News / Transport
Bristol rail projects scoop three top civil engineering awards
Two major rail developments in Bristol have won three top honours at the annual Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West Awards.
The new eastern entrance to Bristol Temple Meads station won both the People’s Choice Award and the Community Award, making it the only engineering project to take home two prizes on the night.
Due to open in 2026, the entrance is expected to improve access to the station for communities and businesses in east Bristol.
Meanwhile, Ashley Down railway station,which opened in September 2024 following a £23m investment, won the Over £10m New Build Award.
The new eastern entrance to Bristol Temple Meads station won both the People’s Choice Award and the Community Award, making it the only engineering project to take home two prizes on the night – photo: Milan Perera
The new station in Ashley Down was built closer to the old station, Ashley Hill, which closed in 1964.
Judges described the year-old station as “engineering at its very best”.
The awards celebrate the excellence and innovation in civil engineering projects that “make a lasting impact on local communities”.
Both projects are collaborative efforts of Network Rail, the West of England Combined Authority, Bristol City Council, Bristol Temple Quarter LLP, BAM, and GWR, among others.
The new station in Ashley Down was built closer to the old station, Ashley Hill, which closed in 1964 – photo: Martin Booth
Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said: “To come away with three awards from one ceremony is quite the achievement for two significant rail projects in our region.”
“I’m delighted that the public voted for Bristol Temple Meads’ new eastern entrance as their People’s Choice Award winner.
“The West’s newest station, Ashley Down, which picked up the Over £10m New Build award, will soon be followed by stations at Charfield, North Filton, Henbury, Pill, and Portishead.”
Ed Plowden, chair of Bristol City Council’s transport and connectivity committee, added:
“We are incredibly proud to see Ashley Down station recognised in the Over £10m New Build category. This award reflects the strength of the partnership working and dedication of everyone involved.
“We are also delighted that Bristol Temple Meads’ eastern entrance won both the People’s Choice and Community awards — a fantastic endorsement of the impact it is having on access and connectivity for Bristol communities.”
The east entrance of Bristol Temple Meads is located next to the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus of the University of Bristol, which is expected to open in September 2026.
Both Temple Meads and Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus are key residents of the wider Temple Quarter Regeneration Zone which is expected to deliver a £1.6bn annual boost to the regional economy.
Karen Mercer, chief executive of Bristol Temple Quarter LLP, said: “Winning two awards for the new Eastern Entrance is testament to the success of the Bristol Temple Quarter partnership.”
Bristol Temple Meads’ new eastern entrance, next to University of Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, will open in 2026 – photo: Network Rail
Network Rail’s Western route director Marcus Jones said the wins were “a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved”.
Both projects form part of the West of England’s £400m rail investment plan, which aims to boost connectivity through new stations and additional services across the region.
Main photo: Rob Browne
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