The long-term vision for the transformation of St Philip’s Marsh has taken a significant step forward, with the masterplan for the area formally adopted by Bristol City Council following approval from the Economy & Skills Committee.
The masterplan, which forms part of the Bristol Temple Quarter regeneration programme and was developed by Prior + Partners, a leading masterplanning and planning practice, sets out a long-term framework for creating a new, thriving neighbourhood with thousands of new homes, jobs, green spaces and community infrastructure. It is an ambitious vision for the transformation of a part of Bristol – a well-connected, sustainable and inclusive place where people can live, work, spend time and enjoy new green and public spaces.
The adoption marks a significant milestone for the future of St Philip’s Marsh, and will guide development and investment across the area. It will help shape what is built, and the kind of place that St Philip’s Marsh becomes.
Rather than a piecemeal, site-by-site approach, the masterplan will help unlock comprehensive and coordinated regeneration. It will be a material consideration in future planning decisions, guiding developers and helping planning officers decide on new homes, jobs, infrastructure, public spaces and green areas across St Philip’s Marsh. This approach will help ensure the different parts of the area come together to create a cohesive neighbourhood, rather than a collection of individual developments.
The masterplan has been developed to respond to requirements set out in the draft Local Plan, while making the most of the specific opportunities of the site and working within its constraints. It set out a credible route to delivering more than 7,000 new homes, approximately 110,000 sqm of industrial floorspace and approximately 40,000 sqm of commercial space, alongside community facilities, education and health provision, open spaces and a connected network of sustainable travel routes.
The masterplan has been shaped by extensive community engagement, with hundreds of residents, businesses and stakeholders sharing their views across three rounds of consultation between 2025 and 2026. Their feedback has helped refine the proposals and ensure the vision reflects local priorities and aspirations for the future of the area, including how people want to move around, use public spaces and experience the River Avon and Feeder Canal.
Karen Mercer, CEO of BTQ LLP, said:
“St Philip’s Marsh represents one of the most exciting regeneration opportunities in the UK, with the potential to transform a major part of Bristol’s city centre into a vibrant, well-connected and sustainable new neighbourhood.
“The adoption of the masterplan by Bristol City Council marks an important milestone in turning that vision into reality. It provides a clear framework for investment and development, unlocking the potential for thousands of new homes, high-quality employment space, new green and public spaces, and the community infrastructure needed to support a thriving neighbourhood.
“This is a strong signal of confidence in the future of St Philip’s Marsh and gives partners, landowners and developers the clarity they need to work together and bring this ambitious vision forward.
I want to thank everybody who has been involved in making the masterplan a success. We’re excited about what this will mean for Bristol and the opportunities it will create for the city and its communities.”
Councillor Andrew Brown, Chair of the Economy and Skills Policy Committee, said:
”The adoption of the St Philip’s Marsh masterplan is an important step towards delivering a well-planned and sustainable future for the area.
“The masterplan provides a clear vision that balances new homes, jobs, green space and community facilities, while recognising the importance of St Philip’s Marsh as a key employment location. By taking a coordinated approach, we can maximise the benefits of regeneration for Bristol’s residents, businesses and future generations.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“St Philip’s Marsh is a central part of our vision for the West of England’s bright future. This masterplan is another step towards the transformation promised, including thousands of new homes and jobs – all next door to the new university campus and our region’s busiest railway station and the river and canal.
“Just like Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc, Bristol Temple Quarter is one of the most important regeneration projects in the whole country. By working together we can make sure everyone across the West sees and feels the benefits of upcoming investment.”
The masterplan was commissioned by BTQ LLP on behalf of its partners, Bristol City Council and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
With the masterplan now adopted, BTQ LLP, its partners, and the private sector will work together to unlock new homes, employment space, community facilities and infrastructure, in line with the shared vision for the area’s future.
