New group of station innovators gather in Bristol

‘Isambard Kingdom Brunel’ tells delegates that innovation is among “the most important of human motivations” and matters for “generations to come”.

Dr Alan Peters, Ecosystem Director for Rail & Stations at Connected Places Catapult, says the Station Innovation Zone encourages the greater use of technology, and offers a glimpse into what a future vision of stations could be.

Giulia Lorenzini, SME Innovation Funding Team Lead at the Catapult explains that three innovators will be selected to progress to a trial phase this spring and will each receive £75,000 to develop their proposals.

Network Rail’s Senior Programme Manager Brian Wortman explained that Bristol Temple Meads is undergoing a major regeneration, and that construction of a new Temple Quarter district will have a major impact on the station.

Cohort members take part in interactive workshop sessions, exploring what makes a good trial, with representatives from Network Rail, Great Western Railway, the Rail Safety & Standards Board, Great British Railways Transition Team and Rail Data Marketplace.

Network Rail’s Project Manager, Andy Rhodes takes members of the Station Innovation Zone cohort and other stakeholders on a tour of Bristol Temple Meads, showing them the platforms, concourse beneath the tracks and service spaces.

Delegates at the Welcome Day inside the Engine Shed near Bristol Temple Meads station.

Each of the SMEs explain their innovation on camera at the venue.

Cohort members and stakeholders associated with the Station Innovation Zone gather outside Bristol Temple Meads.

Photographs: Leigh Farmer