News / Bristol Temple Meads
Anger at proposed digital advertising screens for Temple Meads
The owners of Bristol Temple Meads are justifying their plans for the installation of digital advertising units by saying they are “part of modern station safety infrastructure” as well as being able to display adverts 24 hours a day.
Network Rail hope to install the five units, also known as totems, in the ticket hall, subway and at Bonaparte’s Gate.
Dozens of objections have already been received for the plans, with campaign group Adblock Bristol saying they would detract from the unique character of the station and add “an unwelcome commercial presence to the space”.
A Network Rail planning document says digital advertising totems in railway stations “are increasingly used as multi-functional, 24/7 communication tools that blend commercial advertising with critical, real-time safety and operational information”.
Network Rail admit there is a “limited level of harm” with the units’ installation but promise that revenue generated would go towards the continued upkeep of the station’s historic fabric.
One of the screens would be located outside Bonaparte’s Gate – photo: Network Rail
One person objecting to the plans said: “Temple Meads is a heritage building and a site of civic pride for Bristol.
“Whilst the underground concourse has a modernised aesthetic and is therefore not especially compromised by ad
screens, the main entranceway retains the original look and feel of Brunel’s station.
“To implant ad totems here would be entirely out of keeping with the tone of the building and an incongruous feature in an otherwise charming example of Victorian civic architecture.”
Two so-called ‘totems’ would be placed in the station’s concourse – photo: Network Rail
Another objection said: “The addition of new, digital advertising screens to Temple Meads station would change
the look and feel of the station for everyone passing through.
“Temple Meads is a much loved iconic and listed building, one of the gateways to Bristol.
“Recent renovations have made the station both beautiful and safe.
“Digital advertising screens would offer an unwelcome commercial presence into the historic building, detracting from its character and beauty and historic significance.
“Ad screens are ugly and harm amenity value, and they are extremely difficult to remove meaning that once installed, a screen will stay in position for years to decades.”
Thousands of passengers use Temple Meads every day – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Network Rail
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