News / Bristol
‘Bristol Arena should be relocated to the city’s outskirts’
Uncertainty surrounding the future of Bristol’s long-awaited arena near Temple Meads has prompted a renewed call to relocate the entire project to the outskirts of the city.
Tory councillor Peter Abraham says it is the time to “completely reimagine” the conception and location for the 12,000-capacity venue and is calling for the mayor to look at redeveloping the historic Brabazon Hangar in Brentry instead.
Aerial view of the hangar. Photo P Dean
He argues the heritage building on the edge of the old Filton airfield is better served with public transport links than the proposed site in the heart of the city and says the arena could provide job opportunities for people around north Bristol.
is needed now More than ever
Abraham has spoken out following a recent cabinet decision to commission a ‘value-for-money’ review that could see the arena scaled back, redesigned or scrapped altogether if the money needed to construct it continues to rise.
Speaking in April, Mayor Marvin Rees admitted that the situation is now “urgent,” but has reiterated the council’s commitment to building the long-awaited venue.
Abraham, a representative of Stoke Bishop, outlined a number of his concerns about the proposed Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, including insufficient public transport provision, lack of parking and the “harmful impact” the development would have on nearby residential areas.
He said the hanger, which was once used as an assembly hall in the construction of Concorde, but has been used for storage and distribution since 2012, should be saved from an ignominious ending and brought back into more productive use.
“This huge site on the border with South Gloucestershire already has excellent rail and road links,” argues Abraham.
“Importantly, there is plenty of land there for designated parking to be provided for the public.
“The three-bay hangar there has great untapped potential which, with the right innovative design, could become a very attractive leisure and tourist destination.
“Transport links in this part of the city could be further improved with a new park and ride as part of any new planning application. The arguments in favour of this alternative site are, I believe, extremely persuasive.
“Delivery of the Bristol Arena remains one of the Mayor’s strategic priorities and commitments. At a time when doubts and uncertainty surround this ambition, it is vital we use this opportunity to not only save this project but re-imagine its conception and location.”
Those behind the plan to build the arena on the land by Temple Meads say it will breathe fresh life and bring economic and social benefits to a long-neglected part of the city.
More than £123m has been secured for the project, but hopes that the venue would be open by 2018 were dashed early this year when the council parted company with its original contractor after failing to reach an agreement on price.
Read more: ‘We see the arena as Bristol’s future’
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