In September 2020, Bristol Temple Meads station celebrated turning 180 years old. To mark the occasion, Network Rail commissioned a vivid and interesting history exhibition on the walls of the underpass. The underpass toilets have also been refurbished, with colourful illustrations of iconic Bristol scenes.
The original Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed station opened on August 31st 1840. Since that date Sir Matthew Digby Wyatt, Percy Culverhouse and Francis Fox have added extensions and now Network Rail is set to transform the station with a £24m restoration of the Grade I listed Victorian roof.
The two-year programme will involve extensive metal and woodwork repairs and the complete re-glazing of the roof and platform canopies, as well as a new colour scheme.
The restoration project is part of a wider programme of work on the west’s busiest transport hub which includes the remodelling of Bristol East Junction which will allow more frequent services to run in Bristol in the future.
Before the second lockdown, FoSBR members Julie and Teresa paid the exhibition and the ladies a visit. They didn’t even need to spend a penny as the toilets are free!
