Over the past year as Director of Inclusive Growth at Bristol Temple Quarter, I’ve spoken with hundreds of people who live and work in and around Temple Quarter.
I often heard the message that local people want to get involved, share ideas with the BTQ team, and access the real opportunities that change in this area will bring. People want to feel more connected to what’s happening here.
That is why I am so excited to see our new space in the heart of the regeneration area, the Bristol Temple Quarter Hub, open its doors.
On the corner of Temple Way and Cattle Market Road, we’re part of the co-working space called Temple Studios operated by TCN. Facing onto the busy route to the station from the south of the city, this location is ideal because we’ll be visible to passers-by and in the area we’re hoping to transform. We’ve proudly put our name and logo on the windows, so I hope we are easy to find.
The Hub is a space for everyone. Whether you live nearby, work in the area, are part of a community group, or are just curious about what’s changing in Temple Quarter. You can come in and chat with the BTQ team, take part in events or meetings, or share your views on what the future should look like here. We’re delighted that our monthly tours will now have a sheltered place to start and finish, too!
We hope the Hub will become a go-to space for community organisations, and a visible, accessible presence in the area to support better collaboration, increase awareness, and help to share our work with the public.
Why did we open the Hub?
Opening the Hub was a direct response to what people in the area have told us they need.
The Bristol Quality of Life survey said that in Lawrence Hill 33.6% of residents don’t know where to get information, advice, or guidance about employment and training. In Central ward, this rises to 47.6%. These figures suggest that while Temple Quarter is full of activity, it doesn’t always feel easy for people to get involved or benefit from this.
The Hub is one way we’re responding to this. By creating a space that’s easy to access and based in the local area, the Hub will be a place where residents can come to find out what opportunities exist for them within the regeneration area. Signposting people to existing services to maximise their opportunities is part of how we’re supporting inclusive growth in Bristol Temple Quarter.
Connecting with the community
The Hub will be a space shaped by people and communities in Temple Quarter.
Students from City of Bristol College took on the initial fit out of the Hub – removing old fixtures and painting walls. Doing this allowed them to gain their qualifications in painting and decorating.
If you visit the Hub, you’ll also be able to view photographs taken by A-level photography students from the college. Their work captures Temple Quarter through their own eyes and is a great addition to the space.
We’ve already started to book construction skills and training sessions that will be hosted at the Hub, working with training providers and students from across Bristol.
Our hope is to build a steady programme of events, courses, drop-ins, and meetings that reflect what people want and need, so we want to hear your ideas about the potential uses.
So, if you think the Hub could be used for a training course or community initiative you run, or you just fancy a chat with the team, email hello@BristolTempleQuarter.com for more information.
Simon Cowley was the Interim Director of Inclusive Growth for the BTQ LLP from July 2024-June 2025.
