Brabazon, Bristol
| Brabazon | |
|---|---|
  Brabazon Location within Gloucestershire | |
Interactive map of Brabazon area | |
| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Bristol |
| Postcode district | BS34 |
| Dialling code | 0117 |
| Police | Avon and Somerset |
| Fire | Avon |
| Ambulance | South Western |
Brabazon is a mixed-use development under construction on the former Filton Airfield in South Gloucestershire, England. The neighbourhood will be a new extension to the North Fringe of Bristol.[1] The development is expected to deliver 6,500 homes, a 'town centre' with commercial and community facilities, transport infrastructure, and the 20,000-capacity Bristol Arena.[2]
The site is split across the Almondsbury, Charlton Hayes and Filton parishes of South Gloucestershire,[3] and a smaller area south of the local authority boundary in the City of Bristol district.[4]
As part of the West Innovation Arc, it was one of seven locations selected in 2026 by the New Towns Taskforce for a new generation of new towns.[5]
Background
The former airfield site was earmarked by South Gloucestershire Council for 2,675 new homes.[6] In 2015, YTL Corporation purchased the airfield site.[7]
The 354-acre brownfield development will include, according to the original plans on YTL Developments' website:[1]
- 2,675 houses
- 62 acres of employment space
- a mixed use town centre
- three new schools, doctors' and dentists' surgeries
- recreational spaces, sport and leisure facilities
- affordable housing to buy and rent
- a community centre, retirement/care provision and student housing
- Bristol Brabazon railway station on the Henbury Loop Line and a MetroBus route
In December 2021, YTL proposed to add 1,000 houses, more green space and some commercial development nearby the original site on the former Patchway Trading Estate.[8][9]
Construction
Rather than appointing an existing company as main contractor, YTL created a subsidiary, YTL Construction UK, to manage the development in-house,[10] citing a desire to align incentives with its 'patient capital' investment strategy.[11]
Construction on the first homes began in 2020, with the first residents arriving in 2021.[12]
In January 2024, YTL obtained planning permission to build 1,500 student flats and 400 private homes to the south of the main development, near to the planned Bristol Arena and public transport links.[13]
In March 2025, BAM Nuttall began construction of Bristol Brabazon railway station.[14]
Work to convert the 1940s aircraft hangars into Bristol Arena began in autumn 2025.[15]
References
- 1 2 "Brabazon, Bristol". YTL Developments. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
- ↑ "Brabazon development in Bristol listed among 'new towns' plan". BBC News. 29 March 2026. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
- ↑ "South Gloucestershire new Local Plan". Interactive map - Locational Strategy for South Gloucestershire: South Gloucestershire Council. Retrieved 9 August 2026.
- ↑ Wilson, Kate (26 February 2020). "Plans for a YTL arena at Filton have been recommended for approval". Bristol Post. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
- ↑ "Seven new towns proposed to kickstart housebuilding push". GOV.UK.
- ↑ "Filton Airfield | Filton, Bristol BS99 7AR" (PDF). Retrieved 3 July 2019.
- ↑ "Filton Airfield site in Bristol sold to Malaysian developers". BBC News. 4 December 2015. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
- ↑ Grubb, Sophie (9 December 2021). "Bristol Arena developer YTL changes plan for huge new Brabazon neighbourhood". Bristol Post. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
- ↑ Cruse, Beth (17 April 2022). "Filton Airfield set to become the 'most exciting city district in South West'". Bristol Post. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
- ↑ "In-house contractor YTL Construction to build Bristol Arena". Construction Enquirer.
- ↑ Sweet, Rod (16 April 2026). "Video | Brabazon, the anatomy of a new town". Construction Management.
- ↑ "Our Progress Building Brabazon | The Story So Far". www.brabazon.co.uk. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
- ↑ Roig, Estel Farell (11 January 2024). "Brabazon development at Filton Airfield secures permission for 1,500 student flats". Bristol Post. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
- ↑ Hakimian, Rob (18 March 2025). "Work commences at Bristol's new Brabazon station | New Civil Engineer". New Civil Engineer.
- ↑ "Work to turn Concorde hangar into Bristol's YTL Arena begins". BBC News. 8 October 2025.