Bristol’s Temple Island is set for a £350m redevelopment with new homes and commercial spaces
Bristol: A fresh £350 million plan is on the table for Temple Island, the area next to Temple Meads station. This spot was once meant for a 10,000-seat arena, but that idea got scrapped. Now, Legal & General wants to transform the site into a vibrant community with 520 new homes, including over 200 affordable ones, plus office spaces, shops, and a hotel.
It’s been nearly seven years since the former mayor, Marvin Rees, halted the arena project. He thought a mixed-use development would be a better fit for the area, which is part of the larger Temple Quarter regeneration plan. The new council leader, Tony Dyer, is backing this fresh proposal, which is a big deal for the city.
There’s been some controversy around the deal, especially since taxpayers are backing the developers. But now, in 2025, the planning application is in, and if all goes well, construction could kick off next year. Some parts of Temple Island are already set aside for student housing linked to the University of Bristol.
Legal & General is working closely with the city council and other partners to ensure that 40% of the new homes will be affordable. This means that around 208 homes could be available at lower rents for key workers like teachers and nurses.
Dyer expressed excitement about the new homes and commercial spaces, highlighting the importance of this project for the wider Bristol area. He sees it as a significant step towards achieving the goal of 10,000 new homes and thousands of jobs in the region.
Ben Rodgers from Legal & General called the development an exciting opportunity. He emphasized their commitment to creating a thriving community that meets the needs of businesses and residents alike. The feedback from the public has been invaluable in shaping the final plans, and they’re eager to keep collaborating with local partners.
