Plans to completely transform Bristol Parkway Station have been given the go-ahead. The huge project includes a new community park and nature reserve as well as plans for a brand new station building and public space called Station Square.
South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) has worked in partnership with Network Rail, GWR and the West of England Combined Authority on the new masterplan for the station. Following a six-week consultation on plans over the summer, the scheme was finally signed off at SGC’s cabinet meeting on Monday (December 5).
A CGI of how Bristol Parkway could look has also been released. It shows the area outside a new station building looking westwards towards Hatchet Road in Stoke Gifford.
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The aim of the project is to create a modern station that is better connected with the neighbouring communities of Stoke Gifford, Harry Stoke and Bradley Stoke. It also hopes to improve walking, wheeling (wheelchairs and mobility scooters) and cycling routes to and from the station, and improve connections to local bus services.
The council also wants to make better use of the land available, as well as provide new retail and leisure facilities, and community spaces. Housing and employment space is also being considered for the site. It will also look to address long-standing issues at the Brierly Furlong underpass by creating a new subway for walking and cycling.
The masterplan proposes the station is developed into four unique areas that will be connected by a new street running through the site. These areas include:
A new community park called St Michael’s Place
A station building and public space called Station Square
A new nature reserve and green space called Stoke Gifford Park
New employment area called The Brickworks
South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet member for transport, Cllr Steve Reade, said: “This new masterplan is an ambitious vision to transform Bristol Parkway into a major new destination and for it to become a fitting gateway for the region and South Gloucestershire.
“This masterplan reimagines Bristol Parkway as a destination complete with a new station, places where people can work, meet friends and family, as well as providing new parks where residents can enjoy the outdoors.
“I’m pleased to see that the masterplan is leading from the front in respect of climate change, moving away from car-based travel and encouraging public transport and active travel, which will help to reduce air pollution.
“Bristol Parkway Station has celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and this masterplan and its future vision is a great way to mark such a milestone.”
Dan Okey, head of regional development at Great Western Railway, said: “At GWR we are dedicated to the communities we serve and are pleased to have worked with South Gloucestershire Council, Network Rail and the West of England Combined Authority to look at the future of Bristol Parkway station.
“The plan rightly sets an ambitious vision for the station and surrounding development. Improving interchange, station capacity and enhancing customer facilities are central to the vision.
“We look forward to working with our partners to turn this into reality, as we work to revalue rail in the hearts and minds of the travelling public.”
Malcolm Parsons, Network Rail industry programme director, said: “The Bristol Parkway masterplan, which we’ve worked on with South Gloucestershire Council, GWR and the West of England Combined Authority, is an ambitious reimagining of the station as an improved gateway to the north Bristol area and beyond.
“The plan focuses on enhanced connectivity with the surrounding communities and puts accessibility at the heart of Bristol Parkway with improved facilities for those who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
“Alongside these benefits, the plan seeks to encourage sustainable travel and will provide more green spaces to enhance biodiversity.
“We’ll continue to work with our partners and the local community on the redevelopment of Bristol Parkway to ensure that it suits the needs of passengers, the environment and the communities it serves.”
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