FCBStudios revitalise prominent city-centre site

The University of Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus has officially topped out. Designed by Tenderstream member FCBStudios, the landmark scheme seeks to honour the site’s rich history while also representing a major investment in the future of Bristol and its people. As the most significant developments in the university’s recent history, the redevelopment has revitalised a prominent, but long-derelict, 7 ac brownfield site by the city’s Temple Meads Train Station, the city’s chief arrivals point. 

The site has a many-layered history, having once been home to a cattle market, colourworks factory, and Royal Mail sorting office — and even hosting illegal raves during its derelict years. Now, the new 38,000 sq m building is set to host to three schools and three research institutes, used by 4,600 students and 650 university staff. A variety of teaching and learning areas, research laboratories, offices, hack spaces and workshops are enhanced by atria and wintergardens, social, dining, community and enterprise spaces. 

Evocative of their use and position in the city, during the day the buildings will reflect the city and the sky, with the interior illuminated at night for all to see the activity within. The car-free campus is arranged around a welcoming public realm, inviting visitors and passers-by to walk through, enjoy the landscape, and enter the buildings’ open ground floors. An inclusive, community focussed approach is exemplified by the Story Exchange, a circular events space designed to curate conversation on equal terms. Seating 35 people it can be used to bring different groups of people together, as an exhibition space, or a facility for local schools. 

Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, stated: “After many years in the planning the biggest innovation footprint ever made in our city is 1/3 of the way there. It’s great to see how much progress has been made over the last 18 months on site with the new building really taking shape before our eyes. The Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus will be a major new landmark for Bristol and a real catalyst for innovation not just for the city and region, but also nationally. It is being carefully constructed to meet the needs and nurture the aspirations of our students, staff and partners across the city and the wider region."

Lucy Nordberg
Tenderstream Head of Research

Start your free trial here or email our team directly at customerservices@tenderstream.com

Explore the Tenderstream archive here