Malaysian investment firm YTL has this week submitted plans for a new multi-purpose arena in the English city of Bristol.
The planning application has been submitted to Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council and centres on a project to repurpose the Brabazon Hangars in the north of the city.
The new arena and entertainment complex would create more than 500 jobs and inject £1.5bn (€1.75bn/$1.94bn) into the local economy over a 25-year period.
YTL plans on using the 28,000 square metres of floorspace in the three hangars to create an arena, exhibition and leisure space. The arena, which would sit in the Central Hangar, would have a capacity of 17,080, making it the third largest in the UK after Manchester Arena and The O2.
The East Hangar would house a new festival hall that can host events, conventions and exhibitions, while the West Hangar, also known as The Hub, would include leisure facilities, food and drink options and small or start-up businesses.
YTL Arena Complex managing director Andrew Billingham said: “YTL’s commitment is demonstrated as we submit our exciting plans to deliver a 100 per cent privately funded entertainment complex for Bristol.
“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 neighbourhood 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.”
A new train station and metrobus service are due to open with 500 metres of the complex in 2021. YTL has also pledged to include zero waste to landfill, harvest rainwater and install solar panels on the vast roof area, with more than 18,600 tonnes of carbon emissions set to be saved by repurposing the hangars.
Should the proposals be given the go-ahead, YTL hopes to open the arena in early 2023.
Earlier in the year, YTL Arena named Grimshaw Architects and Manica Architecture as the design team to deliver the project.
Images: GrimshawArchitects/ YTL Arena
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