AMBITIOUS plans to transform Bristol Parkway Station have been approved.

South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet gave the plans the green light on Monday.

The aim is to create a modern station that acts as a gateway to the region but is also better connected with the neighbouring communities of Stoke Gifford, Harry Stoke and Bradley Stoke.

Plans include walking and cycling routes to and from the station, improve connections to bus services plus new retail and leisure facilities and community spaces.

Housing and employment space is also being considered.

The masterplan, which has been written following six weeks of public engagement over the summer, aims to transform the site into a ‘living station’ where people want to spend time.

Four unique areas will be connected by a new street running through the site.

These areas include:

A new community park called St Michael’s Place

A station building and public space called Station Square

A new nature reserve and green space called Stoke Gifford Park

New employment area called The Brickworks

SGC has worked in partnership with Network Rail, GWR and the West of England Combined Authority on the masterplan.

Cabinet member for transport Steve Reade, said: “This new masterplan is an ambitious vision to transform Bristol Parkway into a major new destination and for it to become a fitting gateway for the region and South Gloucestershire.

“This masterplan reimagines Bristol Parkway as a destination complete with a new station, places where people can work, meet friends and family, as well as providing new parks where residents can enjoy the outdoors."

Dan Okey, head of regional development at GWR, said: “The plan rightly sets an ambitious vision for the station and surrounding development. Improving interchange, station capacity and enhancing customer facilities are central to the vision. 

“We look forward to working with our partners to turn this into reality, as we work to re-value rail in the hearts and minds of the travelling public.”

Malcolm Parsons, Network Rail industry programme director, said: “The Bristol Parkway masterplan, which we’ve worked on with SGC, GWR and Weca is an ambitious reimagining of the station as an improved gateway to the north Bristol area and beyond.

“The plan focuses on enhanced connectivity with the surrounding communities and puts accessibility at the heart of Bristol Parkway with improved facilities for those who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids."

More information at southglos.gov.uk/parkway-station-masterplan