A new organisation has been established to drive forward the extensive regeneration of Bristol Temple Quarter.
The Bristol Temple Quarter Limited Liability Partnership (BTQLLP) was incorporated on March 25th. This move formalises the longstanding collaborative approach taken by partners, Bristol City Council, Homes England, Network Rail, and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. Operating as a joint venture, BTQLLP will include each partner as a member.1
Setting up the organisation adds further momentum to the Bristol Temple Quarter programme, which aims to deliver 10,000 new homes, thousands of new jobs, and new and improved sustainable infrastructure and public spaces across 130 hectares of central Bristol.
Construction of a new entrance to Bristol Temple Meads station is already underway, alongside works at Temple Island, Silverthorne Lane, and the University of Bristol’s Enterprise Campus on Cattle Market Road.
Creating the organisation will enable Bristol Temple Quarter to be driven forward by a single public sector body. Each of the partners has agreed to pool its land in the Phase 1 area around Bristol Temple Meads station, meaning that the right development can take place in the best locations, transforming the area comprehensively.
Later this year, the BTQLLP will begin the process of selecting a Development Partner to work with it to deliver new housing, commercial space, and infrastructure in the Phase 1 area.
As a publicly owned company, the BTQLLP will remain democratically accountable, with representatives from Bristol City Council and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. It will continue work to engage Bristol’s communities on proposals for the area, as well as developing detailed plans for social value for residents and businesses in Bristol.
Stephen Peacock, CEO, Bristol City Council, said:
“This is yet another major milestone for Temple Quarter as we aim to deliver 10,000 new homes and thousands of new jobs for the city-region, alongside the sustainable infrastructure and community spaces 21st century cities need to thrive. Creating a bespoke organisation will speed up delivery of the first phase around Temple Meads station, helping us to bring forward coordinated development at speed, while retaining the democratic oversight to ensure what we are creating remains firmly in the public interest. It has been a long journey to get to this point, but by working together with our partners we are putting in place a framework for Bristol Temple Quarter to deliver for Bristol and the region.”
Richard Ennis, CEO, West of England Combined Authority, said:
“Bristol Temple Quarter is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the region. It will strengthen our reputation as an economic powerhouse and bring the homes, jobs, and skills we need to unlock the potential of the West of England. By entering into this company, cementing years of partnership working, we can accelerate our ambitions to deliver for the region’s citizens and businesses, boosting our economy for decades to come, and solidifying our position as a region that people want to live, work and spend time.”
Peter Denton, CEO, Homes England, said:
“This marks an important step forward, adding further momentum to the Bristol Temple Quarter programme. The social value of this project is clear through the delivery of 10,000 homes and thousands of jobs as well as new sustainable infrastructure and public spaces. Formalising this partnership allows us to pool resource and expertise to drive positive change and create a vibrant area that Bristolians and the wider region can enjoy for generations to come.”
Francis McGarry, Investment Director, Network Rail, said:
“It’s great to see this new venture taking shape. We continue as an active partner in full support as we work together to efficiently deliver major benefits for passengers and the community from the £95m investment in Bristol Temple Meads. With work already underway to preserve the station’s heritage through the refurbishment of the main train shed roof, alongside the construction of a new Eastern Entrance, this new enterprise will bring forward the planned new Southern and Northern entrances, and radically improved retail options, all by 2030. Increased capacity and a better passenger experience will make Bristol Temple Meads a world class gateway to the city, helping to unlock more housing and jobs for the area.”
Notes to editors
[1] Initially, Homes England, BCC and the Combined Authority have entered the LLP. Network Rail is expected to join later this year.
