Spatial Framework

The Temple Quarter Spatial Framework is a non-statutory planning document which sets out how the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone could become a thriving new city quarter over the next 25 years. The Spatial Framework is an important planning tool to guide and shape future development in the area. Our ambition is to create a place that is welcoming to all – to live, work, enjoy leisure time and build on Bristol’s strengths as a world class city. Temple Quarter will play a key part in growing Bristol as a more fair and equitable city that can benefit all communities; a city in which everyone has a stake and in which no one gets left behind.

The Spatial Framework describes a generational opportunity to shape a new city quarter which will be of interest to multiple audiences including existing residents and businesses; commuters; neighbouring communities; and future occupiers, investors, and visitors.

The intention is that it should be a living document which is periodically updated so it remains relevant as the area changes as new challenges and opportunities emerge.

Cabinet approval has been given for the adoption of the ‘Bristol Temple Quarter Spatial Framework’ as a material consideration for use in determining planning applications in the Temple Quarter area. It has also approved two supporting documents:

  • BTQEZ Making People-friendly Streets and Spaces – A Public Realm Guide
  • Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan.

The Spatial Framework reflects existing statutory planning policy, which is provided through the Bristol Local Plan. Key documents relevant to the Enterprise Zone are:

  • The Core Strategy – adopted June 2011
  • The Bristol Central Area Plan (BCAP) – adopted March 2015
  • The Site Allocations and Development Management Policies – adopted July 2014

Policy BCAP35 of the Bristol Central Area Plan states that the layout, form and mix of uses should contribute to delivering the vision for Bristol Temple Quarter and, in doing so, have regard to the Spatial Framework. Ultimately BCAP provides the policy content and the Spatial Framework the more detailed spatial planning guidance.

No; the document is a vision of how the Enterprise Zone could look. The Spatial Framework provides flexibility for subsequent masterplans to develop ideas in greater precision and levels of detail.

There are some aspects to the Spatial Framework which are likely to be delivered in the short term. For example, many of the pedestrian and cycle route improvements identified are likely to happen by 2018. Similarly, a number of cleared and vacant sites already have planning approvals in place (particularly in Temple Quay), and are committed to building in the next few years. Where sites are in public ownership (primarily in the core area in and around the station) there is greater certainty over the aspirations for delivery. It is much more difficult to predict the level and speed of change in areas such as Silverthorne Lane where sites are in multiple private sector ownerships.

The Spatial Framework reflects thinking that has been evolving for the Temple Quarter over the past five years. It has been informed by the aspirations of some of the major landowners in the area (Network Rail, Homes and Communities Agency and Bristol City Council itself) as well as stakeholders in the city who have been able to express their views at a number of events held over that period.

Additionally, a draft version of the document was the subject of a public consultation in March and April 2016. The feedback collected through this consultation informed the further development of the document.

The Spatial Framework has been prepared by the City Design Group at Bristol City Council, with input from a range of technical disciplines (transport, property, environment) from both within and outside the city council.

The Bristol Central Area Plan (BCAP) sets out how the city centre will develop over the next 15 years. The need for a Spatial Framework for Temple Quarter is identified in this document, in recognition of the significant opportunity that has been created for this area through its designation as an Enterprise Zone. Arguably, of all the city centre neighbourhoods, it is Temple Quarter that is likely to undergo the most change over the plan period. Other city centre neighbourhoods already have their own adopted spatial plans (e.g. Redcliffe and St. Pauls) and some neighbourhoods have produced (or are in the process of producing) Community Development Plans to steer investment and change (e.g. Old Market).

No; as stated above, the Spatial Framework is a vision of how the Enterprise Zone could look but is not a prescription for further development. Although it does show the council’s aspirations for the area in the long term, all developments will be subject to the usual public consultation and planning processes.

It is also worth noting that many changes to the area are not anticipated for several years, and in some cases even decades.

The Spatial Framework shows the creation of approximately 480,000sqm of new floorspace of which half is used for residential uses and half for employment uses, including an arena. This equates to approximately 2500 new dwellings. These figures will be used to monitor developments as they come forward to ensure residential and employment delivery objectives are met. This reflects the growing need to deliver more housing in the city, and to ensure that Temple Quarter becomes a lively mixed community. The need for affordable housing and community infrastructure (including schools) is also recognised.

It is intended that this more detailed guidance will be provided in a proposed Part 2 edition of the Public Realm Guide.

Network Rail, in partnership with Bristol City Council, have begun the process of developing a Masterplan for Temple Meads station and its environs. There is, as yet, no projected date for the completion of this.

Network Rail is dependent on a third party funder’s programme and, if the project does move forward into development, it is anticipated to be between 2020 and 2030. The Bristol Temple Meads Gateway Plan (Masterplan) currently has some funding to undertake the feasibility stage of the project, but any further development will require third party funding. In September, Bristol City Council’s Cabinet approved proposals for an expanded Enterprise Zone in order to raise some of the funds necessary for the station redevelopment.

Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP)

A Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) is a strategic transport plan that focusses on how walking, cycling and public transport use could be encouraged to and within the Enterprise Zone for a better quality of life.

The SUMP outlines transport infrastructure improvements for the next 5 years to enable access and movement to the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone and also details proposed policy and behavioural measures to be implemented to encourage the use of sustainable travel to the area.

The development of a SUMP is not in addition to existing transport planning, but instead builds on present plans and processes to set a clear vision and targets for the area.

The SUMP outlines the current transport context for the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone including the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the area. It states the measures that are funded and will be delivered over the next five years, as well as aspirational measures that do not currently have funding secured.

Stakeholder workshops were held to inform the final measures in the SUMP. The workshops were attended by key stakeholders based within the council, external partners and existing businesses located in the area. The outcome of these workshops have been incorporated into this document, either to be implemented within the lifetime of this SUMP or identified for future iterations.

Following public consultation, alterations were to the SUMP to respond to the comments received.

Mobility is an enabler for local economy and a healthier environment, with reduced congestion, helps to attract new businesses to an area, which is the main focus of the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone.

The position of the SUMP as part of the Spatial Framework for the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone demonstrates an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to planning and helps mobility to be considered on a broader basis, inspiring a collaborative planning culture.