Taziker to Begin Key Phase of Work at Bristol Temple Meads

Published 28th March 2022

Taziker and Network Rail are gearing up for the next phase of the refurbishment of the historic train shed roof at Bristol Temple Meads station, which begins next month.

From Tuesday 12 April, rail workers will begin a key phase of the work to refurbish the roof of Bristol Temple Meads station, using a process known as grit-blasting to remove any old paint, dirt and surface contaminants from the metal parts of the structure before they can be repaired, repainted and reglazed.

The grit-blasting, which involves forcibly propelling abrasive material against a surface at high pressure, marks the latest stage of a complex project to carefully restore the Grade I listed roof, ensuring that it remains safe and retains its character for generations to come.

The roof refurbishment is due to be completed in the summer of 2024. 

The roof restoration and rewire of the station are part of the Bristol Regeneration programme, which is transforming Bristol Temple Meads into a world class transport hub.  It means passengers will benefit from a brighter and more welcoming station environment, improved passenger information and an increase in retail offerings in future.  The programme has already enabled improved train service reliability and an increase in suburban services, thanks to last summer’s huge track and signalling upgrade.

Mike Contopoulos, Project Director, Network Rail 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.

“Our specialist team will begin grit-blasting the steel parts of the roof in April, stripping it to bare metal so that we can carry out repairs and apply protective paint.  We’ll be doing this in phases throughout the summer, encapsulating each section to make sure that no dust or other material reaches the platforms.  To minimise the impact on passengers, grit-blasting will take place overnight and noise levels will be monitored.

“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.”

Neil Harrison, Managing Director - Infrastructure, Taziker 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 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.”