Plans to transform Bristol Parkway Station take a major step forward

Plans for a major revamp of Bristol Parkway aimed at creating a ‘fitting gateway’ for the region have taken a step forward after being approved by South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet. A new station building and public space called Station Square will be created as part of the ambitious plan, which will now need planning approval.

There will also be a new community park created and a nature reserve and green space called Stoke Gifford Park. The new areas will be connected by a new street running through the station site.

Work will also be done to address long-standing issues at the Brierly Furlong underpass by creating a new subway for walking and cycling, with an aim to better connect the site to the neighbouring communities of Stoke Gifford, Harry Stoke and Bradley Stoke.

The masterplan, which has been written following six weeks of public engagement over the summer, aims to transform Parkway into a ‘living station’ – a concept that turns the station into a place that serves local people, communities, businesses and a place where people want to spend time.

The plans have been approved in the same month figures show usage of the station increased to 1.4 million entries and exits in 2021/22, up from 366,904 the year before but down from 2.4 million in 2019/20.

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.

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.”

More information on the masterplan is available on www.southglos.gov.uk/parkway-station-masterplan.