West of England Mobility Hubs

Meristem Design have partnered with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority to deliver the biggest and most innovative Mobility Hubs network in the UK. Installed across the West of England as part of the Future Transport Zone (FTZ) initiative, the £28 million programme funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) aims to modernise and integrate sustainable transport across South Gloucestershire and North Bristol.

Meristem have designed, built and installed Mobility Hubs for South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council and the University of the West of England across multiple locations. Each hub offers facilities such as parklets and planters, bike storage, Wi-Fi, solar lighting, seating, and defibrillators to promote community engagement and enhance accessible and active travel in key areas such as the University of the West of England Bristol.

By bringing together different types of transport, the West of England Mobility Hub scheme aims to provide a focal point for communities to access useful facilities, shared mobility and local information. The goal is to trial the development of these hubs as a blueprint for sustainable delivery, ensuring they enhance both public transport use and the urban environment while creating recognisable and adaptable spaces tailored to local needs.  

We have installed multiple hubs across Bristol and South Gloucestershire including the UWE Campus, Abbeywood Retail Park and Lyde Green. Each hub has a bespoke design with features such as; sheffield stands, seating and parklets, cycle storage, water fountains, bike pumps, community noticeboards, Wi-FI and charging stations and lots of lush green plants.

The Mobility Hubs supports sustainable, multimodal travel while enhancing community spaces. Designed for inclusivity, the hubs are fully accessible to those using mobility scooters, wheelchairs or pushchairs, creating safe and adaptable areas.

Each hub provides a suite of features designed to support sustainable, multimodal travel while enriching the community experience. Meristem Design also integrated green infrastructure into the hubs by adding planters and greenery, enhancing the public realm and contributing to air quality improvement. This approach softens the urban environment, supports biodiversity, and makes the hubs more inviting spaces.

Connecting communities with Mobility Hubs

Strategically placed across Bristol and South Gloucestershire, the hubs are intended to promote connectivity within local neighbourhoods. By linking key destinations such as schools, business districts, residential areas, and public transport hubs, the new Mobility Hubs encourage the use of active and shared travel over private car ownership, contributing to net-zero goals. 

Not only providing practical transport functions, the hubs also serve as community focal points, offering features like noticeboards, Wi-Fi connection, defibrillators, and flexible spaces for commercial activities or pop-up services. This blend of transport and community services helps create vibrant public spaces that benefit both residents and businesses, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement within the community.

This project supports a greener, more connected future for the West of England, setting a model for cities across the UK. By transforming how people move around the region, the new mobility hubs offer convenient, integrated transport options that help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Local communities now have greater access to shared mobility services such as cycling and e-scooters, making it far easier to choose alternatives to private car use. This shift supports the region’s broader goals of achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

Supporting local businesses and active travel

The hubs also contribute to community well-being by improving the public realm with features like seating, greenery, and digital connectivity. These spaces foster a sense of place, providing comfortable and functional areas where people can meet, work, or relax. Local businesses benefit from increased foot traffic, while the hubs’ flexible design supports evolving community and commercial needs. Furthermore, by promoting active travel and improving accessibility, Mobility Hubs support healthier, more connected, and more vibrant neighborhoods.

This project sets a benchmark for sustainable transport infrastructure in the West of England and beyond, demonstrating how innovative design and community-focused solutions can create more liveable and resilient cities.