YTL’s ambitious arena plans for Bristol submitted

Article posted by Coliseum, November 29^th, 2019

Image: Grimshaw Architects / YTL Arena

Plans for a new multi-use facility at Bristol in UK have been submitted by Malaysian infrastructure conglomerate YTL. If things fall into place, and the proposals are green lighted, YTL hopes to open the arena in early 2023.

The planning application’s aim is to focus on a project to remodel the Brabazon Hangars located to the north of the English city. The planning application has been submitted to Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council.

The iconic Brabazon hangar at Filton officially holds much historical significance.

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The new arena and entertainment complex planned by YTL would generate more than 500 jobs and infuse £1.5bn (€1.75bn/$1.94bn) into the local economy over a 25-year period.

YTL will make use of the 28,000m2 floor space of all three hangars to create one of a kind experience.

YTL’s scheme of things is to set up an arena, exhibition and leisure space in the 28,000 square meters of floor space available in the three hangars. The arena will be able to fit in 17,080 spectators and would sit in the Central Hangar. It will occupy a place as the third largest venue just after Manchester Arena and the O2 in UK.

A new festival hall that will hold events, conventions and exhibitions will be accommodated in the East Hangar while the The Hub, also known as the West Hangar, would feature start-ups, food and beverage section and leisure space.

YTL Arena Complex Managing Director Andrew Billingham puts in, “YTL’s commitment is demonstrated as we submit our exciting plans to deliver a 100 percent privately funded entertainment complex for Bristol.”

He further puts in, “We’re building much more than just an arena – it’s a 365-day entertainment destination inside the iconic Brabazon Hangars that will create new jobs, bring new business to the region and enhance Bristol’s position as a leading European city.”

Seb Loyn, Director of Planning and Development at YTL Developments, added, “YTL Developments is already beginning to transform the former Filton Airfield into a thriving new neighborhood for Bristol, known as Brabazon. The YTL Arena Complex will be connected to and complement this new urban community, creating a place where every generation can live, work and play.”

In 2021, a new train station and metro bus service are due to open within 500 meters of the complex. It will create transport links to the city center.

Andrew further stated, “We’ll encourage our visitors to use public transport where possible. As YTL will manage the complex we will be able to discourage car use and encourage other forms of transport through incentives and ticketing strategies.”

Committed to the sustainability factor, YTL is firm on minimizing carbon footprints and has also pledged to include zero waste to landfill, harvest rainwater and install solar panels on the vast roof area. By repurposing the hangars, more than 18,600 tonnes of carbon emissions is set to be saved.

On hearing about YTL’s ambitious plans, nearly 2,000 people have visited the Brabazon Hangars over the past 12 months. The team has also visited locations in the north, south, east and west of Bristol as well as in South Gloucestershire.

Andrew added, “We’ve been encouraged by the overwhelming public support to our plans with the results of a recent survey showing 96.4 percent in full support, and 99.9 percent just wanting an arena in Bristol to be proud of. We hope that local people who visit the arena will immediately feel at home, leaving at the end of a fantastic night feeling proud of all that the city has to offer. And we hope that those visiting from further afield leave with a clear sense of how amazing this region is and want to come back for more.”

A confident Andrew said, “We’ll create an entertainment destination for the South West of England that puts Bristol on the world stage and creates the ultimate night out. Built by us, inspired by you, enjoyed by everyone.”
Earlier, YTL Arena named Grimshaw Architects and Manica Architecture as the design team to deliver the project.

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