A high-level feasibility study is currently being carried out to determine the economic benefits of the plan to transform Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s iconic station, which is subject to government funding.
Network Rail proposes to expand the station area and increase train services to cater for growing rail demand in Bristol where passenger number are set to boom by 44% over the next ten years.
The work will coincide with the £1bn electrification of the Great Western line between Bristol and London.
And if all goes to plan the refurbishment will start in the spring of 2014 and would be completed by 2018, when the new high speed service between London and Bristol is launched.
The revamp plan includes building two more platforms, a new eastern station entrance and new subways.
It would also see several infrastructure enhancements like remodelling of a key junction into the station area, additional infrastructure on the line to Bristol Parkway and line-speed improvements to the south west.
Network Rail route managing director Patrick Hallgate, said: “Bristol Temple Meads is located right at the heart of the enterprise zone and is among the busiest and fastest growing rail interchanges on the Western route, receiving more than 9 million passengers on average every year.
“Redeveloping the station into a world-class rail gateway, with excellent rail links, will be significant to help position the new business district as an ideal location for investment, whilst boosting economic growth and catering for growing rail demand.”