Architects, business people, creative industries and civic leaders will meet on Monday to discuss how Temple Quarter can become the long-term hub of choice for the city's fast-growing creative industry.
Temple Quarter was named in March as the West of England’s Enterprise Zone. It covers 70 hectares (173 acres) of mainly derelict land surrounding Temple Meads station. As one of a first wave of 11 zones within Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), the objective is to stimulate enterprise and drive economic growth. This will be achieved with the help of a business rate discount for new occupiers capped at £250,000 over five years, simplified planning rules and the roll-out of super-fast broadband.
Development will be overseen by Bristol City Council and the West of England LEP. Council leader Barbara Janke said the aim is to build on the city's well-earned reputation as a home to media industries by attracting companies from abroad and across Britain.
She added: "Now we are inviting business to tell us their needs and help ensure the zone’s success by sharing their vision for its future.”
Monday's event at the Passenger Shed, Bristol Temple Meads will be introduced by television presenter Kevin McCloud and hosted by Councillor Janke and Colin Skellett, chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership. It is also being supported by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) which owns 14 acres adjacent to the station and expects to play an important role supporting the long-term delivery of the vision for the area.
Colin Skellett said: “This is a really exciting moment in the development of the Enterprise Zone as we move from theory into talking about the practice of what can be done in the centre of Bristol. We’ll be listening to what people have to say and I am confident we’ll come away with some great ideas.”
HCA head of area David Warburton added: “This is an exciting opportunity for Bristol’s creative community to come together and help us develop a
shared vision for the future of the Temple Quay Enterprise Zone. As the owner of some significant sites within this area, we . . . are committed to working with partners to make Temple Quarter the location of choice for creative individuals and businesses, drawn in by the many opportunities which will be created for people to live, work, socialise and interact in this new urban quarter."
shared vision for the future of the Temple Quay Enterprise Zone. As the owner of some significant sites within this area, we . . . are committed to working with partners to make Temple Quarter the location of choice for creative individuals and businesses, drawn in by the many opportunities which will be created for people to live, work, socialise and interact in this new urban quarter."
The zone has the potential to create almost 17,000 new jobs over a 25-year period with a particular focus on creative industries and related
digital technology. In addition to ultrafast broadband connectivity, the EZ will benefit from an enhanced transport hub at Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station with improved accessibility, including the electrification of the Great Western mainline and local transport enhancements such as the proposed Bus Rapid Transit.
digital technology. In addition to ultrafast broadband connectivity, the EZ will benefit from an enhanced transport hub at Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station with improved accessibility, including the electrification of the Great Western mainline and local transport enhancements such as the proposed Bus Rapid Transit.
It is also envisaged that the zone will deliver a wide variety of business space, including refurbishment and re-use of historic buildings, all meeting the highest standards of eco-efficiency, and supporting innovation and learning,
alongside production.
alongside production.
