Malaysian developer YTL Developments revealed details of their plans for the former Brabazon hangars on the derelict Filton Airfield, at our West of England Development Conference.

Plans for the hangars, the birthplace of the Concorde aircraft, centre around the construction of a new 17,000-seater arena set in the central hanger, and YTL is currently awaiting planning determination which will be decided on in Q1 2020. [emaillocker id=”71749″]

Andrew Billingham, Managing Director for the arena described the ways the arena development will revitalise a wider area: “The Arena is just one part of a much bigger project to create a thriving new neighbourhood that is going to emerge called Brabazon.”

The total investment in the new area is expected to total £1.5bn, bringing a major boost to Bristol’s economy, which Billingham described as a “catalyst of regeneration and prosperity for the city.”

The arena is planned to be the UK’s first “hybrid bowl”, which will allow the arena to downscale for events that require a more intimate stage experience, being able to move down to as low as 4000 capacity.

It will also be designed to have disability access, which is something that other arenas have faced press criticism over, and higher tier seats in the arena will have a dining experience, with 27% of the arena space dedicated to food and drink.

The arena plans are acting as “an accelerator” for the Brabazon community development which already has the green light for 2,600 new homes. The development will also be supported by the construction of new schools and workplaces to ensure that the neighbourhood will be able to thrive.

Placemaking has been key to YTL’s approach to the new development which will also include a new park and leisure hub.

Billingham described how if it was a lone development it would struggle with viability: “An arena in its own form will only operate between 100-120 days a year, and that is not sustainable.” 

Wanting it to be the beating heart of the new community, YTL are planning to build “a leisure hub to really drive the area as a 365-day destination, a place where people can come to eat, work and play” in the western hangar.

On the other side of the arena in the eastern hanger  YTL are focusing on developing a large exhibition space, Billingham said : “The 11,000 sqm east hangar will provide space for large trade shows but could also support the arena when in operation.”

The arena is a key part to making the Brabazon area a truly thriving, viable neighborhood and leading to further development in the city.

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