The South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) and Network Rail want to transform a major gateway to Bristol city centre but needs a private developer as a partner to deliver the scheme.

The land, known as Plot 6, measures 4.5 acres and lies between Temple Quay and Temple Meads Station. It is currently used for car parking and storage. The joint landowners want to develop it into a mixed-use scheme including 300,000 sq ft of residential, retail and office space. Network Rail and the South West RDA are looking for a private developer to help them deliver the scheme.

The development will mark the beginning of the third phase of work on the £750m Temple Quarter project to revitalise the eastern end of central Bristol, which has already seen derelict land at Temple Quay transformed into a ‘thriving’ office district.

Mick Martin, Network Rail’s director of commercial property, said: “All over the country we are seeking opportunities to release the commercial potential of our property portfolio in order to invest in passenger and freight facilities. The realisation of these opportunities will not only improve the railway for all who use it but can also be a catalyst for the regeneration of communities.”

Construction is expected to take about three years and, subject to the necessary planning consents, is scheduled to start in 2009.

Developers are invited to submit expressions of interest, in accordance with the Individual Contract Notice and Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, to Savills (L&P) Ltd at Queens Avenue, Embassy House, Bristol, BS8 1SB or to Hartnell Taylor Cook LLP at Somerset House, Queens Avenue, 18 Canynge Road, Bristol, BS8 3JX, by March 25, 2008.