Temple Quarter Campus, University of Bristol, Bristol

Sector

Education

Value

£300 million

Region

South West

Status

Project in progress

Delivery Team

Background

The University of Bristol (UoB) appointed Perfect Circle to form a multi-disciplinary team through Scape Group’s National Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework to undertake the outline planning application and concept design for its new £300 million Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus.

Outline plans for the campus have been submitted to Bristol City Council to show the scale of development and access routes. Bristol City Council has recently started work to prepare for the demolition of the former Royal Mail sorting office next to the Bristol Temple Meads Station to make way for the new campus.

Services

Requirements

UoB has set out its vision to reimagine the role of a civic university within its 2016 strategy document. In order to meet this vision and its strategic objectives, the university is seeking to establish a new campus at the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone that: provides for at least 3,500 students and 800 staff; is welcoming and inclusive, creating a porous campus that is shared with local communities, visitors, business and industrial partners; and exemplifies the themes of innovation, enterprise and engagement.

The new campus will provide 82,000m2 space for teaching and learning, including flexible collaborative spaces for co-located enterprises. There will also be a 35,000m2 digital research building and space for future expansion, as well as the provision for a student village, which will offer state-of-the-art accommodation. The development of an open access Quantum Technology Innovation Centre on the campus will take quantum research from the lab into the commercial world.

The renewed landscaping will look to open up neglected areas of the harbour and provide new cycle paths and walkways, public spaces and facilities for the public and neighbouring communities to enjoy.

A CGI of the atrium within the campus

Challenges

Perfect Circle was appointed in order to meet the aggressive programme dates to enable opening for the 2023 academic intake, while enabling flexibility, quality and value for money the university.

Outcomes

The appointment provides access to specialist academic and residential design teams for the outline planning application and concept design stages. Utilisation of the framework has enabled streamlined appointment processes and timetables, while achieving the university’s aspirations.

Testimonial

“We are excited to be working with such an experienced design team with an understanding of creating quality places that people want to spend time in, spaces that are inspiring, sustainable and welcoming. We will be working with the architects, local businesses and communities to develop our plans further to transform this derelict landmark site into a vibrant new part of the city centre.”

Guy Orpen, deputy vice chancellor of the University of Bristol