Work to begin on next phase of Temple Meads regeneration
Workers are about to start grit blasting the roof, to remove old paint, dirt and "contaminants"
Major work to refurbish Bristol Temple Meads train station will enter a new phase next month.
From Tuesday 12 April contractors Taziker, with the help of Network Rail, will begin grit blasting work on the roof to remove any old paint, dirt and "surface contaminants" like bird poo, before they can be repaired, repainted and reglazed.
Grit blasting involves firing sand against the surface out of a form of high pressure hose, with the work set to be carried out at night because of the noise.
The entire roof refurbishment is due to be completed in the summer of 2024.
Mike Contopoulos, Network Rail project director, said: “We’re proud to be preserving Bristol’s oldest station for future generations as part of the Bristol Rail Regeneration programme, transforming Temple Meads into a world class transport hub.
“Our work to renovate the Grade I listed roof will mean that this icon of our city will be protected and maintained for decades to come, while creating a more welcoming environment for passengers.
“Once completed, Bristol Rail Regeneration – of which the roof refurbishment is only one part - will provide numerous benefits for our passengers, building on Bristol’s strengths as a world class city and creating a transport hub fit for the 21st century.”
At the same time, a separate project to update all of the station’s electrics is getting underway, which will see the overall power supply, lighting, passenger information and CCTV systems all brought up to modern day standards
To allow that to happen, from Monday 18 April the station’s ticket office will be temporarily moved to the former Bonapartes café/bar on platform three for up to 12 weeks.
Taziker managing director Neil Harrison, said: “We have overcome significant challenges to get to this stage of the project which is only possible through the hard work and dedication of the whole project team.
“Our collaborative relationship with the Network Rail and the station management team is key to the success of delivering this project and we have created great relationships throughout the project to ensure we are working together to successfully hit our milestones.
“We’re really proud to be playing a part in the Bristol Rail Regeneration programme and have been supporting community initiatives by installing cycle racks in local schools and joining Caring in Bristol’s new partnership programme, Caring Corporates, to support people experiencing homelessness in Bristol.
“Our next challenge is the grit blasting stage but we’re prepared and fully equipped, with experts in this specialism ready to commence work.”
Network Rail say the work has already helped improve the reliability of trains and an increase in suburban services, following last summer’s £132 million track and signalling upgrade at Bristol East Junction.
If you want to find out more about the work, click here.