POSSESSION CONTINUES AS P2021/2688177.

MAJOR TIMETABLE ALTERATIONS REQUIRED.

FROM 0100 SAT

NO ACCESS TO TEMPLE MEADS FROM THE EAST
/ FILTON BANK. THROUGH ROUTE AVAILIBLE VIA
RHUBARB CURVES. PLATFORMS 8, 10, 12 AND 15
AVAILABLE AS WEST FACING BAYS ONLY. NO
ROUTE EXISTS THROUGH TEMPLE MEADS.

0100 SUN TO 0400 MON

NO ACCESSS TO TEMPLE MEADS.

SERVICES TO WEST OF ENGLAND TO DIVERT VIA
WESTBURY.

SERVICES TO TERMINATE AT BATH SPA.

NO SERVICES ON FILTON BANK OR SEVERN
BEACH BRANCH.

RAIL REPLACEMENT SERVICES REQUIRED.

ACCESS TO BBHT, AVONMOUTH AND
SEVERNSIDE SITA VIA CHARLTON TUNNEL /
HALLEN MARSH JN ONLY.

ACCESS TO ST PHILLIPS MARSH DEPOT VIA
BRISTOL WEST ONLY, TO/FROM COUNTRY.

FROM 0400 MON

NO ACCESS TO TEMPLE MEADS FROM THE EAST
/ FILTON BANK. THROUGH ROUTE AVAILABLE VIA
RHUBARB CURVES. PLATFORMS 8, 10, 12 AND 15
AVAILABLE AS WEST FACING BAYS ONLY. NO
ROUTE EXISTS THROUGH TEMPLE MEADS.

NO ACCESS TO BARTON HILL DEPOT FOR
DURATION.

The final end date appears to be 9th September. The details vary week by week, with different platforms being out of use. You'd need to go through the whole lot carefully to find out exactly what's in use - or wait for the service information later.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on January 27, 2021, 23:31:34
If my recollections are correct, the construction of the new entrance on the former PO sorting office side of the station was supposed to be carried out to coincide with these closures. This might have changed off course.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on January 28, 2021, 12:39:51
If my recollections are correct, the construction of the new entrance on the former PO sorting office side of the station was supposed to be carried out to coincide with these closures. This might have changed off course.

I'm intrigued what will happen to the shop that currently stands in place of the new entrance, closing down or being moved?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on January 28, 2021, 13:32:21
If my recollections are correct, the construction of the new entrance on the former PO sorting office side of the station was supposed to be carried out to coincide with these closures. This might have changed off course.

I'm intrigued what will happen to the shop that currently stands in place of the new entrance, closing down or being moved?

I don't think there's any operational reason to link these activities, is there? They'll need to knock down a couple of walls, but they won't be digging any new tunnels.

The shop will be slap bang in the way. Presumably it is on a short lease!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on January 28, 2021, 14:07:51
If my recollections are correct, the construction of the new entrance on the former PO sorting office side of the station was supposed to be carried out to coincide with these closures. This might have changed off course.

I'm intrigued what will happen to the shop that currently stands in place of the new entrance, closing down or being moved?

I don't think there's any operational reason to link these activities, is there? They'll need to knock down a couple of walls, but they won't be digging any new tunnels.

The shop will be slap bang in the way. Presumably it is on a short lease!

It was a while back now but I thought some of the necessary work was deliberately scheduled to coincide with some of the platform closures related to the upcoming works.  I think that it was mentioned on this forum some while back.....I think!

Edit:
There seems to have been mention of this issue on this thread circa June 2019.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: stuving on January 28, 2021, 14:11:21
If my recollections are correct, the construction of the new entrance on the former PO sorting office side of the station was supposed to be carried out to coincide with these closures. This might have changed off course.

I'm intrigued what will happen to the shop that currently stands in place of the new entrance, closing down or being moved?

Or was that works on the roof?

I don't think there's any operational reason to link these activities, is there? They'll need to knock down a couple of walls, but they won't be digging any new tunnels.

The shop will be slap bang in the way. Presumably it is on a short lease!

It was a while back now but I thought some of the necessary work was deliberately scheduled to coincide with some of the platform closures related to the upcoming works.  I think that it was mentioned on this forum some while back.....I think!

Edit: That was an interesting challenge! I think I have succeeded in fixing the quotes such that everything is assigned to the right people - RS


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: DaveHarries on January 28, 2021, 21:55:45
Here's a heads-up for you all. And well in advance too.

GWR's website, in its engineering works section, states that work will be taking place from "Bristol Temple Meads to Lawrence Hill/Patchway" between Saturday 10th July and Friday 06th August. Presumably this will be the remodelling of Bristol East Junction along with all associated works (signalling, etc.)

HTIOI,
Dave

The EAS confirms this is when Bristol East is scheduled, saying for week 15 (from 10th July):
Quote
BRISTOL EAST 8 WEEK CORE BLOCKADE. PART 1
OF 8.

POSSESSION CONTINUES AS P2021/2688025

MAJOR TIMETABLE AMENDMENTS REQUIRED.

THROUGH ROUTE AVAILABLE VIA RHUBARB
CURVES THROUGHOUT [APART FROM DURING
NBS PERIOD].

SERVICES BETWEEN FILTON BANK AND TEMPLE
MEADS TO REVERSE IN BRISTOL EAST DEPOT
AREA [APART FROM DURING NBS PERIOD].

NO ACCESS TO BARTON HILL DEPOT FOR
DURATION.

NBS is "no booked services".

Now, you'll have spotted that 8 weeks goes well past the 8th August. Part two starts with this comment for week 19:
Quote
BRISTOL EAST 8 WEEK CORE BLOCKADE. PART 5
OF 8.

THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF P2021/2688027.

POSSESSION CONTINUES AS P2021/2688177.

MAJOR TIMETABLE ALTERATIONS REQUIRED.

FROM 0100 SAT

NO ACCESS TO TEMPLE MEADS FROM THE EAST
/ FILTON BANK. THROUGH ROUTE AVAILIBLE VIA
RHUBARB CURVES. PLATFORMS 8, 10, 12 AND 15
AVAILABLE AS WEST FACING BAYS ONLY. NO
ROUTE EXISTS THROUGH TEMPLE MEADS.

0100 SUN TO 0400 MON

NO ACCESSS TO TEMPLE MEADS.

SERVICES TO WEST OF ENGLAND TO DIVERT VIA
WESTBURY.

SERVICES TO TERMINATE AT BATH SPA.

NO SERVICES ON FILTON BANK OR SEVERN
BEACH BRANCH.

RAIL REPLACEMENT SERVICES REQUIRED.

ACCESS TO BBHT, AVONMOUTH AND
SEVERNSIDE SITA VIA CHARLTON TUNNEL /
HALLEN MARSH JN ONLY.

ACCESS TO ST PHILLIPS MARSH DEPOT VIA
BRISTOL WEST ONLY, TO/FROM COUNTRY.

FROM 0400 MON

NO ACCESS TO TEMPLE MEADS FROM THE EAST
/ FILTON BANK. THROUGH ROUTE AVAILABLE VIA
RHUBARB CURVES. PLATFORMS 8, 10, 12 AND 15
AVAILABLE AS WEST FACING BAYS ONLY. NO
ROUTE EXISTS THROUGH TEMPLE MEADS.

NO ACCESS TO BARTON HILL DEPOT FOR
DURATION.

The final end date appears to be 9th September. The details vary week by week, with different platforms being out of use. You'd need to go through the whole lot carefully to find out exactly what's in use - or wait for the service information later.
Many thanks for this. I use trains as part of my day job so this is going to be fun!

Dave


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: DaveHarries on January 30, 2021, 17:27:27
Someone has put this on a different forum and it shows the planned layout after the works in comparison to the layout now. Shared here in case anyone is interested.

Dave


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on January 30, 2021, 19:16:59
Does the platform 0 project need the panel box to go first?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on January 30, 2021, 20:19:17
Does the platform 0 project need the panel box to go first?

Yes. As does the extension of p 1.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on February 05, 2021, 17:42:33
Bit slow to spot this, but if you go to https://www.bristol.gov.uk/planning-and-building-regulations/look-at-and-track-planning-applications and search for 20/05380/LA you'll see the plans for BRI eastern entrance!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on February 05, 2021, 22:08:53
Bit slow to spot this, but if you go to https://www.bristol.gov.uk/planning-and-building-regulations/look-at-and-track-planning-applications and search for 20/05380/LA you'll see the plans for BRI eastern entrance!

Thank you for that and in the words of one of Arte Johnson's comic creations "very interesting"!
The canopy work was something that I was not aware of but explains earlier talk of this work coinciding with line closures during the Bristol East resignalling....if that still happens.
I had no idea that the existing GPO tunnel swings off so sharply to the left.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on February 05, 2021, 22:34:45
Yes, I had no idea that they'd have to (carefully and temporarily) remove sections of the canopy.

You can rest assured that the Bristol East work (rather more than just resignalling) is happening. The programme of works will take place over this summer, and will include some significant blockades over an 8-week period: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/western/bristol-rail-regeneration/


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on February 06, 2021, 01:30:12
Yes, I had no idea that they'd have to (carefully and temporarily) remove sections of the canopy.

You can rest assured that the Bristol East work (rather more than just resignalling) is happening. The programme of works will take place over this summer, and will include some significant blockades over an 8-week period: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/western/bristol-rail-regeneration/

Ah yes, I too am confident about the Briz East work going on.  It's the canopy and east entrance work being done at the same time that I was rather less sure about.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on February 06, 2021, 09:00:35
You can rest assured that the Bristol East work (rather more than just resignalling) is happening. The programme of works will take place over this summer, and will include some significant blockades over an 8-week period: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/western/bristol-rail-regeneration/

Indeed.  The twice-a-year timetable briefings / discussions for the central area at which community stakeholders put forward ideas took place last week. With lockdown and so many changes, it was a lot different from the usual menu of looking at specific stops, stations, connections, aspirations for the current timetable cycle.  However, GWR (thank you, if reading this!) took the opportunity to fill the attendees in on wider issues including the engineering at Bristol.   

Red Squirrel's link is probably the best early pointer at the moment - but to summarise lots and lots of work, including an extra track to take away the 3 track section which is now the bottleneck with Filton Bank having 4 tracks, and layout changes that make the whole shooting match a lot more flexible, with new signal gantries high enough to let overhead electric wires pass under them should that even happen.

There are so many phases and different set-ups during the engineering that my head hurt.  Probably best to summarise them  as they get clarified in a few weeks. A number of issues flagged up at the briefing which are still under consideration / being worked on to help ensure it all works.    "Could it have been brought forward and done while the passenger numbers were low" was asked ... "no - too complex to be able to organise more quickly" is the answer. Yes, it is known that the works will be happening with service disruptions at the same time that there's likely to be a surge of domestic leisure travel.

[Edit: I'm sure he meant 'Filton', not 'Dilton'. I don't think there are any plans to four-track Dilton Marsh - RS]


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 05, 2021, 12:51:31
A little light reading: https://www.bristoltemplequarter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/BTQDF-Exec-Summary-Template.pdf

Quote
The Bristol Temple Quarter and St Philip’s Marsh Regeneration Programme is one of the largest city centre housing and employment schemes in the UK. Our vision for the immediate area around Temple Meads train station is to create a sustainable and flourishing new urban area, a place that is welcoming to all – to live, work, study, enjoy leisure time and builds on Bristol’s strengths as a world class city.

With Bristol Temple Meads station at its heart the Temple Quarter and St Philip’s regeneration programme will redevelop over 130 hectares of brownfield land in two development phases over 25 years.
 
The regeneration will create up to 10,000 homes and up to 22,000 jobs across several thriving mixed use communities in the areas around and to the east of Temple Meads station. As well as creating new places to live and work the development will unlock benefits for local communities and businesses.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on March 05, 2021, 19:50:32
At first sight it seems to have abandoned the idea of reopening the Midland Train shed as platforms - am I correct?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 05, 2021, 20:57:04
At first sight it seems to have abandoned the idea of reopening the Midland Train shed as platforms - am I correct?

Yes; this became clear back in December 2019 when the Mott McDonald masterplan (https://fosbr.org.uk/temple-meads-masterplan-november-2019-update/) was made public. The Midland Shed will become the main entrance hall for the station, with the northern entrance becoming the main way in. That still allows for Platform 1 and a new Platform 0 to accommodate 5-car trains; these platforms will serve the relief lines towards Parkway, Severn Beach and Henbury so it makes sense that local services rather than the earlier-mooted London trains will terminate here.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on March 05, 2021, 21:19:16
At first sight it seems to have abandoned the idea of reopening the Midland Train shed as platforms - am I correct?

Yes; this became clear back in December 2019 when the Mott McDonald masterplan (https://fosbr.org.uk/temple-meads-masterplan-november-2019-update/) was made public. The Midland Shed will become the main entrance hall for the station, with the northern entrance becoming the main way in. That still allows for Platform 1 and a new Platform 0 to accommodate 5-car trains; these platforms will serve the relief lines towards Parkway, Severn Beach and Henbury so it makes sense that local services rather than the earlier-mooted London trains will terminate here.

I think the idea was to run London trains via Badminton from platforms 1 and 0. That did seem a little wasteful, given that there was only the intention of a half-hourly service on that. Crosscountry use P1 now for some Manchester trains, but the length of that round trip makes for a full shift with a break for the crew to have a meal, and the train isn't hogging a through platform while they eat. That isn't the way the London services work as a rule. It also means there will be no need for a pedestrian subway from Friary, but part of me still thinks it could be an opportunity lost. I can't explain why with any real logic.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on March 31, 2021, 23:44:24
From the BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-56526878):

Quote
Bristol Temple Meads railway station gets £10.2m upgrade

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/8D31/production/_117754163_bristoltemplemeadsmainentrance.png)
Businesses are expected to benefit from the £10.2m upgrade, with much of the money set to be spent on local companies

Bristol Temple Meads railway station is set to get a £10.2m upgrade.

The station will be completely rewired, with new heating, cooling and ventilation systems also installed and an upgrade to the lighting.

It is hoped the work will make the Grade I-listed station more energy efficient and "a brighter, greener environment".

Maxine Prydderch, Network Rail project manager, said passengers will benefit as more shops could be opened.

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/17791/production/_117754169_lightsatbristoltemplemeads.jpg)
The Bristol Rail Regeneration programme will see Network Rail rewire Temple Meads station, lay new tracks and restore the roof

"It's really exciting to see further investment being made at Bristol Temple Meads station," Ms Prydderch added.

"As well as modernising the station's electrical system, the rewire will also benefit passengers as it may allow for potential future expansion of retail units within the station itself, in turn generating further jobs."

Plans are also under way for further "platform enhancements" including new customer information screens, upgraded public announcement systems, additional CCTV and the introduction of a free WiFi network for passengers to use throughout the station.

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/42F9/production/_117754171_maintrainshedroofwithgwrtrain.jpg)
The Victorian main train shed roof and platform canopies are also due to be restored

The upgrade is being carried out in support of a wider Bristol rail regeneration programme which started earlier this year.

SSE Enterprise Contracting will be delivering the work and will use local labour, supply chains and businesses.

Work on the rewire is set to start in October and expected to be completed in 2023, alongside the restoration of the Victorian main train shed roof and platform canopies.

Network Rail said it had not yet awarded contracts for all of the elements of the upgrade and restoration works, but the cost of the rewire and roof restoration was around £60m.

Good news!  ;D



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 01, 2021, 11:20:40

Good news!  ;D


It is, isn't it!

I'm just a bit confused as to why it seems that the various bits of work are being done in disjointed packages - Bristol East Jct, BRI roof repairs, re-wiring and the eastern entrance are funded and underway, but other projects (Platform 0, northern entrance, restoration of 'old' main entrance) aren't. Weren't projects like St Pancras and Reading done as as a single, co-ordinated exercise? What's different about Temple Meads?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 01, 2021, 22:56:51
It doesn't have a platform 14.  ;) :D ;D



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Lee on April 14, 2021, 18:08:15
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bedminster-station-become-new-terminus-5298615

Quote from: Bristol Post
A minor train station on the mainline into Bristol is to become the new railway terminus for passengers arriving in the city.

Bedminster train station, around a mile or so away from Temple Meads, will act as the main terminus for all trains coming in to Bristol from the south west, including Penzance, Plymouth, Exeter and Weston-super-Mare.

The creation of this new terminus is only temporary - and will last for as long as it takes Network Rail to complete what it describes as an 'exciting programme of rail regeneration' around Bristol.

The work on the layout of the tracks at the Bristol East junction just to the north-east of Temple Meads will affect the city's main station for at least eight weeks this summer, and mean for a time trains won't be able to reach Temple Meads from the south west.

So instead, they will stop at Bedminster station - and that means the tiny, unmanned, two-platform station will have to accommodate the long, inter-city high speed train services.

So before work starts on the Bristol East junction, Network Rail have now begun work to lengthen the platforms at Bedminster, so it can become the new terminus for Bristol.

(article continues)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on April 14, 2021, 18:45:25
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bedminster-station-become-new-terminus-5298615

Quote from: Bristol Post
So before work starts on the Bristol East junction, Network Rail have now begun work to lengthen the platforms at Bedminster, so it can become the new terminus for Bristol.

(article continues)

Not so much lengthening the platform .... more repairing the bit that's fallen into disuse!   Marketing slant above - reality below!

Quote
"To get Bedminster station ready, we need to temporarily bring a section of disused platform back into use, to accommodate longer trains," a spokesperson for Network Rail said.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Lee on April 14, 2021, 19:39:18
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bedminster-station-become-new-terminus-5298615

Quote from: Bristol Post
So before work starts on the Bristol East junction, Network Rail have now begun work to lengthen the platforms at Bedminster, so it can become the new terminus for Bristol.

(article continues)

Not so much lengthening the platform .... more repairing the bit that's fallen into disuse!   Marketing slant above - reality below!

Quote
"To get Bedminster station ready, we need to temporarily bring a section of disused platform back into use, to accommodate longer trains," a spokesperson for Network Rail said.

Much as I hate letting Network Rail (NR) off the hook, you can more blame me for that - I felt I had to chop the article off somewhere lest I contravene some copyright law or other  ;D


Edit:VickiS - Clarifying Acronym


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on April 14, 2021, 21:45:56
Will bustitutes be laid on to provide transport for passengers continuing to Birmingham and other points beyond Temple Meads? And will there be staff at Bedminster to tell confused arrivals where they are, why they're there, what's going on and how to continue their journeys?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Lee on April 14, 2021, 22:41:27
Will bustitutes be laid on to provide transport for passengers continuing to Birmingham and other points beyond Temple Meads? And will there be staff at Bedminster to tell confused arrivals where they are, why they're there, what's going on and how to continue their journeys?

Can you imagine if no staff were provided at Bedminster for this purpose?

"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore..."

I know it's completely different circumstances, but it puts me in mind of how the uninitiated passengers must have felt after Nottingham Victoria station was closed in the late 1960s, and they found themselves alighting at the recently reopened, but still derelict Arkwright Street station instead.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Trowres on April 14, 2021, 23:41:10
I missed Arkwright Street by a few years; sadly. The atmosphere of decay is captured by some excellent pictures (not mine) at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/108977492@N02/albums/72157687941513193/with/36958928364/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/108977492@N02/albums/72157687941513193/with/36958928364/)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on April 15, 2021, 05:38:14
Will bustitutes be laid on to provide transport for passengers continuing to Birmingham and other points beyond Temple Meads? And will there be staff at Bedminster to tell confused arrivals where they are, why they're there, what's going on and how to continue their journeys?

The GWR website summarises as follows at present:

Quote
Further rail improvement work is planned this summer affecting the following routes:
Bristol Temple Meads to Filton Abbey Wood – Saturday 10 July to Friday 6 August
Bristol Temple Meads to Filton Abbey Wood/Keynsham – Saturday 7 August
all services via Bristol Temple Meads – Sunday 8 August
Bristol Temple Meads to Filton Abbey Wood/Keynsham – Monday 9 to Friday 13 August
Bristol Temple Meads to Keynsham – Saturday 14 to Monday 30 August
all services via Bristol Temple Meads – Tuesday 31 August to Friday 3 September

That's very much a "feature" rather than "benefit" report - telling people where the railway will be closed, rather that how the passengers will make their journeys.  And further reference would need to be made to the Cross Country site and the South Western Railway sites to find out what they have to say about their services.    National Rail Enquires which should be a source or planning information across all train operator only lets me ask about dates up to early July.

Information at this point would lead me to guess that Cross Country might bustitute over a longer distance - from Taunton rather than from Bedminster - to avoid getting through passengers tied up on buses in the inner city. Just possible they could run some trains Taunton - Westbury - Swindon (reverse) - Stroud - Cheltenham Spa.  And a further guess would be that South Western Railway will not run any of their trains north of Westbury during periods they cannot get into Temple Meads.

Innovative solutions - such as running services coming up from Westbury via the Rhubarb Loop and calling at Lawrence Hill and Stapleton Road for onward connections to Severn Beach, or running through services from south of Bristol onto Filton Bank through St Philip's Marsh and the Rhubarb loop look unlikely - especially with the news about Bedminster terminators. In reality, not sure how practical that would be / whether the will would be there.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: infoman on April 15, 2021, 08:19:01
Going via St Philips marsh

1)Is it available for passengers use?

2)if it is,
I think that it was not used due to congestion with sets going on or coming off the depot, although I don't know how many ECS trains use St Philips marsh nowadays.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: eXPassenger on April 15, 2021, 10:18:23
Going via St Philips marsh

1)Is it available for passengers use?

2)if it is,
I think that it was not used due to congestion with sets going on or coming off the depot, although I don't know how many ECS trains use St Philips marsh nowadays.



This has been discussed on another forum, particularly with regard to XC trains using the Rhubarb Loop and St Philips Marsh.  The conclusion was that it was not signalled for passenger trains and it would interfere with the working of the depot.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on April 15, 2021, 14:32:11
Will bustitutes be laid on to provide transport for passengers continuing to Birmingham and other points beyond Temple Meads? And will there be staff at Bedminster to tell confused arrivals where they are, why they're there, what's going on and how to continue their journeys?

Bedminster station, despite its many attributes, is not somewhere that would be easy to run coaches from. Graham's idea of longer distance bustitution has considerable merit. For Crosscountry, the idea of diversion via Westbury and the Rhubarb loop, using Lawrence Hill to dump Bristol passengers, looks good apart from capacity. I suppose it could be a goer on weekends.


Can you imagine if no staff were provided at Bedminster for this purpose?

"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore..."

I know it's completely different circumstances, but it puts me in mind of how the uninitiated passengers must have felt after Nottingham Victoria station was closed in the late 1960s, and they found themselves alighting at the recently reopened, but still derelict Arkwright Street station instead.

Arkwright? That's Tonto, surely.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: brooklea on April 15, 2021, 22:18:08
This link https://www.gwr.com/travel-updates/planned-engineering/bristol (https://www.gwr.com/travel-updates/planned-engineering/bristol) currently takes you to a page from where you can access more detail - no idea why there’s not a link to it provided from the page you’ve quoted from grahame.
Will bustitutes be laid on to provide transport for passengers continuing to Birmingham and other points beyond Temple Meads? And will there be staff at Bedminster to tell confused arrivals where they are, why they're there, what's going on and how to continue their journeys?

The GWR website summarises as follows at present:

Quote
Further rail improvement work is planned this summer affecting the following routes:
Bristol Temple Meads to Filton Abbey Wood – Saturday 10 July to Friday 6 August
Bristol Temple Meads to Filton Abbey Wood/Keynsham – Saturday 7 August
all services via Bristol Temple Meads – Sunday 8 August
Bristol Temple Meads to Filton Abbey Wood/Keynsham – Monday 9 to Friday 13 August
Bristol Temple Meads to Keynsham – Saturday 14 to Monday 30 August
all services via Bristol Temple Meads – Tuesday 31 August to Friday 3 September

That's very much a "feature" rather than "benefit" report - telling people where the railway will be closed, rather that how the passengers will make their journeys.  And further reference would need to be made to the Cross Country site and the South Western Railway sites to find out what they have to say about their services.    National Rail Enquires which should be a source or planning information across all train operator only lets me ask about dates up to early July.

Information at this point would lead me to guess that Cross Country might bustitute over a longer distance - from Taunton rather than from Bedminster - to avoid getting through passengers tied up on buses in the inner city. Just possible they could run some trains Taunton - Westbury - Swindon (reverse) - Stroud - Cheltenham Spa.  And a further guess would be that South Western Railway will not run any of their trains north of Westbury during periods they cannot get into Temple Meads.

Innovative solutions - such as running services coming up from Westbury via the Rhubarb Loop and calling at Lawrence Hill and Stapleton Road for onward connections to Severn Beach, or running through services from south of Bristol onto Filton Bank through St Philip's Marsh and the Rhubarb loop look unlikely - especially with the news about Bedminster terminators. In reality, not sure how practical that would be / whether the will would be there.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 25, 2021, 16:05:32
Passed through Temple Meads yesterday (which means - yes! - I have broken my rail-fast; first trip by train since Feb 2020!)

Work is progressing on putting up the scaffolding for the roof repairs:

(https://fosbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/bri-scaffolding-20210424.jpg)

Still quite a bit to do.

Each of the white hoardings around the legs of the scaffolding has its own security-coded door! Presumably this is to allow access to tighten up any nuts that come loose?

There were also signs of activity at Bristol East:

(https://fosbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/20210422_bej_new_track.jpg)
Image: Carol Durrant, FoSBR


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: paul7575 on April 26, 2021, 14:07:19
That new gantry looks elaborate enough to easily convert into a footbridge, but at least on the positive side it’ll definitely be high enough for overhead wires...

Paul


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 26, 2021, 14:17:18
That new gantry looks elaborate enough to easily convert into a footbridge, but at least on the positive side it’ll definitely be high enough for overhead wires...

Paul

Yes - it quite literally puts the old one in the shade!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on April 28, 2021, 10:23:04
It feels really strange around Platform 3 at Temple Meads, the station normally has this wide open feel about it, but I felt more like being back at New Street being enclosed so much


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 28, 2021, 13:35:24
It feels really strange around Platform 3 at Temple Meads, the station normally has this wide open feel about it, but I felt more like being back at New Street being enclosed so much


I shall find out myself in about 20 minutes when the XC service I'm currently on arrives there.  I've probably got a bit of a wait for the Beach Line to Redland.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on May 02, 2021, 13:00:32
Taken a few days ago while changing to the Beach Line.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on May 02, 2021, 13:02:22
And another unfamiliar view of platform 5 at Temple Meads.

Edit:  Apologies, I don't know what happened there but the photo doesn't seem to have loaded.  I'll try again later.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on May 03, 2021, 08:52:16
Taken a few days ago while changing to the Beach Line.

That Over-Head Line Equipment (OHLE) will need tidying up. :)

Edit: VickiS - Clarifying Acronym


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on May 04, 2021, 12:02:07
GWR have put out a press release this morning:

Quote
(https://cdn.prgloo.com/media/8686ac4ff82a4b08ba1794fcf364b650.jpg?width=968&height=1452)

Timetable changes expected in Bristol area this Summer as major railway upgrade gets underway

Bristol Temple Meads is being transformed and the railway serving the area upgraded – paving the way for more train services to move more people, more reliably.

The work is part of the Bristol Rail Regeneration programme that will see improvements to the iconic Bristol Temple Meads station over the next three years, supporting the city’s Temple Quarter development.

This programme will also deliver new railway tracks and signalling in and around Bristol that, once complete, will increase capacity in the area allowing more trains to run on the network.

These services will provide over 4,000 additional seats on trains every day in the area plus plans for new stations through the MetroWest initiative backed by the West of England Combined Authority.

Chief Executive of the West of England Combined Authority, Dr Patricia Greer, said:

“We have plans in place to transform travel by rail over the next 10 years, providing people with new rail routes, step-free access at stations and more frequent ‘turn up and go’ services. We have a long-term regional rail plan agreed for the West of England. We are leading on the work, in partnership with Network Rail and local councils.”

Wherever possible rail improvements will be completed overnight or at weekends to minimise impact on customers. However, this summer Network Rail is replacing a major junction near Bristol Temple Meads to improve the track layout which will require a solid block of 24/7 working. This will mean changes to some train services but will make for better journeys for passengers in the future.

Jonathan Davies, Network Rail Project Director, said:

“We would like to thank in advance our passengers and local residents for their patience while we undertake this important, transformative work at Bristol East junction.

“We are working closely with the train operating companies to ensure disruption is minimised as much as possible and we encourage passengers to plan ahead and check before they travel, particularly during this period.”

GWR Regional Development Manager Matt Barnes said:

“This work will in time help us to deliver 4,000 more train seats a day into the city, on more services through Bristol and help to reduce the conflict between long-distance and local stopping services, helping to maintain the reliability of our trains.

“We will continue to operate trains through Bristol during the period, but there will be some alterations to timetables and journey frequency, so please do check what is best for you if you’re travelling during the period.”

Trains between London Paddington and South Wales or to the North via Bristol Parkway, or to the South West via Taunton will continue to operate throughout this period.

There will also be no impact on long-distance train services to/from Bristol Temple Meads for the first four weeks, but some local stopping services will be different.

Saturday 10 July to Friday 13 August

No direct trains between Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff Central or Gloucester – these trains will stop at Bristol Parkway instead
Severn Beach trains will run from Lawrence Hill (except Sundays) – alternative road transport will run to/from Bristol Temple Meads
Saturday 7 August and Monday 9 to Friday 13 August

No trains can run between Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa – alternative road transport will be provided instead, adding around 30 minutes to journeys
CrossCountry trains won’t stop at Bristol Temple Meads
Sunday 8 August

No trains can stop at Bristol Temple Meads – alternative road transport will run to/from Bristol Parkway, Bath Spa, Taunton, Weston-super-Mare or Severn Beach
Saturday 14 to Monday 30 August

No trains can run between Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa – alternative road transport will be provided instead, adding around 30 minutes to journeys
Tuesday 31 August to Friday 3 September

No trains can stop at Bristol Temple Meads – alternative road transport will run to/from Bristol Parkway, Bath Spa, Taunton, Bedminster or Lawrence Hill
Train companies are working with Network Rail to finalise the timetables for this summer, and we expect to be able to provide more detail about those changes soon.

As an alternative, Great Western Railway will aim to have ticket acceptance on First West of England buses in the Bristol area on any reasonable route for the duration of this period.

For more information visit GWR.com/Bristol.

You can also find out more about the Bristol Rail Regeneration programme at Networkrail.co.uk/BristolRailRegen.

Notes to editors

Great Western Railway (GWR) provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services. We help over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year - across South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, and large parts of Southern England.

We’re currently seeing the biggest investment in the network since Brunel so we can offer more trains, more seats, and shorter, more frequent journeys and continue the network’s heritage of helping connect more businesses to new and prosperous markets. Through a series of initiatives we aim to be a good neighbour to the communities we serve and are committed to making a positive social impact in those regions. Learn how we're Building a Greater West at GWR.com. GWR is a FirstGroup company.

Contact Information
James Davis
Media Relations Manager

Great Western Railway

0845 410 4444

07703 890 711

james.davis@GWR.com

The image illustrates the size of the new signal gantry compared to the old one.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Eliza on May 09, 2021, 14:29:00
We are meeting a friend in Bristol in August, during the disruption at Temple Meads Station.  She will be travelling from London Paddington on Monday 16 August, and reservations are already open for week commencing 2 August.  I think, in order to get a cheap, advanced purchase ticket, that she will have to book early and assume that her journey will be OK.  Do you think it best to book a direct train, which means that the journey from Bath Spa to Bristol Temple Meads will be by replacement bus?  On the way back, on Thursday 19th, should she aim for the same direct journey?  I wasn't sure if the disruption between Bristol and Bath would have a knock-on effect at Bristol Parkway (delayed train up, missed connection etc) and if it would just cause complications to go via BPW.










Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: bobm on May 09, 2021, 16:05:33
There will be some direct trains from Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads that run via Bristol Parkway avoiding the need to change onto a bus.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Eliza on May 09, 2021, 21:02:14
Thanks, Bob.  I suppose it's a toss up between booking early to get a cheap fare and waiting for the amended timetable, with details of direct trains going via Bristol Parkway, to be published.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 27, 2021, 15:47:40
Work has started to prepare for the extension to the subway for the new eastern entrance.

On the left of this image, plant can be seen on an embankment which has been made on the University of Bristol site. A section of the perimeter wall of Bristol Temple Meads has been removed, and a white barrier has been put up along with a scaffolding fence to protect the site.

On Platform 15, a section of the canopy roof has been removed (immediately behind the '15' sign). A short section of canopy is to be removed here because new foundations will be required; this will be reinstated when the work is complete. Just to the right of the '15' sign, the paint has been stripped from one of the support columns. Does anyone have any idea why? Maybe it's to check the condition of the columns?

(https://fosbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bri_eastern_entrance_20210526s.jpg)

Photo taken 26th June 2021


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: the void on June 28, 2021, 14:05:37
Just to the right of the '15' sign, the paint has been stripped from one of the support columns. Does anyone have any idea why? Maybe it's to check the condition of the columns?

All of the pillars (along with the rest of the canopy metalwork) are in the process of being stripped back and repainted.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 24, 2021, 19:37:43
Plenty going on at Temple Meads this weekend! Photos courtesy of FoSBR's Facebook page:

(https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/221669063_4135638529854911_7498766299522488228_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=mtRGdzUGwcEAX9POipw&_nc_oc=AQlZD2x57VEoS5FlRsuwGsoqaadMcWWFH3TvT-xOHhbTkCb_rhvJupAnlsrT3XmYt6w&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&oh=34fc8fc4fad1f1099e26ad950e7d5a5b&oe=6123162F)
(https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/220792252_4135638803188217_8336653760151623487_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=6wuTxECHdXgAX8UhsJc&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-1.xx&oh=5d98da4de1eded227f5ca2bdc2a204f1&oe=61213A56)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on July 24, 2021, 21:44:12
Looking at that photo, the question just popped into my head: what do they call the Orange Army in Ireland?  :o


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on July 24, 2021, 21:45:16
Nice photos, especially the top one.  It looks like the new tracks have been slewed a little to make room for the proposed extension to platform 1 to accommodate longer trains.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 25, 2021, 16:24:48
I'm not aware of any immediate plans to lengthen Platform 1. What have you heard?

Once the signal box has gone, it will be possible to extend it in the other direction, i.e. towards Temple Gate. As it stands, it's just shy of 100m long, which will take a 4-car set. However it is on this side of the station that the extra track is being added, so maybe what you are seeing is just down to realignment to accommodate the new track?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on July 26, 2021, 10:36:30
I'm not aware of any immediate plans to lengthen Platform 1. What have you heard?

Once the signal box has gone, it will be possible to extend it in the other direction, i.e. towards Temple Gate. As it stands, it's just shy of 100m long, which will take a 4-car set. However it is on this side of the station that the extra track is being added, so maybe what you are seeing is just down to realignment to accommodate the new track?
Extending the platform towards Temple Gate must be what I heard then.  A visit to Temple Meads today rather confirmed that.
I took the opportunity to have a look at the temporarily removed canopy at the other side of the station and took a photo in order to post it here but am getting an error message that the file is to large.  I'll play around with it and try to post it later on.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 26, 2021, 12:22:34
This NR video, posted on twitter, gives a good overview of how things have been going. They don't muck about!

https://twitter.com/i/status/1418481317239562240

#BristolRailRegen will lead you to more pictures.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 28, 2021, 11:04:16
I spotted this image on NR's twitter feed, which reminded me of similar pictures on the GWSR blog: It's new daggerboards being painted. These will replace the many that have rotted or been damaged over the decades!

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E7UMc17X0AASdiC?format=jpg&name=large)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on July 28, 2021, 11:17:08
I spotted this image on NR's twitter feed, which reminded me of similar pictures on the GWSR blog: It's new daggerboards being painted. These will replace the many that have rotted or been damaged over the decades!

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E7UMc17X0AASdiC?format=jpg&name=large)
Excuse my ignorance but what is a "daggerboard"?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 28, 2021, 11:50:05
Daggerboards are the pretty bits that hang down around the edges of platform canopies.

The ones the GWSR are making for their new footbridge at Broadway are a lot more complicated than these as they have staggered holes and have to step down to match the stairs. The ones for Temple Meads seem a lot simpler, perhaps reflecting the fact the canopies here are from the 1930's whereas the GWSR are replicating the 1904 version.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on July 28, 2021, 12:11:45
I can see what they are but I thought they were called bargeboarding. However, Wikipedia tells me that bargeboarding is the name used when it's on gables, so slightly different. I've only come across the word "daggerboard" in the context of sailing dinghys!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 28, 2021, 12:16:54
I've just spotted that the full planning app for BRI Eastern Entrance is now up on the BCC website - 21/03443/F

One day I'll work out how to hyperlink directly to these things...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on July 28, 2021, 18:09:49
I spotted this image on NR's twitter feed, which reminded me of similar pictures on the GWSR blog: It's new daggerboards being painted. These will replace the many that have rotted or been damaged over the decades!

In this modern age when off-site construction is all the rage on cost efficiency.  Is there a good reason why these are being cut and painted on site? Are they not all standard sizes?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: eXPassenger on July 29, 2021, 10:21:33
I spotted this image on NR's twitter feed, which reminded me of similar pictures on the GWSR blog: It's new daggerboards being painted. These will replace the many that have rotted or been damaged over the decades!

In this modern age when off-site construction is all the rage on cost efficiency.  Is there a good reason why these are being cut and painted on site? Are they not all standard sizes?

Since the station was rebuilt in the 1930s I imagine that the dagger boards were hand made to fit the spaces.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on July 29, 2021, 11:04:50
I've just spotted that the full planning app for BRI Eastern Entrance is now up on the BCC website - 21/03443/F

One day I'll work out how to hyperlink directly to these things...
BCC's website doesn't make it easy, by forcing through many different pages till you finally reach it. But I think it's this: https://pa.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 29, 2021, 12:39:27
That link doesn't work for me... I've seen people do something clever that allows them to link directly to these documents, but I've yet to work out what it is!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 29, 2021, 12:44:21
I spotted this image on NR's twitter feed, which reminded me of similar pictures on the GWSR blog: It's new daggerboards being painted. These will replace the many that have rotted or been damaged over the decades!

In this modern age when off-site construction is all the rage on cost efficiency.  Is there a good reason why these are being cut and painted on site? Are they not all standard sizes?

Since the station was rebuilt in the 1930s I imagine that the dagger boards were hand made to fit the spaces.

I'm sure they must be standard-sized tongue-and-groove, though probably the odd one will need to be trimmed to width where things have shifted around. Why they chose to work on them them on-site is a good question though.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on July 29, 2021, 16:53:03
That link doesn't work for me... I've seen people do something clever that allows them to link directly to these documents, but I've yet to work out what it is!
Hmm. It's now giving me a "your session has timed out" message but it is at least taking me directly to "Planning Online" without needing to go through half a dozen pages from BCC's website. What's it linking to for you?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 29, 2021, 17:24:03
That link doesn't work for me... I've seen people do something clever that allows them to link directly to these documents, but I've yet to work out what it is!
Hmm. It's now giving me a "your session has timed out" message but it is at least taking me directly to "Planning Online" without needing to go through half a dozen pages from BCC's website. What's it linking to for you?
The same. That's what it does.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on July 30, 2021, 00:13:49
I mentioned upthread that I'd try to post a picture that I took of the canopy section removed on a temporary basis to help facilitate the construction of the new entrance.  Well, hopefully, here it is.

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/IMG_20210726_093105_716_kindlephoto-75534581.jpg)

Edit - I have moved the attachment into the main post so that it initially displays at a smaller scale. Use your browser to open the image in a new frame or window if you want to see the original (uploaded) size - grahame


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: infoman on July 30, 2021, 05:35:23
Its a great picture,could it just be made smaller?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on July 30, 2021, 06:01:47
Its a great picture,could it just be made smaller?

I have mirrored the image on our server and it's now resized in the original post.   Original image metrics (high pixel count but low file size) on an attachment hit a known limit on our server's capacity which prevented an automatic resize; we have looked into this before and the pragmatic fit on the very rare occasions it happens is for me to mirror.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on July 30, 2021, 09:28:55
Its a great picture,could it just be made smaller?

I have mirrored the image on our server and it's now resized in the original post.   Original image metrics (high pixel count but low file size) on an attachment hit a known limit on our server's capacity which prevented an automatic resize; we have looked into this before and the pragmatic fit on the very rare occasions it happens is for me to mirror.

Oops, "my bad" is, I believe, the term used here in modern parlance.  Hope the picture was worth all the bother but I thought it was worth recording the slightly counter intuitive situation with the removal of a roof canopy in order to assist with the building of a tunnel.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 30, 2021, 12:04:00
Its a great picture,could it just be made smaller?

I have mirrored the image on our server and it's now resized in the original post.   Original image metrics (high pixel count but low file size) on an attachment hit a known limit on our server's capacity which prevented an automatic resize; we have looked into this before and the pragmatic fit on the very rare occasions it happens is for me to mirror.

Oops, "my bad" is, I believe, the term used here in modern parlance.  Hope the picture was worth all the bother but I thought it was worth recording the slightly counter intuitive situation with the removal of a roof canopy in order to assist with the building of a tunnel.

Thanks, johnneyw and grahame.

I had hoped go to Temple Meads and take some pictures myself, but someone seems to have ripped up the track between here and there... most inconsiderate!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on July 30, 2021, 20:20:56
Looks like CrossCountry sneak around the works, reversing from East Bristol depot.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: DaveHarries on August 02, 2021, 22:35:25
Looks like CrossCountry sneak around the works, reversing from East Bristol depot.
Indeed. I managed to photo a couple of XC trains taking the curve the other week as it is usually a rare sight.

On another thought I know that buses have been replacing all trains Severn Beach to Lawrence Hill / Bristol Temple Meads on Sundays and on some of those Sundays there have been line blocks taken sometimes up to Filton Abbey Wood and / or Severn Beach, presumably for other work to be done but anyone know for sure?

Cheers,
Dave


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on August 12, 2021, 19:26:20
Network Rail's Bristol East project has reached the halfway stage according to this BBC report:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-58188524.amp

Another report on my news feed adds that the project is on time and on budget, something you don't hear every day...and not just in the railway industry.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Timmer on August 13, 2021, 15:58:13
The line between Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway will NOT be reopened as planned tomorrow. Buses will continue to replace trains east of Bristol Temple Meads:
https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/live-network-updates/disruption-information

Quote
Changes to train services in Bristol area

While upgrade work continues in the Bristol area there will be changes to train services on Saturday 14 August. Please note that online journey planners are still being updated and will not reflect the changes that are being made. We are sorry if you are affected by these changes.

Buses will continue to replace train services between Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway and stations along the Severn Beach line. This will be in addition to the Rail Replacement Service already operating between Bristol Temple Meads, Keynsham, Oldfield Park and Bath Spa.

Trains will be operating as follows:

An hourly service between Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads
An hourly service between Weston-super-Mare and Bristol Temple Meads
High Speed Services from London Paddington will continue to terminate at Bath Spa
Trains between Cardiff Centre and Portsmouth Harbour will continue to be diverted and will NOT call at Bristol Temple Meads
CrossCountry services from Plymouth will terminate at either Taunton or Bristol Temple Meads for Rail Replacement Services for onward travel.

CrossCountry services from the North will terminate at Bristol Parkway for Rail Replacement Service for onward travel.

If you are affected by these changes with tickets for travel on Saturday 14 August your tickets will be valid for travel on Sunday 15 August and Monday 16 August. Alternatively you can get a full refund.

For customers travelling on Sunday 15 August please check your journey before you travel.

Where rail replacement services are running, customers with a valid rail ticket can also travel on First West of England Buses instead from Saturday 10 July to Friday 3 September.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on August 14, 2021, 06:26:27
The line between Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway will NOT be reopened as planned tomorrow. Buses will continue to replace trains east of Bristol Temple Meads:
https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/live-network-updates/disruption-information

Bump.

150 trains showing as cancelled or short running ... Please check before you travel anywhere near the Bristol area.

Overrunning engineering works bring a continuation of the changes we've seen thus week, but with that added complexity that it's short term planning stuff - no luxury of time ahead to work it out.  Sympathy with GWR and XC ... and with passengers with travel plans disrupted.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: froome on August 14, 2021, 08:01:37
I'm completely confused about what is happening on the local services between Bristol and Bath today. The disruption notice suggests that buses will continue to replace train services, but the station tracker for Oldfield Park this morning has been showing all trains running apart from one cancellation. My partner was due to get the first train of the day eastwards from Oldfield Park. I warned her about the late changes as suggested by the disruption notice, but we also saw the station tracker, and she got the 0554 train at Oldfield Park without any trouble. So what is happening?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on August 14, 2021, 08:17:15
I'm completely confused about what is happening on the local services between Bristol and Bath today. The disruption notice suggests that buses will continue to replace train services, but the station tracker for Oldfield Park this morning has been showing all trains running apart from one cancellation. My partner was due to get the first train of the day eastwards from Oldfield Park. I warned her about the late changes as suggested by the disruption notice, but we also saw the station tracker, and she got the 0554 train at Oldfield Park without any trouble. So what is happening?

05:54 showing as a Keynsham starter (to Portsmouth Harbour)

BRI itself closed apart from southbound from the platforms way outside the main building, trains running around the Rhubarb. 

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/bri_20210814.jpg)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Timmer on August 15, 2021, 07:00:27
Sadly the overrun continues:

https://www.journeycheck.com/greatwesternrailway/

Quote
Due to engineering works not being finished on time at Bristol Temple Meads all lines are disrupted. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Train services between Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads have been suspended.

Train services between Bristol Temple Meads and Severn Beach via Clifton Down and Avonmouth have been suspended.

Train services between Bristol Temple Meads and Swindon have been revised.

Train services between Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff Central may be cancelled.

https://www.journeycheck.com/crosscountry/

Quote
Due to engineering works not being finished on time at Bristol Temple Meads some lines are closed.
Impact
Train services running through this station will be cancelled or diverted. Bristol Temple Meads will not be served. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.




Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on August 15, 2021, 07:59:57
Quote
Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Does that give us a long stop and suggest it may be re-opened tomorrow morning, or am I reading too much into this?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Timmer on August 15, 2021, 08:17:33
Quote
Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Does that give us a long stop and suggest it may be re-opened tomorrow morning, or am I reading too much into this?
It said that yesterday as well. Without knowing why the overrun, which is clearly something quite major, you can’t rule out it going into tomorrow.

To be honest, I was sort of expecting to wake up this morning to see it was going to affect services again.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Timmer on August 15, 2021, 09:25:30
Network Rail have issued a statement that it’s signalling that’s causing the problem.
https://twitter.com/networkrailwest/status/1426812625552293892?s=21

GWR advising people in the Bristol area not to travel today:
https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/live-network-updates/disruption-information


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on August 15, 2021, 18:26:47
Network Rail now report that the signalling problem is solved.

https://twitter.com/networkrailwest/status/1426957564625948677/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/networkrailwest/status/1426957564625948677/photo/1)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: froome on August 16, 2021, 09:10:19
Saturday wasn't a great day to travel between Bath and Bristol. As well as all the issues around the rail line, Keynsham by-pass was closed due to an accident in the morning, which meant all traffic, including rail replacement buses, had to go through the town, and between there and Bath, road works at one of the narrowest sections were causing significant delays.

I was trying to get to Keynsham, but fortunately eventually decided to cycle there rather than take the bus or chance a train, and found myself passing long tailbacks of traffic.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on August 19, 2021, 20:20:34
My son's been doing an internship (ie a summer job in something that actually interests him as a possible career) in Brislington and says that this past week the X39 has been absolutely rammed due to no trains running between Bristol Temple Meads and Bath.

Edit: clarify 'TM' - Red Squirrel


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on August 23, 2021, 10:26:34
My son's been doing an internship (ie a summer job in something that actually interests him as a possible career) in Brislington and says that this past week the X39 has been absolutely rammed due to no trains running between Bristol Temple Meads and Bath.

Edit: clarify 'TM' - Red Squirrel

I don't miss that journey, did the X39 / 349 for over 25 years, fonrunately gone are the days of single decker services, but obviously even the double deckers are not adequate at the moment too


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on August 24, 2021, 10:40:56
He's started taking a different bus home, the 1, which runs from other end of the industrial estate he's working on and takes a more roundabout route, but the X39 is faster in the morning.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on August 24, 2021, 10:47:00

I don't miss that journey, did the X39 / 349 for over 25 years, fonrunately gone are the days of single decker services, but obviously even the double deckers are not adequate at the moment too

When I lived close to Arnos Vale, I used the X39 for trips to Bath on the days I had to work there. The first couple of times, I went directly to Bath, and feel for the people doing the same journey now. After the first couple of times, I crossed the road and caught it to Temple Meads, then caught a train, an option not currently available.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on August 25, 2021, 11:01:56
Interesting angle on subway extension (via twitter, #bristolrailregen)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E9gmMARWEAQ0eMt?format=jpg&name=900x900)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on August 25, 2021, 11:51:38
I'm trying to work out the picture here.  To me, it looks like there is "cut and cover" going on rather than tunnelling....or will there be steps/lift there to bring people to "ground level"?
Either way, it looks like good progress and quite an interesting shot.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on August 25, 2021, 12:16:48
I'm trying to work out the picture here.  To me, it looks like there is "cut and cover" going on rather than tunnelling....or will there be steps/lift there to bring people to "ground level"?
Either way, it looks like good progress and quite an interesting shot.

This is cut and cover, tunnelling with so little cover not really feasible as the structure would need to take full railway loading and would need to fill most of the depth up to ballast level at least.  The only other option would be to build a bridge and then tunnel out underneath it, but if you are going to do that you might as well do cut and cover!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on August 25, 2021, 12:28:15
I'm trying to work out the picture here.  To me, it looks like there is "cut and cover" going on rather than tunnelling....or will there be steps/lift there to bring people to "ground level"?
Either way, it looks like good progress and quite an interesting shot.

This is cut and cover, tunnelling with so little cover not really feasible as the structure would need to take full railway loading and would need to fill most of the depth up to ballast level at least.  The only other option would be to build a bridge and then tunnel out underneath it, but if you are going to do that you might as well do cut and cover!

Thanks, yes and it clearly show why the platform canopy needed temporary removal.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on August 25, 2021, 20:34:42
Interesting angle on subway extension (via twitter, #bristolrailregen)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E9gmMARWEAQ0eMt?format=jpg&name=900x900)

I can almost see the press headline to this:

"Huge hole appears at Bristol Temple Meads, Network Rail are looking into it".


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on August 26, 2021, 12:16:39
Interesting angle on subway extension (via twitter, #bristolrailregen)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E9gmMARWEAQ0eMt?format=jpg&name=900x900)

So platforms 13 and 15 are out of use until this work is completed?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on August 26, 2021, 13:33:13
So platforms 13 and 15 are out of use until this work is completed?

That side of the station is out of use at the moment anyway, while Bristol East Jct works continue.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on August 26, 2021, 19:12:26
So platforms 13 and 15 are out of use until this work is completed?

That side of the station is out of use at the moment anyway, while Bristol East Jct works continue.



Could it be a thriller "will the Orange Army finish before the junction works are done" scenario?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: paul7575 on August 26, 2021, 20:27:21
So platforms 13 and 15 are out of use until this work is completed?

That side of the station is out of use at the moment anyway, while Bristol East Jct works continue.



Could it be a thriller "will the Orange Army finish before the junction works are done" scenario?
Only if they turn it into a Channel 5 documentary…


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on August 26, 2021, 21:11:04
So platforms 13 and 15 are out of use until this work is completed?

That side of the station is out of use at the moment anyway, while Bristol East Jct works continue.



...hence this unusual image which I took last week, under rather leaden skies. A London-bound IET departs from Platform 3. You'd normally expect this to leave from a high-numbered platform.

(https://fosbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/bri_20210819.jpg)

Note the ground frame, visible between the train and the signal post - I'm surprised that's still there!



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on August 27, 2021, 11:36:11
Looks like the subway extension is going well... they'll have the ballast on and the tracks down by tomorrow teatime at this rate.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E9wswbaXoAAX3oY?format=jpg&name=medium)
Image from twitter (https://twitter.com/networkrailwest/status/1431187231041937409)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 02, 2021, 19:51:44
Gurt lush!

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E-RkNDqXMAE4koL?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E-RkGZGX0A0wnmS?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
Images from Network Rail Western, via twitter: https://twitter.com/networkrailwest/status/1433381105030385666


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Timmer on September 02, 2021, 20:03:16
Looks great doesn’t it? Done with future electrification in mind I expect as well.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on September 02, 2021, 20:21:41
Neat and clean.  :)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 02, 2021, 23:24:09
Looks great doesn’t it? Done with future electrification in mind I expect as well.

Yup. These photos were taken from the new signal gantry, which has full electrification clearance for example.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on September 03, 2021, 12:04:17
That is good news.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on September 03, 2021, 18:49:38
Mike Gallop - Route director Network Rail talking about more trains as from December on BBC Points West. 

Err - which December - he didn't say and it sounded like this year?   More trains to Westbury (he mentioned) withing the next 4 months - with a suggestion that was only possible because of all the works being done.   Have I missed something - I thought we were seeing a reduction by the removal of the SWR services on this route this December.  One extra GWR train to replace one of them, and one extra GWR arrival to replace a Cross Country train from Cardiff.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: IndustryInsider on September 03, 2021, 19:21:12
Perhaps the 4tph London to Bristol service is being introduced in December?  ;)

I’d be amazed though!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on September 03, 2021, 20:15:02
Perhaps the 4tph London to Bristol service is being introduced in December?  ;)

I’d be amazed though!

So would I; it was not included in the timetable briefing at the start of this week, whereas Cardiff back to half hourly, and through Cheltenhams every day / hour were.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on September 03, 2021, 21:18:11
Whatever happens timetable wise, that layout is a thing of beauty.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Lee on September 03, 2021, 21:36:55
Mike Gallop - Route director Network Rail talking about more trains as from December on BBC Points West. 

Err - which December - he didn't say and it sounded like this year?   More trains to Westbury (he mentioned) withing the next 4 months - with a suggestion that was only possible because of all the works being done.   Have I missed something - I thought we were seeing a reduction by the removal of the SWR services on this route this December.  One extra GWR train to replace one of them, and one extra GWR arrival to replace a Cross Country train from Cardiff.

Perhaps they have decided to respond to the SWR criticism by doing a Dallas, and persuading us that the last few weeks were just a dream. They will then start the new series with an hourly TransWilts, extra Waterloo-Bristols, and Bobby Ewing as the first GBR Chairman.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on September 04, 2021, 07:05:22
Just in ...

Quote
Dear Graham
 
Quick note to let you know that the Bristol Rail Regeneration work at Bristol East Junction has gone very well and services are running normally again on all routes from today.  There will be one final piece of work to complete on the weekend of Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September, but the new track and signals are now in place and working well. 
 
It has been a very major piece of work, involving thousands of bus movements, diverted services, temporary depots and extra customer support and advice. Network Rail teams have worked day and night to complete on time.  It has been a collaborative effort with all parts of the railway working together to deliver for our customers.
 
We are really grateful for the help and support of our stakeholders and local communities, and in particular the help you have given us in keeping customers informed of the changes. 
 
This is a big investment in capacity for everyone using the railway through Bristol and we are really pleased that this will now enable us, in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority, to deliver the extra services planned for MetroWest.   This will start from December when we will move to a half hourly frequency on the Severn Beach Line.
 
Thank you again for your support.
 
Jane Jones (GWR), Toby Elliott (Network Rail), Richard Gibson (Crosscountry)

My bolding, identifying the extra services that Mike Gallop talked about.  His mention of Westbury in the same sentence (or perhaps I missed a spoken full stop) confused me.   And Portway Parkway to open in the New Year too, probably within the December to May timetable if it goes according to latest time anticipation.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: infoman on September 04, 2021, 07:09:25
Just wondering when the half hourly cross country services will commence


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on September 04, 2021, 07:27:13
Just wondering when the half hourly cross country services will commence

I don't know - but that's recommence as they were there until March last year on the old track layout, so really should not be counted as a benefit made possible by the new layout (though I'm sure that some may use them as "made possible by these works")


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 04, 2021, 10:47:39
Quote
Major track upgrade completed at Bristol East Junction


(https://cdn.prgloo.com/media/22fd34e3411d465ab124b06d3a18e86e.jpeg?width=640&height=960)

The completion of this project has resulted in a clever new track layout and state of the art signalling equipment, meaning passengers will experience better journeys when travelling to and from Bristol Temple Meads station.

Network Rail has completed its major upgrade of Bristol East Junction, removing a bottleneck into Bristol Temple Meads and replacing the 1960s track and components. This will allow more trains to enter and exit the station, increase capacity, reduce congestion and help make journeys more reliable.

This work was completed as planned yesterday (Friday) evening with all railway lines into and out of Bristol Temple Meads reopening and train services resuming normal operations this morning (Saturday).

This £132m Department for Transport-funded project started on Saturday 10 July and over the past eight weeks Network Rail engineers have worked day and night using a total of 50 engineering trains to replace over 5km of track, install over 300 track panels and lay around 26,000 tonnes of ballast (the stones that support the track).

An additional line has been introduced which paves the way to support new suburban services in the future as part of the West of England Combined Authority’s (WECA) MetroWest scheme. Once complete, this scheme will provide over 4,000 additional seats on trains every day in the area, making Bristol Temple Meads a key transport hub in the western region.

Also as part of the upgrade, an old signalling gantry has been removed and a new gantry, installed over the Christmas period last year (2020), has been brought online.

Follow up work to the remodelled junction will take place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September affecting trains towards Bristol Parkway on the Saturday and towards Bath Spa on the Sunday.

During this time, there will be changes to train services and passengers are reminded to check before travelling and where possible plan ahead for their journeys. For more information and for the latest timetable changes, please visit GWR.com/Bristol or crosscountrytrains.co.uk/Bristol

The completion of this track upgrade work is part of the wider Bristol Rail Regeneration programme that will see a number of improvements to the iconic Bristol Temple Meads station over the next three years, representing a major investment in sustainable transport in the region and creating a major transport hub that will serve millions of passengers each year and support business right across the region.

Mike Gallop, Network Rail’s Western route director, said: “I am delighted we have completed this important upgrade work which, now finished, will bring great benefits to passengers, particularly more trains, more seats and more reliable journeys.

“This was a highly complex piece of engineering that has taken several years to plan and we would like to thank passengers and local residents for their patience and understanding over the past eight weeks while we have completed this work.

“The upgrade of Bristol East Junction is just one aspect of our wider Bristol Rail Regeneration programme of work that is transforming the station and railway in Bristol for the benefit of passengers, the city and West of England region.”

Richard Rowland, GWR customer service and operations director, said: “We are very grateful to our passengers who have shown great patience and understanding during this work to create an infrastructure fit for the future of our rail services.

“This work will help us to deliver 4,000 more train seats a day into the city, on more services through Bristol; starting with the introduction of half-hourly services on the Severn Beach line later this year.”

Tom Joyner, CrossCountry’s managing director, said: “After years of planning it’s great that Network Rail have completed these works, which will deliver so much for people using this station. We know these big projects can be an inconvenience and would like to thank everyone for their patience over the last two months.

“The improvements to the tracks into the station will help us ensure our trains arrive and depart on time, providing a quality journey experience for our long-distance customers travelling to and through Bristol. Combined with the additional works planned, Bristol Temple Meads will again be a fitting gateway to the West of England.”
Source: Network Rail


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 04, 2021, 11:45:55
Compare and contrast:

Quote
Bristol Temple Meads upheaval ends as upgrade work completed

A £140m scheme to increase capacity into Bristol Temple Meads station is due to be completed by the weekend.

Passengers have faced eight weeks of bus replacement services and timetable changes while the work was carried out.
BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-58431549)

Quote
Multi-million scheme to remove Temple Meads train 'bottleneck' is completed

The improvements will increase capacity, reduce congestion and help make train journeys more reliable
Bristol Live (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/multi-million-scheme-remove-temple-5871733)

Am I being oversensitive, or have the BBC's subeditors once again tried to make a very positive rail story sound a bit negative?




Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: eightonedee on September 04, 2021, 12:47:35
It reminds me of someone I was at school with, who went on to get an engineering degree and joined BR's engineering department, working at what was then still the London Division of the Western Region.

He spoke with pride of the high standards of his department, the quality of the work and the accuracy to which thay carried out their work. But then, he said, they spoilt it all by running trains over it....


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on September 04, 2021, 15:40:47
Compare and contrast:

Quote
Bristol Temple Meads upheaval ends as upgrade work completed

A £140m scheme to increase capacity into Bristol Temple Meads station is due to be completed by the weekend.

Passengers have faced eight weeks of bus replacement services and timetable changes while the work was carried out.
BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-58431549)

Quote
Multi-million scheme to remove Temple Meads train 'bottleneck' is completed

The improvements will increase capacity, reduce congestion and help make train journeys more reliable
Bristol Live (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/multi-million-scheme-remove-temple-5871733)

Am I being oversensitive, or have the BBC's subeditors once again tried to make a very positive rail story sound a bit negative?


They've added £8 million for a start. It was the same with the Totnes bridge strike - the Spotlight on the spot reporter kept on and on about "Oooos gonna pay for it", getting the answer "I'm an engineer - I fix railways and someone else deals with the money" a few times.

Is the extra line mentioned in the report the on that will eventually lead into Platform 0?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 04, 2021, 18:39:09
[...]
Is the extra line mentioned in the report the on[e] that will eventually lead into Platform 0?

The simple answer to that is 'yes'.

The extra track is on the 'suburban', low-numbered-platform side of Temple Meads that leads most directly to the Up and Down Filton Relief lines.

In the current Severn Beach line timetable, it takes 12 minutes to get from Montpelier to Temple Meads but only 8 minutes to make the return journey. It'll be interesting to see if this disparity is still there after December...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyN on September 04, 2021, 20:55:48
Just wondering when the half hourly cross country services will commence
When the fairies provide Cross Country with some more Voyagers so that the trains don't end up like the Tokyo metro again.

That means waiting for West coast to give up their Voyagers and possibly East Midland Railway to release some Meridians. Unfortunatly the cracking problems and Covid are likley to delay the replacments for West coast and East Midland Railway from Hitachi.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on September 07, 2021, 16:00:28

When the fairies provide Cross Country with some more Voyagers so that the trains don't end up like the Tokyo metro again.


Nothing wrong with the Tokyo Metro

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51432580552_4f22abbb27_c.jpg)

although it can get a little intimate onboard.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51434111314_b27d7e113c_c.jpg)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyN on September 07, 2021, 21:52:27
Quote
although it can get a little intimate onboard.

There's more space on there than there was on the 16:45 Bournmouth-Manchester when departing Basingstoke at 17:47 in pre Covid days.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on September 08, 2021, 09:25:03
I was going to say, it looks less crowded than many metros in smaller cities.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 10, 2021, 10:22:05
Meanwhile, back at Temple Meads  ;) :

Colas rail have tweeted this drone footage, which shows the flighting of the Filtons* rather nicely:

https://twitter.com/ColasRailUK/status/1436238089769439232

*not to be confused with the Axis of Awesome


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on September 10, 2021, 11:13:39
I was rather expecting a Wagnerian soundtrack.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Sulis John on September 10, 2021, 18:26:10
I know there were lots of other reasons for doing the work, but it doesn't seem to have solved the problems of conflicting movements causing delays (which when the through services from Parkway to the Avon Valley already take an appalling 50 minutes for the 17 miles to Bath is very frustrating and not exactly designed to encourage people to let the train take the strain). Every day this week one or other of my trains up or down the bank has been held before one or other of the crossovers. Will not reinstating platforms on the "fast lines" at Stapleton Road (at least - if not also Lawrence Hill) prove to be a false economy?
I also noticed at Parkway yesterday that although the former terminators from Weston were cut back to Filton for capacity reasons, there appears to be no problem leaving a terminating London service stabled in a platform for the best part of an hour and a half


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: IndustryInsider on September 10, 2021, 18:52:20
With the work now done, I expect future timetables will be honed a little to make use of the benefits of the revised layout.

Though with the number of reversing trains needed to cross over at some point between Filton and Temple Meads you’ll never remove potential conflicts entirely without grade separation…and there was no room (or money) for anything that extravagant.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on September 15, 2021, 15:40:54
Just been to Temple Meads.  Thought that I'd take a quick look at platform 15.  It looks like the removed canopy section is beginning to be returned.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on September 15, 2021, 15:42:40
While I'm at it, this was the bit that was "cut and covered".


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 23, 2021, 12:54:50
Quote

Richard Osman's mind blown after visit to Bristol Temple Meads Station

Bemused by absence of M&S at transport hub

There are lots of things the very clever Richard Osman knows - how to create and present long-running quiz shows and pen hugely successful crime novels to name but two.

But there are some things that can still blow his mind - and that includes why Bristol Temple Meads doesn't have an M&S.

[...]

On twitter yesterday, his comment "It still blows my mind that Bristol Temple Meads station doesn't have an M&S" prompted a lot of reaction on twitter.

[...]

[...] [a] japester said: "So it’s called Britol Teple ead, then??"

see full article (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/celebs-tv/richard-osmans-mind-blown-after-5955954)
Source: Bristol Live


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Lee on September 23, 2021, 17:01:50
Quote

Richard Osman's mind blown after visit to Bristol Temple Meads Station

Bemused by absence of M&S at transport hub

There are lots of things the very clever Richard Osman knows - how to create and present long-running quiz shows and pen hugely successful crime novels to name but two.

But there are some things that can still blow his mind - and that includes why Bristol Temple Meads doesn't have an M&S.

[...]

On twitter yesterday, his comment "It still blows my mind that Bristol Temple Meads station doesn't have an M&S" prompted a lot of reaction on twitter.

[...]

[...] [a] japester said: "So it’s called Britol Teple ead, then??"

see full article (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/celebs-tv/richard-osmans-mind-blown-after-5955954)
Source: Bristol Live


Mr Osman should spare a thought for us on this side of the Channel, where due to Brexit-related intransigence and incompetence, we are to lose all of our M&S stores except those situated within major transport hubs.

Luckily this includes Paris Montparnasse, where the TGVs from Brittany terminate, because if it didn't, then you can forget AUKUS, my wife will show you what a proper international diplomatic incident looks like if she can no longer get her M&S Teacakes...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: GBM on September 24, 2021, 08:05:12
...........
Luckily this includes Paris Montparnasse, where the TGVs from Brittany terminate, because if it didn't, then you can forget AUKUS, my wife will show you what a proper international diplomatic incident looks like if she can no longer get her M&S Teacakes...
The teacakes they use in their café is not the same as those found in their shop unfortunately.
We love the café ones, less keen on the shop ones  :'(


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Wizard on September 24, 2021, 10:45:11
Mr Osman obviously didn’t take a look inside WH Smith, as it is now a half WH Smith/half M&S food.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on September 24, 2021, 10:57:56
All this talk of purchasing sustenance at Temple Meads reminds me.  Has any one seen if anything seems to be happening at Bonaparte's recently?  Hands up, I forgot to have a look last week, even though I walked past it


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on September 24, 2021, 12:39:50
Rail Advent have an article here on progress on the new east entrance.  It gives me the impression that work is currently continuing on the entrance, if unseen, as it talks of installing the entrance and barriers "in autumn".  It's less clear about the new entrance building as this seems to be still in the planning stage.
See what you make of it:

https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/09/network-rail-completes-foundations-for-new-entrance-at-bristol-temple-meads.html


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on September 24, 2021, 13:01:36
All this talk of purchasing sustenance at Temple Meads reminds me.  Has any one seen if anything seems to be happening at Bonaparte's recently?  Hands up, I forgot to have a look last week, even though I walked past it
As long as the pasty place in the tunnel is still there...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: GBM on September 24, 2021, 17:06:07
As long as the pasty place in the tunnel is still there...

Noted you didn't call it a Cornish pasty place - thank you


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 27, 2021, 12:25:14
Rail Advent have an article here on progress on the new east entrance.  It gives me the impression that work is currently continuing on the entrance, if unseen, as it talks of installing the entrance and barriers "in autumn".  It's less clear about the new entrance building as this seems to be still in the planning stage.
See what you make of it:

https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/09/network-rail-completes-foundations-for-new-entrance-at-bristol-temple-meads.html


The planning app was referred to on this thread some time ago:

http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=10737.msg309406#msg309406

Not everyone likes the look of the proposed entrance building - it's very modern, and quite a contrast with the rest of station.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on September 27, 2021, 13:12:25
I've obviously got onto a GWR/Network Rail mailing list, because I've just received a letter – a printed letter on paper, delivered by the postman – informing me that the new track layout at Temple Meads is now complete but advising that there will be one further weekend of disruption: on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th September. The eagle-eyed will have noticed that refers to the weekend just passed. Even had it been delivered on time, I can't see much point in this letter. It would have to be delivered significantly in advance to account for planned journeys and doesn't tell me anything I couldn't find out from the internet. True, not everyone uses the internet, but again information late is no good at all. I don't remember receiving a similar letter informing me the works were about to start.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on September 27, 2021, 13:32:29
Forgot to mention: my son actually did want to go to Bath yesterday – Comicon (not Comecon!) – train was initially planned but he got a lift with a friend.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 27, 2021, 14:09:41
I've obviously got onto a GWR/Network Rail mailing list, because I've just received a letter...

Yes, I got one of those too. At least this time they only sent me one, addressed to 'GWR Customer' - last time they sent me three copies, all addressed to different people (who happened to be neighbours!)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on September 28, 2021, 16:44:48

Not everyone likes the look of the proposed entrance building - it's very modern, and quite a contrast with the rest of station.

It's a vast improvement on the existing eastern access.

I rather like it, and it will fit in with what will be a modern development facing it. It will not impinge on the neo-Gothic grandeur of the main entrance, which is the main thing for me, and probably many others.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on September 28, 2021, 19:10:33
I've obviously got onto a GWR/Network Rail mailing list, because I've just received a letter...

Yes, I got one of those too.

Same here and likewise, just after the event.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on September 28, 2021, 20:26:29

Not everyone likes the look of the proposed entrance building - it's very modern, and quite a contrast with the rest of station.

It's a vast improvement on the existing eastern access.

I rather like it, and it will fit in with what will be a modern development facing it. It will not impinge on the neo-Gothic grandeur of the main entrance, which is the main thing for me, and probably many others.


I quite like the asymmetric front and what they've done with the sides of the building.  I was going to say that the effect on the roof-line looks interesting but I'm not sure that anyone would be able to see it much.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 29, 2021, 09:29:45
The devil is in the detail. My chums at Bristol Civic Society (https://www.bristolcivicsociety.org.uk/) are a bit worried it might end up looking a bit like this:

Quote
Carbuncle Cup: Preston Railway Station Butler Street Entrance by AHR

(https://d3rcx32iafnn0o.cloudfront.net/Pictures/980x653fitpad[0]/2/5/0/1837250_Preston-4.jpg)

The residents of Preston took to Twitter in droves to denounce Preston Railway Station’s new entrance

Preston’s grade II listed railway station was designed by Cooper and Tullis and completed in 1880.

In the 1980s an entrance building was added to the Butler Street side of the station. A pastiche of the station’s Victorian style, this was designed to blend into the background.

Operator Virgin Trains decided to replace this with a “contrasting structure to create a more modern and passenger friendly environment”. The residents of Preston clearly preferred the former entrance variously describing the new building as an “eyesore”, “hideous”, “a joke” and “planning gone mad”.

Nominator Steve Webberley described it as a “deadening cake tin slapped on its side”. He said: “This fractured geometric lean-to would seem out of date 10 years ago. It isn’t even that well-planned inside. The relationship with the window line of the brick station is laughable. We’ve come a long way from Brunel. A very long way…”

Source: Building Design (https://www.bdonline.co.uk/buildings/carbuncle-cup-preston-railway-station-butler-street-entrance-by-ahr/5088599.article)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on September 29, 2021, 11:25:54
If the new entrance does end up looking like the one at Preston Station then the best that I could say for it is that it's pretty much out of sight of the rest of Temple Meads and facing the more modern architecture being built around it. 
I can understand the concerns of the good people of Preston, their new station entrance does look pretty grim but it's also clumsily placed in front of very contrasting architecture, something that doesn't really apply so much at Temple Meads where it's a plain retaining wall. 
I do hope the East entrance building ends up looking more like the submitted plans rather than what Preston ended up with.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on September 29, 2021, 22:03:38
Passing through Temple Meads today, I remembered to take a quick look at Bonaparte's.  The picture below shows where things are at.
I also managed to take a quick shot from the platform of where the new east entrance is to be.  You can't see it in the picture but I spotted a JCB working around the future location of the entrance as my train came in from Redland.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 03, 2021, 16:29:36
Had a look at the Temple Meads subway today to see how things are progressing, from the inside. Not much to see yet!

(https://fosbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/east-end-of-bri-subway-20211003.jpg)

The subway extension will be 9m wide, matching the existing, but the lift shaft (the grey wall to the left of the wooden hoarding) will protrude about 3m into this. The boarded over area behind the cones was the short-lived 'Food You Need' shop, which was presumably taken on a short lease!

Not far from the newly-moved Brunel statue (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=25524.msg312477#msg312477), you can see evidence of how much care has been lavished on the grade I listed train shed in recent years:

(https://fosbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/bri-old-station-decay-20211003.jpg)

To be fair to Network Rail, they only acquired the building from Bristol City Council a year ago. I understand that they have been surprised at how far the fabric of the building has been allowed to deteriorate.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyN on October 03, 2021, 16:38:17
One Sunday in 1985 I parked in the old trainshed to go on a Steam trip to Devon.
When I got back to the car I had to scrape the Pigeon poo off the windows before I could see to drive home.


Title: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts)
Post by: infoman on October 07, 2021, 07:47:58
https://www.bristol247.com/culture/music/in-spite-of-it-all-life-is-beautiful/?utm_source=Bristol24%2F7&utm_campaign=f40fffeed8-bristol247_newsletter_071021&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_67a9a4e1bd-f40fffeed8-38758697&ct=t(B247_newsletter_071021)&mc_cid=f40fffeed8&mc_eid=86ae7efe71


Title: Re: new sign for BTM area
Post by: ChrisB on October 07, 2021, 08:10:05
Are you their manager? Not sure what relevance there is to trains?

Perhaps you might advise in your posts to save us? This is effectively bait-clicking


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on October 07, 2021, 16:21:58
Just managed to miss the service to Totnes at Temple Meads, so while I'm waiting for the next one I thought that I'd take a quick update picture of the gradually returning canopy on platform 15.  Apologies for the poor light.  Although it's hard to make out, the dagger boards are still the old ones and not the replacements.


Title: Re: new sign for BTM area
Post by: Timmer on October 07, 2021, 18:42:29
Are you their manager? Not sure what relevance there is to trains?

Perhaps you might advise in your posts to save us? This is effectively bait-clicking
Well you certainly saved me from clicking on it Chris.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on December 18, 2021, 11:22:56
Just noticed this little bit of news on the NR Bristol Rail Regeneration pages regarding the short term developments for the closed Bonaparte's Bar site:

"With extensive surveys of the subway and tunnel completed, the rewire team is preparing to transform the former Bonapartes Bar into a temporary ticket office, enabling the existing ticket office and travel centre to be closed for the first part of our rewire work."

So it looks like it's still "watch this space" to see if there will be any replacement of the old place.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on December 28, 2021, 23:15:19
While waiting at Temple Meads just before Christmas I noticed that the temporarily removed canopy has now been fully put back.  While I'm sure that you'll take my word for it, I thought that I would add a photo anyway.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: infoman on March 28, 2022, 18:58:26
on both ITV West and BBC1 west local news on Monday 28 march


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 29, 2022, 10:26:58
on both ITV West and BBC1 west local news on Monday 28 march

Also articles in Bristol Live (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/restoration-historic-temple-meads-station-6869164), Bristol 24/7 (https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/decades-dirt-pigeon-poo-almost-ready-cleaned-temple-meads-roof/) and Bristol World (https://www.bristolworld.com/business/a-look-inside-bristol-temple-meads-iconic-curved-roof-before-restoration-works-begin-3630055), following a press visit and Network Rail's press release:

Quote
Bristol Temple Meads’ historic roof refurbishment to enter next phase

(https://cdn.prgloo.com/media/56baf9b8eaf746b3a135e7b9d05c7ad2.jpg?width=1135&height=960)

Bristol Temple Meads station is gearing up for the next phase of the refurbishment of its historic train shed roof, which begins next month.

From Tuesday 12 April, Network Rail’s team of engineers and its contractors Taziker will begin a key phase of the work to refurbish the roof of Bristol Temple Meads station, using a process known as grit-blasting to remove any old paint, dirt and surface contaminants from the metal parts of the structure before they can be repaired, repainted and reglazed.

The grit-blasting, which involves forcibly propelling abrasive material against a surface at high pressure, marks the latest stage of a complex multi-year project to carefully restore the Grade I listed roof, ensuring that it remains safe and retains its character for generations to come.

The roof refurbishment is due to be completed in the summer of 2024.

At the same time, a separate project to update all of the station’s electrics is getting underway, which will see the overall power supply, lighting, passenger information and CCTV systems all brought up to modern day standards. To support this, from Monday 18 April the station’s ticket office will be temporarily relocated to the former Bonapartes café bar on platform 3 for up to 12 weeks.

The roof restoration and rewire of the station are part of Network Rail’s Bristol Rail Regeneration programme, which is transforming Bristol Temple Meads into a world class transport hub. It means passengers will benefit from a brighter and more welcoming station environment, improved passenger information and an increase in retail offerings in the future.

The programme has already enabled improved train service reliability and an increase in suburban services following last summer’s £132m track and signalling upgrade at Bristol East Junction, as well as delivering a smarter, brighter and more welcoming entrance to Bristol Temple Meads following the refurbishment and repainting of the canopies at the front of the entrance.

Mike Contopoulos, Network Rail project director, said: “We’re proud to be preserving Bristol’s oldest station for future generations as part of the Bristol Rail Regeneration programme, transforming Temple Meads into a world class transport hub.

“Our work to renovate the Grade I listed roof will mean that this icon of our city will be protected and maintained for decades to come, while creating a more welcoming environment for passengers.

“Our specialist team will begin grit-blasting the steel parts of the roof in April, stripping it to bare metal so that we can carry out repairs and apply protective paint. We’ll be doing this in phases throughout the summer, encapsulating each section to make sure that no dust or other material reaches the platforms. To minimise the impact on passengers, grit-blasting will take place overnight and noise levels will be monitored.

“Once completed, Bristol Rail Regeneration – of which the roof refurbishment is only one part - will provide numerous benefits for our passengers, building on Bristol’s strengths as a world class city and creating a transport hub fit for the 21st century.”

Taziker managing director - infrastructure, Neil Harrison, said: “We have overcome significant challenges to get to this stage of the project which is only possible through the hard work and dedication of the whole project team.

“Our collaborative relationship with the Network Rail and the station management team is key to the success of delivering this project and we have created great relationships throughout the project to ensure we are working together to successfully hit our milestones.

“We’re really proud to be playing a part in the Bristol Rail Regeneration programme and have been supporting community initiatives by installing cycle racks in local schools and joining Caring in Bristol’s new partnership programme, Caring Corporates, to support people experiencing homelessness in Bristol.

“Our next challenge is the grit blasting stage but we’re prepared and fully equipped, with experts in this specialism ready to commence work.”

To find out more about the Bristol Rail Regeneration programme, please visit https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/western/bristol-rail-regeneration/

Source: Network Rail (https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/bristol-temple-meads-historic-roof-refurbishment-to-enter-next-phase)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 29, 2022, 17:55:23
There is more detail of work at Temple Meads in Network Rail's newsletter, here:

https://fosbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/NR-Bristol-Update-March-2022.pdf


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 07, 2022, 10:05:56
CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) have voiced concerns about the city council's plans for the George and Railway/Grosvenor Hotel which is part of the wider Temple Meads area redevelopment.  Once compulsory purchased, they intend to turn the G&R into offices and demolish the Grosvenor to build....more offices.
CAMRA suggest both buildings be restored and used as Temple Meads gateway hotel and bars.  Apparently much of the Grosvenor's interior is in good condition and of architectural interest.  They feel the council's plans are too unimaginative and unambitious.
More here from Bristol live:
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/camra-wants-eyesore-grosvenor-hotel-6915075


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 07, 2022, 11:33:19
Temple Meads temporary ticket office is, I believe, due to open this month.  Here's the state of play this morning.
It doesn't quite look ready yet but I wouldn't put an April opening out of the question.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on April 07, 2022, 11:36:48
CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) have voiced concerns about the city council's plans for the George and Railway/Grosvenor Hotel which is part of the wider Temple Meads area redevelopment.  Once compulsory purchased, they intend to turn the G&R into offices and demolish the Grosvenor to build....more offices.
CAMRA suggest both buildings be restored and used as Temple Meads gateway hotel and bars.  Apparently much of the Grosvenor's interior is in good condition and of architectural interest.  They feel the council's plans are too unimaginative and unambitious.
More here from Bristol live:
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/camra-wants-eyesore-grosvenor-hotel-6915075


Can't believe there is any need or market for another pub etc in that area


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on April 07, 2022, 11:38:34
CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) have voiced concerns about the city council's plans for the George and Railway/Grosvenor Hotel which is part of the wider Temple Meads area redevelopment.  Once compulsory purchased, they intend to turn the G&R into offices and demolish the Grosvenor to build....more offices.
CAMRA suggest both buildings be restored and used as Temple Meads gateway hotel and bars.  Apparently much of the Grosvenor's interior is in good condition and of architectural interest.  They feel the council's plans are too unimaginative and unambitious.
More here from Bristol live:
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/camra-wants-eyesore-grosvenor-hotel-6915075


Can't believe there is any need or market for another pub etc in that area

I just realised I replied on your Facebook post too
Monday 18th April is the scheduled opening date

Edit: Fixed quote - Red Squirrel


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 13, 2022, 17:43:31
Meanwhile, nearby:

Quote
Plans for new secondary school and hundreds of new homes FINALLY gets permission

Parents have campaigned for this for years

(https://i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article3218835.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_KW_BRI_160819SilverthorneLane_02.jpg)

A massive project to build a new secondary school, hundreds of new homes and businesses as part of the Temple Quarter regeneration project has finally been given Government approval. Housing minister Stuart Andrew has endorsed a planning inspector's decision to allow the plans for the Silverthorne Lane area of the city - which is located behind Temple Meads station, close to the Feeder canal.

It means a long-running campaign to get a secondary school built in this area - which parents and local politicians have called for for years - has been successful and work should be able to start soon. The delays to the new secondary school meant scores of young people were leaving primary school in the BS2 and BS5 areas of the city with other schools having to set up temporary classrooms to cope with the demand.

The planning permission is for a phased development to include offices, research and development units for the Temple Quarter university project, up to 367 new homes and a 1,600-pupil secondary school, along with listed building consent to refurbish some of the listed Victorian industrial buildings that line the Feeder.

...continues (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/plans-new-secondary-school-hundreds-6948634)

Source: Bristol Live


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on April 13, 2022, 21:28:48
Meanwhile, nearby:

Quote
Plans for new secondary school and hundreds of new homes FINALLY gets permission

Parents have campaigned for this for years

(https://i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article3218835.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_KW_BRI_160819SilverthorneLane_02.jpg)

A massive project to build a new secondary school, hundreds of new homes and businesses as part of the Temple Quarter regeneration project has finally been given Government approval. Housing minister Stuart Andrew has endorsed a planning inspector's decision to allow the plans for the Silverthorne Lane area of the city - which is located behind Temple Meads station, close to the Feeder canal.

It means a long-running campaign to get a secondary school built in this area - which parents and local politicians have called for for years - has been successful and work should be able to start soon. The delays to the new secondary school meant scores of young people were leaving primary school in the BS2 and BS5 areas of the city with other schools having to set up temporary classrooms to cope with the demand.

The planning permission is for a phased development to include offices, research and development units for the Temple Quarter university project, up to 367 new homes and a 1,600-pupil secondary school, along with listed building consent to refurbish some of the listed Victorian industrial buildings that line the Feeder.

...continues (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/plans-new-secondary-school-hundreds-6948634)

Source: Bristol Live

Time will tell whether or not those flooding concerns expressed by the Environment Agency are real or not. It's good news, hopefully for children starting school this September without a secondary school for when they are ready, and a sign of how Bristol is growing.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 14, 2022, 18:56:14
I was at Temple Meads today and something stuck me (no, nothing that fell from the roof repairs).  Getting off the Beach Line service today, the scaffolding at the southern end looked different, in fact it looked like some of it had been removed at it was clear all the way up to the roof.  Wasn't the scaffolding running the entire length of the canopy recently?  I suppose I could be imagining things.  The roof certainly hasn't been refurbished there yet.  Here's a picture of what I mean.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: stuving on April 14, 2022, 19:36:57
I was at Temple Meads today and something stuck me (no, nothing that fell from the roof repairs).  Getting off the Beach Line service today, the scaffolding at the southern end looked different, in fact it looked like some of it had been removed at it was clear all the way up to the roof.  Wasn't the scaffolding running the entire length of the canopy recently?  I suppose I could be imagining things.  The roof certainly hasn't been refurbished there yet.  Here's a picture of what I mean.

A paragraph in the NR words about the grit-blasting didn't get into the Bristol press version:
Quote
Due to the scale of the project, the restoration needs to be completed in stages. Over the coming months we will move our safety deck through the building, fully refurbishing the roof section by section. This summer we start work on the two gable ends from separate external scaffolding towers.

So it appears that the deck wasn't the full length of the roof.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on June 10, 2022, 14:24:47
BBC reports on levelling up funding being awarded to Temple Meads and surroundings.  Is this new money or just a re announcement?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-61756580


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 10, 2022, 16:09:51
I think it falls into the category 'long-awaited confirmation'... next: Portishead?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on June 10, 2022, 23:47:04
If only !...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: infoman on June 14, 2022, 07:31:05
Marvin will be on Radio Bristol after 8am on tuesday 14 june to discuss the plans

BTM 93 million
Birmingham new street 750 million
Paddington 900 milion

Don't think the money(93 million) will pay for electrification to the out skirts of Bath AND BTM to Bristol Parkway.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on June 14, 2022, 08:33:28

Don't think the money(93 million) will pay for electrification to the out skirts of Bath AND BTM to Bristol Parkway.


No, it won’t. This money is purely for upgrading Temple Meads station buildings and the immediate area around them.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on July 17, 2022, 18:22:42
There's a bit more in Bristol Live about the proposed redevelopment adjacent to Temple Meads along Avon Street for student accommodation, including a 12 floor block.  The site would be where the Chinese wholesalers are presently located.  Here's the link with the usual impression of "what it might look like".

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/local-news/chinese-food-wholesaler-behind-temple-7339583


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on August 31, 2022, 22:53:12
The site formerly intended to be the location for the Bristol Arenal, next to Temple Meads, has now received the go ahead for it's newly designated purposes.  Details from the Beeb on the link below -

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-62737138.amp



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 01, 2022, 11:32:08
Quote

Three new entrances and a new bridge to Temple Meads station planned

It's likely a new development company will be set up to get the job done

(https://i2-prod.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/incoming/article3028354.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_Bristol-Temple-Meads.jpg)
Bristol Temple Meads train station (Image: Copyright Unknown)

Three new entrances to Temple Meads Station, a bridge across the river, a bus interchange, car park and bus lanes on a nearby main road are all listed as part of the major regeneration of Bristol’s main train station. Those behind the project, which the Government handed over almost £100 million for earlier this year, say it will trigger the huge Temple Quarter regeneration scheme, which will see 2,476 new homes and more offices built on the land around station.

And for the first time, Bristol City Council has indicated that it is ‘likely’ that those involved in the complex project are ‘likely’ to have to set up a separate company to manage and deliver the project as it runs over the next decade or so. The latest updates and decisions on the Temple Quarter regeneration project go before the city council’s ruling Labour cabinet on Monday, for the first time in around 18 months, and the first time since Homes England finally agreed to pump £95.8 million into the project - which was announced with some fanfare earlier this year.

That money is going to a massive overhaul of Temple Meads station, that will completely change the way people access and use it. Three entrances will be created or enhanced, the most significant will be a new ‘southern gateway’, accessed from the Bath Road where Kwik Fit is now.

The new entrances and the southern gateway have been revealed before - by Bristol Live in September last year. But for the first time the full extent of the transformation of Temple Meads is beginning to emerge.

A new ‘eastern gateway’ will be created, through the wall at the end of the current underpass beneath the lines and platforms, that will give access to the the land where the old Cattle Market and sorting office sites were - these have been demolished now and are awaiting the University of Bristol to begin work on their new campus project.

The Kwik Fit site, which lies between the Bath Road Bridge roundabout and the railway lines to the east of Bath Road, will become a multi-storey car park off the main road and be the only private vehicle access point for the station. From there people will cross to the new southern entrance to the station. The ‘southern gateway’ also includes the Bath Road Bridge roundabout and a section of Bath Road as it crosses the railway lines too.

That will mean private vehicles will be barred from the historic existing Temple Meads incline, which is currently used by buses, private cars and taxis. Buses will also be redirected away to a new bus interchange created at the new ‘northern gateway’ to the site on The Friary.

The project also includes new bus lanes down Redcliffe Way to give priority to buses travelling from the station towards the city centre.

(https://i2-prod.bristolpost.co.uk/incoming/article7651076.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Temple-Meads-regen.jpg)
A plan of the Temple Meads 'gateways' project (Image: Bristol City Council)

...continues (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/three-new-entrances-new-bridge-7650961)
Source: Bristol Live



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: DaveHarries on October 01, 2022, 17:45:42
My employer has the yard immediately left of the Kwik Fit: we have been told that our lease on the site will run out in March / April 2023 and of the two potential replacement sites looked at so far one has been retained by its current occupant (who had originally planned to move out) and the other needed too much work done to it so heaven knows where we will end up.

Dave


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 01, 2022, 22:46:58
My employer has the yard immediately left of the Kwik Fit: we have been told that our lease on the site will run out in March / April 2023 and of the two potential replacement sites looked at so far one has been retained by its current occupant (who had originally planned to move out) and the other needed too much work done to it so heaven knows where we will end up.

Dave

A lot of light industrial businesses around Temple Meads and Bedminster are currently being forced to relocate to allow redevelopment, mostly to flats. Most seem to be heading to Avonmouth, and many are not happy about it...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on October 02, 2022, 13:48:33
Is this affecting the offices/spaces in Engine Shed, does anyone know?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on October 02, 2022, 21:47:31
Is this affecting the offices/spaces in Engine Shed, does anyone know?

IIRC the freehold on the Brunel's old station portion of the site passed from Bristol City Council back to Network Rail a year or so ago. Don't believe that the Engine Shed, nursery etc are affected but they did kick out a community bike repair place, to which it turned out BCC had never given a proper lease.

If they are following the plans shown in the consultation, once the new car park is build on the Kwik-Fit site they will remove the parking in the old train shed, which was once going to be reopened for express London services. The plan seemed to be to refurbish the old train shed as a concourse in a 'light touch' way by creating free-standing units in the space, but leaving the fabric of the building largely unaltered.

The new vehicle access will require a T-junction onto the Bath Road, so it seems quite likely that BCC will use it as a pretext to rebuild the roundabout. It's  been suggested that they are looking for an excuse to grab the Fowlers' motorcycles site as part of the Mead Street residential redevelopment. I believe too that along with adding bus lanes to Redcliffe Way, BCC want to replace the Redcliffe roundabout with a more compact junction, in part so they can build on the car park opposite St Mary Redcliffe.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 02, 2022, 23:48:41
...the old train shed, which was once going to be reopened for express London services. The plan seemed to be to refurbish the old train shed as a concourse in a 'light touch' way by creating free-standing units in the space, but leaving the fabric of the building largely unaltered.

There was once talk of running London trains from the old train shed, but this would have created difficulty in opening up the northern entrance because a footbridge or subway would have been required, which would have been above or below the level of the new concourse in the old station shed. There's also the added complication that these platforms would naturally lead towards the Filton Reliefs, which is not the best place for London-bound trains to be heading. I suspect that this idea was never really a goer.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on October 03, 2022, 11:08:39
Thanks. I was just wondering about the Engine Shed because my son attended a college there, which moved rather suddenly this January, so I was wondering if there might be some connection. It seems not.

I didn't realize the plan to run Londons from the old train shed had been abandoned, though the same problem regarding pointing at the Filton reliefs had occurred to me. And on a slightly abstract note, IIRC the plan was to make this a new Platform 0. But wouldn't it really have required two platforms, in which case the other one would be, logically, Platform -1? This doesn't sound like a good numbering scheme!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 03, 2022, 17:31:40
Thanks. I was just wondering about the Engine Shed because my son attended a college there, which moved rather suddenly this January, so I was wondering if there might be some connection. It seems not.

I didn't realize the plan to run Londons from the old train shed had been abandoned, though the same problem regarding pointing at the Filton reliefs had occurred to me. And on a slightly abstract note, IIRC the plan was to make this a new Platform 0. But wouldn't it really have required two platforms, in which case the other one would be, logically, Platform -1? This doesn't sound like a good numbering scheme!

My understanding (and forgive me if this is a bit inaccurate as I'm a really bad note-taker) is that the option of expanding and adding platforms is still open. As I remember it, the suggestion is that an extended existing Platform 1 and a new Platform 0 could, between them, accommodate 5 and 9-car trains once the old Bristol PSB has gone. I take this to mean that the current Platform 1 would be extended at its western end to accommodate 5-car trains and a new Platform 0 to its north could accommodate 9-car trains, by extending over the bridge.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on October 03, 2022, 17:58:16

There was once talk of running London trains from the old train shed, but this would have created difficulty in opening up the northern entrance because a footbridge or subway would have been required, which would have been above or below the level of the new concourse in the old station shed. There's also the added complication that these platforms would naturally lead towards the Filton Reliefs, which is not the best place for London-bound trains to be heading. I suspect that this idea was never really a goer.

IIRC, the initial plan was for 2 tph to head for Paddington via Bath from the easternmost platforms, with a further 2 tph leaving from an extended P1 and new P0 in the Digby Wyatt bit, heading for London via Bristol Parkway and the Badminton route. A spanking new underpass with ticket hall and shopping to rival the airport's duty free gauntlet was mooted. The idea of P0 was first for the chop, followed by the spanky new underpass, leaving just the extended P1 with buffers just before the walkway into the car park. That would just about fit a 9-car IET, according to a leading optimist with a borrowed tape measure, but not conjoined 5-cars.
It's the usual Bristol saga of starting with the magnificent then whittling it down. Hopefully, it won't end up as buses.

Edit: Apologies, RS, I had the doorbell ring before I hit the button.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on October 03, 2022, 22:58:53
But wouldn't it really have required two platforms, in which case the other one would be, logically, Platform -1? This doesn't sound like a good numbering scheme!

Why not?  At school we had one corridor with classrooms 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 and -1 and it didn't cause a problem.  Mind you, I went to a somewhat selective school, so perhaps it might cause problems in public ...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on October 04, 2022, 07:21:47

Why not?  At school we had one corridor with classrooms 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 and -1 and it didn't cause a problem.  Mind you, I went to a somewhat selective school, so perhaps it might cause problems in public ...

You are Jacob Ress Mogg, and I claim my five guineas.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Electric train on October 04, 2022, 08:39:39
But wouldn't it really have required two platforms, in which case the other one would be, logically, Platform -1? This doesn't sound like a good numbering scheme!

Why not?  At school we had one corridor with classrooms 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 and -1 and it didn't cause a problem.  Mind you, I went to a somewhat selective school, so perhaps it might cause problems in public ...

I supose there could be a platform 1 for 5 car and a 1 3/4 for 9 car  ;D


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on October 04, 2022, 09:08:21
But wouldn't it really have required two platforms, in which case the other one would be, logically, Platform -1? This doesn't sound like a good numbering scheme!

Why not?  At school we had one corridor with classrooms 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 and -1 and it didn't cause a problem.  Mind you, I went to a somewhat selective school, so perhaps it might cause problems in public ...

I supose there could be a platform 1 for 5 car and a 1 3/4 for 9 car  ;D

Numbers are a mess - 11 and 12 are the same platform, and platform 14 isn't between 13 and 15 - it's at the bottom of station approach.   Wouldn't find a similar confusion elsewhere - or would you?   


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 04, 2022, 10:13:01

Numbers are a mess - 11 and 12 are the same platform, and platform 14 isn't between 13 and 15 - it's at the bottom of station approach.   Wouldn't find a similar confusion elsewhere - or would you?   

I hadn't come across Platform 14 (https://engine-shed.co.uk/spaces/platform-14/) before. If you think that's confusing, you would have been completely bewildered back in the (eighties?)when the old station building at Clifton Down was trading as the Platform 1 Nightclub, despite clearly being on Platform 2. In an earlier incarnation, it was known as 'Boobs'. Ah, those 1970's... It's now called 'Steam'. One day, hopefully, it may become 'Electric'!

Aside from that the layout of Temple Meads doesn't seem that wild or wacky to me! Though it would be nice to see Platform 2 back in use (to left of P4 on map), to would add to the symmetry
(https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/static/images/content/rsz_4bristol_temple_meade_1080x1920px.jpg)



https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/static/images/content/rsz_4bristol_temple_meade_1080x1920px.jpg


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on October 04, 2022, 10:58:27
But wouldn't it really have required two platforms, in which case the other one would be, logically, Platform -1? This doesn't sound like a good numbering scheme!

Why not?  At school we had one corridor with classrooms 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 and -1 and it didn't cause a problem.  Mind you, I went to a somewhat selective school, so perhaps it might cause problems in public ...
All sorts of reasons: Negativity, non-existence, fictionality, weirdness...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Electric train on October 04, 2022, 12:47:51
But wouldn't it really have required two platforms, in which case the other one would be, logically, Platform -1? This doesn't sound like a good numbering scheme!

Why not?  At school we had one corridor with classrooms 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 and -1 and it didn't cause a problem.  Mind you, I went to a somewhat selective school, so perhaps it might cause problems in public ...

I supose there could be a platform 1 for 5 car and a 1 3/4 for 9 car  ;D

Numbers are a mess - 11 and 12 are the same platform, and platform 14 isn't between 13 and 15 - it's at the bottom of station approach.   Wouldn't find a similar confusion elsewhere - or would you?   

Has all the track and signalling been completed yet?   If it has and the platform numbers were left in that state that would Suprise me, the staging of renewals it is often decided to limit the alterations to data bases until the end because there can be a knock-on effect elsewhere

Edit: Fixed quote (Red Squirrel)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 04, 2022, 15:28:19
But wouldn't it really have required two platforms, in which case the other one would be, logically, Platform -1? This doesn't sound like a good numbering scheme!

Why not?  At school we had one corridor with classrooms 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 and -1 and it didn't cause a problem.  Mind you, I went to a somewhat selective school, so perhaps it might cause problems in public ...

I supose there could be a platform 1 for 5 car and a 1 3/4 for 9 car  ;D

Numbers are a mess - 11 and 12 are the same platform, and platform 14 isn't between 13 and 15 - it's at the bottom of station approach.   Wouldn't find a similar confusion elsewhere - or would you?   

Has all the track and signalling been completed yet?   If it has and the platform numbers were left in that state that would Suprise me, the staging of renewals it is often decided to limit the alterations to data bases until the end because there can be a knock-on effect elsewhere

Edit: Fixed quote (Red Squirrel)

Just to be clear, grahame's joking about Platform 14. It's a bit of an in-joke as BRI has no Platform 14; the name has been used for a venue within that part of the Old Station which is not going to return to operational use. It's a bit of a silly name, IMHO, because you can imagine people assuming it is actually somewhere near Platform 13 or 15 of the operational station which, of course, it isn't - it's about 250m to the west.

Platforms 11 and 12, like all BRI's split platforms, are signalled as two platforms. All is explained in this document: https://www.giocondarail.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Bristol-Temple-Meads-Print.pdf

The track and signalling work is substantially (possibly totally) complete. The potential lengthening of Platform 1 and potential addition of Platform 0 are unfunded aspirations and so do not form part of any current plan.

Why is there no P.14? I'm sure it's been covered before on this forum, but the simple answer is that platforms on the London side of the subway are odd-numbered while those on the country side are even-numbered. Platforms 13 and 15 are not split, and are mostly on the London side of the subway, so have odd numbers.

Sadly this coherence will be lost if a Platform 0 were to be added next to Platform 1, of course...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on October 05, 2022, 17:32:17
Why is there no P.14? I'm sure it's been covered before on this forum, but the simple answer is that platforms on the London side of the subway are odd-numbered while those on the country side are even-numbered. Platforms 13 and 15 are not split, and are mostly on the London side of the subway, so have odd numbers.

Sadly this coherence will be lost if a Platform 0 were to be added next to Platform 1, of course...
So best skip the 0 and go straight to -1!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on October 05, 2022, 18:25:15

So best skip the 0 and go straight to -1!

Indeed. What possible confusion could that cause?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 17, 2022, 16:20:24
Quote
Bristol Temple Meads to become testbed for passenger tech

A multi-million pound programme will turn Bristol Temple Meads into the UK’s first ‘Station Innovation Zone’, trialling new technologies designed to upgrade passengers’ experience.

Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport, and place leadership, and Network Rail, have announced today (Monday 17 October 2022) that Bristol’s iconic train station is to host trials of innovative passenger technologies thanks to a new partnership between Network Rail and Connected Places Catapult.

The programme is selecting start-ups aiming to test new ways to improve various aspects of the passenger experience: from making journeys smoother with smarter ticketing, to making stations more accessible with wayfinding apps; from using AI to improve people flow, to designing better facilities using human-centred design principles.

The Catapult is directing millions of pounds of Innovate UK funding into the programme, which sees Bristol Temple Meads named as the UK’s first Station Innovation Zone. The five-year programme will pioneer the approach and plans are in place to roll out the model to other stations as it succeeds.

Applications opened today https://cp.catapult.org.uk/opportunity/innovation-funding-programme-station-innovation-zone/ for start-ups with ideas that could be trialled in the Station Innovation Zone. Passengers are likely to see the first trials beginning early next year.

This announcement of the Station Innovation Zone follows the Government’s levelling-up announcement of £95m for the Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration programme and the Catapult funding will complement the ongoing revitalisation of the station. Around £60m of the funding from Government will enable improvements in and around Bristol Temple Meads Station, including three new entrances to the station, as well as infrastructure works and new public spaces nearby.

The University of Bristol is developing its presence in Temple Quarter near the station, recently opening the Temple Quarter Research Hub, housing the Bristol Digital Futures Institute with a large scale data-centre and a sector agnostic digital twin.

Francis McGarry, Network Rail’s Wales & Western Investment Director, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Connected Places Catapult on this new programme which will provide SMEs with crucial funding opportunities and Network Rail with new, innovative ideas on how to further enhance the experience of our passengers.

“We are committed to developing Bristol Temple Meads into a world class transport hub for the benefit of our passengers, the city of Bristol and wider West of England region, so it is fitting Bristol Temple Meads has been chosen as the UK’s first Station Innovation Zone.”

Indro Mukerjee, CEO, Innovate UK said: “Innovate UK is strongly committed to partnerships to deliver future transport systems that are connected, accessible, sustainable, and safe. So, we see this partnership between our Connected Places Catapult and Network Rail as an important step to support delivery of passenger technology for the future.”

Nicola Yates, CEO, Connected Places Catapult, said: “Innovation is tough in any industry and rail is especially hard because of the number of assessments and permissions required. The net effect is that it takes too much time and costs too much for most small businesses to engage. Partnering with Network Rail to create a multi-year Station Innovation Zone in Bristol’s vibrant Temple Quarter will enable us to support numerous small companies in navigating these challenges and benefit passengers’ experience of the station.”

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “We are delighted that Connected Places Catapult and Innovate UK have chosen Bristol Temple Meads as the country’s first Station Innovation Zone. Temple Meads is at the heart of Temple Quarter, and the innovation funding from the Catapult, combined with recent funding of £95million Bristol secured from Government, matches our commitment to making Temple Meads and its surrounding area a world-class gateway to the city region. This is an exciting new chapter for Brunel’s iconic train station as we prepare for new sustainable homes, quality jobs and inclusive opportunities in Bristol.”
Source: Network Rail (https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/bristol-temple-meads-to-become-testbed-for-passenger-tech)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on October 18, 2022, 11:03:30
Quote
Bristol Temple Meads to become testbed for passenger tech

A multi-million pound programme will turn Bristol Temple Meads into the UK’s first ‘Station Innovation Zone’, trialling new technologies designed to upgrade passengers’ experience.

Connected Places Catapult, the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport, and place leadership, and Network Rail, have announced today (Monday 17 October 2022) that Bristol’s iconic train station is to host trials of innovative passenger technologies thanks to a new partnership between Network Rail and Connected Places Catapult.

The programme is selecting start-ups aiming to test new ways to improve various aspects of the passenger experience: from making journeys smoother with smarter ticketing, to making stations more accessible with wayfinding apps; from using AI to improve people flow, to designing better facilities using human-centred design principles.

The Catapult is directing millions of pounds of Innovate UK funding into the programme, which sees Bristol Temple Meads named as the UK’s first Station Innovation Zone. The five-year programme will pioneer the approach and plans are in place to roll out the model to other stations as it succeeds.

Applications opened today https://cp.catapult.org.uk/opportunity/innovation-funding-programme-station-innovation-zone/ for start-ups with ideas that could be trialled in the Station Innovation Zone. Passengers are likely to see the first trials beginning early next year.

This announcement of the Station Innovation Zone follows the Government’s levelling-up announcement of £95m for the Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration programme and the Catapult funding will complement the ongoing revitalisation of the station. Around £60m of the funding from Government will enable improvements in and around Bristol Temple Meads Station, including three new entrances to the station, as well as infrastructure works and new public spaces nearby.

The University of Bristol is developing its presence in Temple Quarter near the station, recently opening the Temple Quarter Research Hub, housing the Bristol Digital Futures Institute with a large scale data-centre and a sector agnostic digital twin.

Francis McGarry, Network Rail’s Wales & Western Investment Director, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Connected Places Catapult on this new programme which will provide SMEs with crucial funding opportunities and Network Rail with new, innovative ideas on how to further enhance the experience of our passengers.

“We are committed to developing Bristol Temple Meads into a world class transport hub for the benefit of our passengers, the city of Bristol and wider West of England region, so it is fitting Bristol Temple Meads has been chosen as the UK’s first Station Innovation Zone.”

Indro Mukerjee, CEO, Innovate UK said: “Innovate UK is strongly committed to partnerships to deliver future transport systems that are connected, accessible, sustainable, and safe. So, we see this partnership between our Connected Places Catapult and Network Rail as an important step to support delivery of passenger technology for the future.”

Nicola Yates, CEO, Connected Places Catapult, said: “Innovation is tough in any industry and rail is especially hard because of the number of assessments and permissions required. The net effect is that it takes too much time and costs too much for most small businesses to engage. Partnering with Network Rail to create a multi-year Station Innovation Zone in Bristol’s vibrant Temple Quarter will enable us to support numerous small companies in navigating these challenges and benefit passengers’ experience of the station.”

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “We are delighted that Connected Places Catapult and Innovate UK have chosen Bristol Temple Meads as the country’s first Station Innovation Zone. Temple Meads is at the heart of Temple Quarter, and the innovation funding from the Catapult, combined with recent funding of £95million Bristol secured from Government, matches our commitment to making Temple Meads and its surrounding area a world-class gateway to the city region. This is an exciting new chapter for Brunel’s iconic train station as we prepare for new sustainable homes, quality jobs and inclusive opportunities in Bristol.”
Source: Network Rail (https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/bristol-temple-meads-to-become-testbed-for-passenger-tech)

I have read all this but am non the wiser what it actually means, just paragraphs off business speak without actually stating anything


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on October 18, 2022, 11:16:54
In terms of "making stations more accessible with wayfinding apps", Bristol's own Legible City mapping and signage has to be a no-brainer.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 18, 2022, 11:28:18
‘Connected Places Catapult’ does seem a very silly name. Reminds me of Siobhan Sharpe’s ‘Perfect Curve’…


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on October 18, 2022, 15:39:20
I guess if you are the sort that likes to call a spade a multi-function non-mechanical soil inversion implement, this will make perfect sense to you. "Catapult" is a bit ambiguous, though - is it Roman, steam, or Dennis the Menace? I suppose if Jacob Rees Mogg had been involved, it would have been called the Tethered Termini Trebuchet.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: broadgage on October 18, 2022, 19:30:56
I suspect a lot of needless complication.
Consider for example the refurbishment of London Kings Cross, that resulted in needlessly long walking routes, and an apparent reduction in seating*

Or a bit nearer home, Taunton station, where the last improvements included blocking up the exit from the down platform to the taxi rank, complaints about this were dealt with by moving the taxi rank to the bus stop, in order that buses and taxis may get in each others way.
And installing NON MANNED ticket gates at the bus stop/taxi rank exit.

*Much of the seating is "taken over" by one or other of the numerous expensive catering outlets, the staff of which are very well trained in implying (but without actually stating this) that the seating is for their customers.
"Your menu sir"
"Are you ready to order yet, sir"
"Maybe a little latter ?"

Stations should be primarily for catching trains, and alighting therefrom. And not about the "retail experience"


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on October 19, 2022, 21:09:11
Meantime, I am not sure if the potential for nearby hotel accommodation has increased or decreased following the fire at the Grosvenor Hotel (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/council-committed-redevelopment-bristol-grosvenor-7722550). Bristol City Council says it is committed to redeveloping the site as part of the Temple Quarter rejuvenation, with or without the privately-owned building.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on October 20, 2022, 12:26:39
Meantime, I am not sure if the potential for nearby hotel accommodation has increased or decreased following the fire at the Grosvenor Hotel (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/council-committed-redevelopment-bristol-grosvenor-7722550). Bristol City Council says it is committed to redeveloping the site as part of the Temple Quarter rejuvenation, with or without the privately-owned building.

One local developer had suggested on Twitter that the owner of the Grosvenor Hotel had pretty much refused to enter into negotiations to sell over the years and that the most likely scenario was that Bristol City Council would start compulsory purchase order proceedings.

In other news, it looks like soil testing has started on the Kwik Fit site.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: eXPassenger on October 20, 2022, 17:49:11
Meantime, I am not sure if the potential for nearby hotel accommodation has increased or decreased following the fire at the Grosvenor Hotel (https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/council-committed-redevelopment-bristol-grosvenor-7722550). Bristol City Council says it is committed to redeveloping the site as part of the Temple Quarter rejuvenation, with or without the privately-owned building.

It has been closed for over 20 years so no change.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on November 30, 2022, 21:58:37
This picture was taken this evening at the southern end of Temple Meads showing that a "false ceiling" has now also been erected there, presumably for work to commence at that end.  With so much of the station's redevelopment being out of sight to the public, this is one of the few visible signs of how things are moving along.


Title: Willow trees cut down near Bristol temple meads
Post by: infoman on December 01, 2022, 07:26:11
https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/barbaric-behaviour-weeping-willow-trees-chopped-down/?utm_source=Bristol24%2F7&utm_campaign=3afe1b4e01-bristol247_newsletter_011222&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_67a9a4e1bd-3afe1b4e01-38758697&mc_cid=3afe1b4e01&mc_eid=86ae7efe71


Title: Bristol Temple Meads - station, facilities, incidents and events (merged posts)
Post by: infoman on December 06, 2022, 06:48:49
Monday 5th december approx 12:45pm in Brunels station area,five ambulances and two fire engines seen.

The ambulances started to leave the area approx 12:55pm.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on December 08, 2022, 14:43:45
The screen at the London end of the train shed has now been sheeted over in preparation for refurbishment. This will involve replacing the glazing, although as this is in the provinces they won't be using real glass - plastic will do for us yokels!

(https://fosbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/bri_20221208.jpg)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on December 20, 2022, 15:36:55
This picture shows the eastern end of the passenger underpass at Temple Meads with the hoardings advertising the site of the new east entrance.  No indication of any other related activity at present but at least it lets people know about it.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: the void on January 06, 2023, 07:49:45
Grosvenor Hotel near Bristol Temple Meads to finally be demolished

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/travel/news/grosvenor-hotel-near-bristol-temple-meads-to-finally-be-demolished/ar-AA161FGt?ocid=entnewsntp&cvid=1d2d12345358401f96829dc11c84682c


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on January 10, 2023, 17:06:35
Bristol City Council have launched a consultation showing details of the next stages of the Temple Quarter redevelopment, and specifically Temple Meads itself.

Temple Quarter: https://www.ask.bristol.gov.uk/hub-page/bristol-temple-quarter-development-framework-consultation-12
Temple Meads: https://www.ask.bristol.gov.uk/temple-meads-station-city-gateway-and-the-friary-north

I don't think this has changed greatly since November 2019 (see https://fosbr.org.uk/temple-meads-masterplan-november-2019-update/), though there is more detail. In particular, the new gatelines show how the current rather hectic space could become a lot more civilised:

(https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-europe/70c8208176f44ba42f707f904924de6b1fd12f71/original/1671711360/14d68a7c528ac0fb77d2be627124fe94_Midland-Shed-drawing_non-lables.jpg?1671711360)
1. New northern entrance (formed through 3no. arches)
2. New northern unpaid concourse
3. Enhanced unpaid passenger route 1 - Clock tower
4. Enhanced unpaid passenger route 2 - Bonaparte's
5. New northern entrance terrace
6. New station approach forecourt
7. New Customer Information Screen (CIS)
8. Potential retail use
9. New public toilets
10. New access into passageway
11. Former west Digby Wyatt range rooms
12. Existing access point extended through Midland Shed out onto Friary
13. First class lounge
14. Retail use
15. Potential to open up additional arches along facade to facilitate retail street
16. New 6-car platform and buffer stops positioned 25m back from end of Midland Shed
17. Proposed gateline to platform 0/1
18. Proposed gateline behind Platform 3
19. Proposed gateline through Bonapartes Alley
20. Platform 3
21. Relocated Taxi and blue badge parking
22. Service access
23. Existing signalling facility


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on January 10, 2023, 21:38:52
Looks like WH Smith's is making way for new access.... moving to one of the new retail areas?
More significantly it looks like a much reduced ticket office area....if any at all as there seems to be no mention of it on the plan (unless I really do need to go to Specsavers!).


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: plymothian on January 10, 2023, 22:50:53
More significantly it looks like a much reduced ticket office area....if any at all as there seems to be no mention of it on the plan (unless I really do need to go to Specsavers!).

There could be a very relevant recent reason for that.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: eXPassenger on January 11, 2023, 10:04:35
More significantly it looks like a much reduced ticket office area....if any at all as there seems to be no mention of it on the plan (unless I really do need to go to Specsavers!).

There could be a very relevant recent reason for that.

There is no specific reference to ticket machines either.  Presumably some of the retail space could be used as a ticket office if needed.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: the void on January 11, 2023, 11:31:51
I wouldn't read too much into it - it's just a concept drawing rather than an actual plan. Looks like it was drawn by someone with just a vague memory of what the area looks like.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on January 11, 2023, 12:56:35
On pictures shown on ITV West yesterday the ticket office etc seemed to be in the Victorian Shed upgrade


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on January 11, 2023, 16:59:36
Related to the redevelopment are the latest plans for plot three immediately adjacent to the station.  This from Bristol Live, complete with the developer's images of what the new scheme won't look like.

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/empty-land-behind-temple-meads-8017089?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: DaveHarries on January 16, 2023, 18:38:12
Related to the redevelopment are the latest plans for plot three immediately adjacent to the station.  This from Bristol Live, complete with the developer's images of what the new scheme won't look like.

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/empty-land-behind-temple-meads-8017089?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target
Another speculative scheme which is nothing more than a pile of utter tripe (to put it more politely than I wish to). They just cannot bare the thought of a patch of land being used for anything other than buildings. Why not have a genuine improvement to the area by a bit of landscaping and planting (trees / flowers) on it instead of another hideous and unnecessary building.

Dave


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on February 28, 2023, 21:51:44
Just across from Temple Meads, it looks like the "Bridge to Nowhere" on the former "Arena Island" might be leading somewhere eventually.  While the arrival of JCBs on site isn't exactly imminent, the planning process seems to have restarted:

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/developers-finally-move-forward-temple-8197547


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: infoman on March 11, 2023, 07:47:33
https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/passenger-trials-for-temple-meads-station-innovation-zone-to-begin-in-april/?utm_source=Bristol24%2F7&utm_campaign=46bd5804b5-b247_newsletter_110323&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_67a9a4e1bd-46bd5804b5-38758697&mc_cid=46bd5804b5&mc_eid=86ae7efe71


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on March 11, 2023, 09:34:19
Infoman’s topic merged here as Connected Places Catapult has already been discussed in this thread.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: infoman on March 11, 2023, 17:18:26
okay


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 03, 2023, 15:34:22
Quote
Contracts signed for work to begin on University of Bristol’s new world class campus

Press release issued: 3 April 2023

Work on the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus – a total investment of around £500 million - will get underway next month after the University signed contracts with construction company Sir Robert McAlpine.

Opening in 2026, the campus at Cattle Market Road, next to Temple Meads Station, will enhance the University of Bristol’s reputation as a global destination for world-leading research, education and innovation.

[...]

Plans for the site were revised in light of the pandemic, which not only paused the development due to its impact on the construction trade, but also shaped the University’s vision for the campus. As a result, timelines have been adjusted and some of the spaces in the main building have been redesigned to allow greater flexibility and digital innovation for the future.   

[...]

...With a refurbished Bristol Temple Meads station at its heart, the area will become a world-class gateway to Bristol and the West of England. With a new entrance opening directly onto the campus, it will also join the city centre to the east of Bristol with new walking and cycling paths. 

Read full press release (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2023/april/tqec-contracts-signed.html)

Source: University of Bristol

The last paragraph quoted could be misunderstood: the Eastern Entrance to Temple Meads just gives access to the station. A new pontoon walkway will however improve access towards Friary and area to the west of the station.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on September 25, 2023, 19:34:15
There's an article in Bristol Live giving more details about repurposing the buildings on station approach and elsewhere in Temple Meads, including Bonaparte's.  There are even some projected timescales for their completion....which is brave!

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/derelict-part-temple-meads-reopen-8778449?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 06, 2023, 13:12:57
With things looking so utterly gloomy elsewhere, it's good to see positive things are still happening: Work starting on the next phase of the Eastern Entrance. https://twitter.com/i/status/1710263640564347323


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on October 06, 2023, 19:19:49
With things looking so utterly gloomy elsewhere, it's good to see positive things are still happening: Work starting on the next phase of the Eastern Entrance. https://twitter.com/i/status/1710263640564347323

I wonder if it'll include a ticket office?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ellendune on October 06, 2023, 19:21:58
With things looking so utterly gloomy elsewhere, it's good to see positive things are still happening: Work starting on the next phase of the Eastern Entrance. https://twitter.com/i/status/1710263640564347323

I wonder if it'll include a ticket office?

No they will expect everyone to purchase on-line using their phones, and to make it easy they will probably ensure the entrance area is a mobile phone not-spot.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on October 11, 2023, 20:37:22
Inspired by Red Squirrel's upthread news that work has begun on the new eastern entrance at Temple Meads, I had a brief plod down there to see if there was anything worthy of a photo.
There's not that much to see at present but there clearly is some fencing on the current new university campus building site around where the entrance is to be located.  It doesn't show very well on the photo that I've attached but it's just in front of the green metal girder structure that can be seen.  I've no idea what that structure is but it looks like it has a degree of permanence as its anchored in a concrete base.
There's no sign of any activity in the station underpass, the illustrative hoardings are as they were previously.

Edit:  I've just realised that I've posted this on the incorrect WECA Passengers thread.  Is it possible for admins to move it to the "Temple Meads Redevelopment" thread?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on October 11, 2023, 22:25:12
...I've just realised that I've posted this on the incorrect WECA Passengers thread.  Is it possible for admins to move it to the "Temple Meads Redevelopment" thread?

Might be. We'll see...


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on October 13, 2023, 11:49:38
Sorry, not sure how to upload photos on this site

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/major-work-begins-bristol-temple-8828153


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on October 18, 2023, 18:55:08
Also https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/work-begins-new-eastern-entrance-temple-meads/ (https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/work-begins-new-eastern-entrance-temple-meads/).

I noticed today that KwikFit has closed but haven't seen timelines on when work on the southern entrance might get started


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on November 09, 2023, 11:23:43
Bristol 24/7 has an article regarding a photo opportunity at the new campus entrance for assorted individuals and politicians linked to it.

https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/progress-on-new-gateway-to-bristol/


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on November 09, 2023, 11:58:14
Bristol 24/7 has an article regarding a photo opportunity at the new campus entrance for assorted individuals and politicians linked to it.

https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/progress-on-new-gateway-to-bristol/

Tenuously linked in some cases. Marvin has had little to do with this project beyond cancelling the Arena that was going to be next door. This could be his one last shot at getting a photo dressed in orange before he departs to - who knows where? Barra Mac Ruairi, who I think is the man on the left in the main picture, worked for BCC on the Arena project until Marvin, who had developed ties with YTL, cancelled it. He then went to work for YTL on their competing bid for an Arena at YTL's site at the old Filton Airfield. That might now be a dead duck for all we know, but Barra is not one to let the grass grow under his feet when there are new networks to get into.

"Network Rail bosses forecast that by 2030, some 2.5m people will be using the eastern entrance alone each year." - but they don't say how many will use it accompanied.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on November 11, 2023, 14:57:38
Noticed some of the new lighting going up on platform 7/8, presumably enabled by the cherry pickers parked a few metres away.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on January 16, 2024, 13:54:44
Severn Beach Line service arrived on platform 15 at Temple Meads today affording a great view above where the new entrance is being built there so thought I'd take a quick snap.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on January 22, 2024, 13:09:29
Incidentally, work started recently on the new student housing development the other side of the University of Bristol site.

500-ish students from September 2025 if to opens on time, although IIRC they'll potentially need to take the long way round for a year until the East entrance is open.

https://pbsanews.co.uk/2023/12/18/unite-students-to-deliver-marsh-mills-pbsa-in-bristol/ (https://pbsanews.co.uk/2023/12/18/unite-students-to-deliver-marsh-mills-pbsa-in-bristol/)


Title: question about ticket gates at Bristol temple meads
Post by: infoman on March 23, 2024, 09:07:03
Can anyone recall when was the first installation of ticket gates were installed at BTM?

I recall there a very loose manual tickets checks being made just past the booking office,

although if you went towards Bonapartes you could just the lift the barriers out of the way.

Also there were the wooden partitions put in place to get passengers use to going through automatic gates.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 03, 2024, 17:04:50
You can't really see much of the work going on above your head for the refurbishment of the Temple Meads canopy because of the temporary work ceiling that the task necessitates.  Today though, you could see things going on from outside (pictured) including an orange clad individual who clearly has a head for heights.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on April 11, 2024, 11:02:46
TAKEN FROM:  https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/new-shops-toilets-opening-temple-9217030

New shops and toilets planned for Temple Meads

Network Rail is applying to refurbish empty rooms in the Midland Shed to create three retail units and passenger toilets. The building is on Station Approach, to the left of the main entrance to Temple Meads train station.

In planning documents, architects said: “With direct pedestrian access from Station Approach, the Midland Rooms are in a prime location to be utilised to provide benefit to all station users. The rooms are currently not in use and are in a very poor condition including missing floors, roof propped up and water ingress.”

Plans for the retail units include a convenience store, a cafe and a gift shop. The toilets will include a changing facility. The Midland Rooms were built in the 1870s, and were used as offices next to terminating platforms until 1965. Since then, the train shed has been used as a car park, while the offices have been largely left empty and derelict.

There are currently no public toilets on the non-paid side of the station. The new ones planned will be accessible to people who haven’t crossed the turnstiles, but will likely only be open from 7am to 7pm.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 11, 2024, 11:05:37
There seems to be some sort of progress with refurbishment and reuse of the derelict offices in the old station building along station approach according to the attached article.  The fabric of the buildings concerned seem to be in a bad state.

https://www.bristolworld.com/news/new-shops-and-toilets-to-open-at-bristol-temple-meads-4586311


Edit:  Oops, just beaten to it.....Mods/admin, feel free to delete this as the above looks like the same link.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 11, 2024, 11:43:08
There seems to be some sort of progress with refurbishment and reuse of the derelict offices in the old station building along station approach according to the attached article.  The fabric of the buildings concerned seem to be in a bad state.

https://www.bristolworld.com/news/new-shops-and-toilets-to-open-at-bristol-temple-meads-4586311


Edit:  Oops, just beaten to it.....Mods/admin, feel free to delete this as the above looks like the same link.

Actually your link is different, though it's the same story. The planning app is at https://pa.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/, ref 24/01243/LA


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on April 11, 2024, 12:55:09
Here's a direct link: https://pa.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=SB3IA1DNMMN00


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on April 16, 2024, 18:47:23
No loos with no views ...for gentleman at least

Went into TM today. The gents loos in the subway are now branded ladies... the ladies loos are cordoned off.
Toilets are advertised on Plat 10/12...but for ladies only.

Gentleman of the crossed legged variety have to make their way out into the covered car park outside the barriers, where there are 6 smelly dirty unhygenic portaloos.

Come on TM....this is hardly equal provision is it ?????. I would hazard a guess that the footfall of passengers on a daily basis is 60% male 40% female.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ChrisB on April 16, 2024, 19:57:20
But there are only 3 cubicles in those 'gents' in the subway....


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: chuffed on April 16, 2024, 20:18:34
Add in the cubicles on Platform 12 and it still makes unequal provision...

Still doesn't seem right to have all the Ladies loos stationside and all the Gents outside in the car park
If this position was reversed I am sure there would be even more shrill loud complaints.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ChrisB on April 16, 2024, 20:21:21
Presumably only a temporary situation while the toilets are refurbished, we can't comment until the reconfigurement is complete.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on April 16, 2024, 21:23:05
I noticed the new arrangement at Temple Meads yesterday afternoon while changing onto the Severn Beach line but couldn't see a announcement anywhere as to the estimated duration of the work.  Could it be linked to the general rewiring of the  whole station?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on April 17, 2024, 06:48:42
Presumably only a temporary situation while the toilets are refurbished, we can't comment until the reconfigurement is complete.

Oh yes we can  ;D ;D

We can comment on how inadequate and unequal we feel that the temporary arrangements are and, surely, somewhere in the consultations that must have cost millions we have been told what the outcome will be and had a chance to comment.  I would agree that now, with work in progress, any permanent suggestions made would be unlikely to have any effect. 


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: grahame on April 17, 2024, 07:30:43
I would hazard a guess that the footfall of passengers on a daily basis is 60% male 40% female.

Now there is a very VERY interesting guess and study.  I don't know if you're on target there but I do see a variety in balance some times of day / week where passengers are predominately male and times of day / week where females are dominant.   It ranges in the extremes between "am I the only bloke here?" to "oh look - there's a woman".


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on May 05, 2024, 19:39:13

Went into TM today. The gents loos in the subway are now branded ladies... the ladies loos are cordoned off.
Toilets are advertised on Plat 10/12...but for ladies only.

Gentleman of the crossed legged variety have to make their way out into the covered car park outside the barriers, where there are 6 smelly dirty unhygenic portaloos.


The subway ladies loos are now reinstated, the gents loos are now shut for whatever works are being carried out.  The platform 10/12 ladies loos are now a temporary gents facility and the portaloos in the old engine shed still there for general use.
Not much notification about timescales or what's being done but here's a photo anyway.



Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on May 07, 2024, 12:16:14
Progress on Eastern Entrance, 7/5/2024:

(https://bristolrailcampaign.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/bri-ee-20240507-scaled-1.jpg)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: JayMac on May 07, 2024, 14:16:56
Someone got the big Meccano set last Christmas. :P


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on May 13, 2024, 13:39:30
Quote
Eastern Entrance reaches construction milestone with building shell complete

Building of a new £23m Eastern Entrance at Bristol Temple Meads station is moving forward at pace, with the entry building’s structure now complete.

The steel frame shell of the building has been fully installed, standing 6 metres high and 20 metres wide in the Cattle Market Road compound, with the top visible from platform 15.

The main structural steel frame was delivered to site 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 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 build 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 new 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.

Daniel Round, Network Rail’s Industry Programme Director, said:

“Our forecasts show that by 2030 – only four years after opening – two and a half 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, Mayor of the West of England 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.”

Source: Bristol Temple Quarter Partnership (https://www.bristoltemplequarter.com/eastern-entrance-reaches-construction-milestone-with-building-shell-complete/)


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on May 14, 2024, 11:57:12
The report above mentions this is the first of three new entrances, where are the other two new entrances going to be?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on May 14, 2024, 12:36:50
Some more photos here
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/gallery/photos-show-new-23m-temple-9281466


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on May 14, 2024, 13:19:18
The report above mentions this is the first of three new entrances, where are the other two new entrances going to be?

To the north - between the Old Station and the Signal Box. This is already the busiest entrance, but consists of a narrow footpath. The new northern entrance includes turning the current covered car park into a foyer.

To the south - from Bath Road, where there will be a new car park and an accessible route across the New Cut entering the station by Platform 2.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on May 15, 2024, 22:39:45
With regards to the new entrances mentioned above, does anyone know if the lack
of commencement on these is due to other work needing to be completed first or if there is no particular reason for it?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on May 16, 2024, 08:32:40
A lot of elements need to come together for each of the new entrances to be completed. For the northern one, the ‘signal box’ needs to go - but that’s still working signals to the west of Bristol. The recently-approved plans to create retail units (https://bristolrailcampaign.org.uk/midland-rooms-at-temple-meads-old-station/) in the Old Station fit in to the master plan to develop this entrance though.

The site of the southern entrance is currently occupied by contractors working on other parts of the station refurbishment, so maybe that has to wait until the roof repairs are finished.

It would seem logical to build the new car park at the southern entrance before closing the parking facilities in the Midland Shed, so I would think the southern entrance will progress ahead of the northern one.

I’m somewhat in awe of the team who are overseeing this project - to call it complex seems an understatement.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on May 16, 2024, 22:44:41

I’m somewhat in awe of the team who are overseeing this project - to call it complex seems an understatement.

Hear hear! It's an absolutely enormous job, and all done around a still working railway station.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on May 17, 2024, 08:23:56

I’m somewhat in awe of the team who are overseeing this project - to call it complex seems an understatement.

Hear hear! It's an absolutely enormous job, and all done around a still working railway station.

…with the added complication that it is Grade I listed!


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on September 23, 2024, 11:24:15
Bristol 24/7 has a sneak peek inside the completed new university campus entrance.  It's only a peek but the departure boards all seem to be up and should have gathered a fair amount of dust by the time it's scheduled to open.  Still, nice to see rail infrastructure being finished in good time.  Link below.

https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/first-look-bristol-temple-meads-new-eastern-entrance/


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on September 24, 2024, 10:16:53
Meanwhile, I read that many umiversities are cancelling or pausing major new building works. I hope Bristol's new campus doesn't go the same way.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ChrisB on September 24, 2024, 12:47:34
Network Rail Western tweeted yesterday about a celebration on completion of that exit, which will now be mothballed until opening in 2026 once the University completes their new build.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: johnneyw on September 24, 2024, 17:17:27
Network Rail Western tweeted yesterday about a celebration on completion of that exit, which will now be mothballed until opening in 2026 once the University completes their new build.

What strikes me is that it's built and ready and Google maps shows it to be on the periphery of the construction site very close to Cattle Market Road.  So why not build a temporary access footpath away from any works entrance and open the entrance now for all the passengers using Temple Meads from that side of the station?  Seems a little bit of a missed opportunity and maybe a little frustrating to anyone who still has to traipse around to the main entrance but knows that a closer one is just sitting there.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ChrisB on September 24, 2024, 17:40:46
Suspect that the numbers don't warrant another set of employees to man it all? Too far away to be CCTVd from the other side.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on September 24, 2024, 22:09:25
Suspect that the numbers don't warrant another set of employees to man it all? Too far away to be CCTVd from the other side.

Also, IIRC, the University is the landowner and I'm sure they won't want the H&S complication of members of the public next to their building site.

Incidentally, there was talk about a non-barriered corridor under Temple Meads through to the University site, anyone know if that is still on the cards?


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 25, 2024, 07:20:11

Incidentally, there was talk about a non-barriered corridor under Temple Meads through to the University site, anyone know if that is still on the cards?

That was kicked into the long grass a while back, as it would mean putting in ticket barriers on every platform. There was also a vague scheme to install a footbridge or transfer deck, but that assumed a very large increase in passenger numbers and was not explored further.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Mark A on September 25, 2024, 08:11:02
Has Bristol Temple Meads any other passages beneath it that would enable this perhaps?

Mark


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Red Squirrel on September 25, 2024, 10:11:17
The whole structure is built on vaults, so the simple answer to your question is 'yes'. I seem to remember that this option was considered, but ruled out on the grounds of cost and also the need to bang holes in a Grade I listed building to gain access.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Phantom on September 25, 2024, 12:48:23
Network Rail Western tweeted yesterday about a celebration on completion of that exit, which will now be mothballed until opening in 2026 once the University completes their new build.

It does seem odd that this work was done and completed so early in the scheme of the whole development


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: TonyK on September 25, 2024, 14:43:35
Network Rail Western tweeted yesterday about a celebration on completion of that exit, which will now be mothballed until opening in 2026 once the University completes their new build.

It does seem odd that this work was done and completed so early in the scheme of the whole development

Usually, the railway is last, or an afterthought.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: ChrisB on September 25, 2024, 14:45:21
Guessing that the money was made available & couldn't be guaranteed till the build was needed


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on September 25, 2024, 14:52:33
Makes perfect sense to carry out this work at the same time as the repair/restoration of roof and electrical systems in preparation for the new access to the campus to be in use.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Noggin on September 25, 2024, 16:14:22
Network Rail Western tweeted yesterday about a celebration on completion of that exit, which will now be mothballed until opening in 2026 once the University completes their new build.

It does seem odd that this work was done and completed so early in the scheme of the whole development

IIRC they had an opportunity to build the underpass whilst the East Junction trackwork was being done so took it. Also it was likely a lot easier to be delivering materials to site, craning in steelwork etc. whilst the University work was ongoing, and finallythe University can then build their public realm around the station.


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Mark A on September 25, 2024, 20:00:22
Bit off topic, but back in 2008, for rail replacement buses, FGW would use the not passenger facing passage from the underpass to the open air at ground level below the 'V' formed by the road approach to the station. But perhaps this practice continues today?

Mark


Title: Re: Bristol Temple Meads Station redevelopment
Post by: Western Pathfinder on September 25, 2024, 23:24:24
It's all still in place as far as I know,in fact it's had a bit of a tidy up in the last couple of years.



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