Network Rail officially opened Bristol Temple Meads new station reception which is located near the station entrance on Tuesday the 18th of April. The new reception is operated by staff from Great Western Railway and comes as a replacement for the old information desk which was located on platform 3.

The new facility also supports accessibility with its practical location on entering the station alongside offering a user-friendly spacious meet-up point for passengers who have booked or need assistance. The new reception also includes seating which is taller than usual in a bid to offer improved support for passengers with reduced mobility.

Network Rail is also committed to supporting those with hidden disabilities who can find sunflower lanyards available from the reception.

Further features of the new reception are:

• Provides quiet space for anyone who may need it whilst travelling
• Phone charging points which can be found on the tables and support wireless charging
• Dedicated customer information screen
• Colourful wall art and leaflets which detail local walks and sites of interest, both of which come as part of a collaboration with Severnside Community Rail Partnership

The new reception is just part of a broader programme of upgrade work for Bristol Temple Meads station which also includes:

• The refurbishment of the station’s historic engine shed roof
• A first-of-a-kind audio guide of the station which will support blind and partially sighted people and has been developed in conjunction with Bristol Sight Loss Council.
• The redesign of all station signage with high contrast, making it easier to read
• The installation of tactile paving on all platforms to improve safety.

Bernadette Sachse, Network Rail’s station manager for Bristol Temple Meads, said:

“I’m delighted to officially open the new station reception today in partnership with our colleagues from GWR.

“The new reception has been designed for ease of access for those who require assistance and complements the other accessibility improvements we have made to the station recently, including the audio guide.

“We want everyone to feel welcome in our stations and hope that the bright and roomy space will be well-used by those seeking information, assistance, or a quiet space to sit.”

GWR Station Manager Alex Hills:

“Bristol Temple Meads is one of the country’s most iconic stations and we are delighted to have worked with Network Rail to provide a reception area worthy of its flagship status.

“It has been a long-held ambition to deliver these improvements as part of a wider transformation, delivering more train services, improving existing services and enhancing the overall customer experience not just here in Bristol, but across the wider area.”