Planning application secured for third largest live entertainment complex in the UK

Stantec’s Community Development Team have successfully supported a major planning application to redevelop the Brabazon Hangars, next to the Brabazon Development at the former Filton Airfield, into a 17,000 capacity live entertainment complex.

The venue, in north Bristol, will be the third largest entertainment complex in the UK, after London's O2 and Manchester Arena. This major investment in leisure and entertainment facilities by YTL will provide a much needed economic and cultural boost post the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council approved the plans earlier this year, which have now received the green light by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and the Local Government.

Hangars at the airfield, previously used to build Concorde and Brabazon planes, will be redeveloped to house the arena, with a large-scale flat floor exhibition hall on one side, and food, drink and leisure facilities on the other. A new bridge over the railway, road layout changes and a 1,700-space temporary car park will also be built.

Our team provided specialist acoustics, air quality, ecology, landscape/townscape, visual and night-time consultancy services. Using extensive prior knowledge of the site and neighbourhood from our long-standing work on the Brabazon development, our environment specialists assisted YTL Developments by undertaking focussed pre-application consultations with the two councils, to agree proportional scopes for supporting assessments.

Once complete, the entertainment complex should bring a huge economic and cultural boost to the whole of Greater Bristol with an expected 1.4 million visitors a year. The YTL Arena Complex is planned to open in 2023.

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.

We care about the communities we serve—because they're our communities too. This allows us to assess what's needed and connect our expertise, to appreciate nuances and envision what's never been considered, to bring together diverse perspectives so we can collaborate toward a shared success.

We're designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.

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Media Contact                                            
Jody Prescott                                                                       
Stantec Media Relations                            
Ph: (44) 1189-520670                                    
jody.prescott@stantec.com