Network Rail is to announce its vision to redevelop Bristol Temple Meads into a "world-class railway hub" at the official opening of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone today (27 April 2012).
At today's launch of the enterprise zone, Network Rail route managing director Patrick Hallgate is set to say that improving the city's railway will boost economic growth.
Hallgate said: "We warmly welcome the launch of the enterprise zone today. A robust rail infrastructure is vital to a thriving economy and the rail industry is poised to support Bristol with an integrated rail strategy.
"Bristol Temple Meads is located right at the heart of the enterprise zone and is among the busiest and fastest growing rail interchanges on the Western route, receiving more than 9 million passengers on average every year.
"Redeveloping the station into a world-class rail gateway, with excellent rail links, will be significant to help position the new business district as an ideal location for investment, whilst boosting economic growth and catering for growing rail demand."
Last month the Homes and Communities Agency announced it was to invest £3.8m to allow Bristol City Council to purchase Brunel's old station as part of rail improvements.
The Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone covers around 123 acres of land around Temple Meads station in the city centre. The area was announced as an enterprise zone in June 2011.
Colin Skellet, chairman of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, said: "This is a significant day for us all and marks the beginning of a process in which the enterprise zone and the five Enterprise Areas will act as a catalyst for economic development which will benefit the whole of the West of England."
PUBLICATION: Inisder - 27 April 2012