News / YTL Arena Bristol
Final detailed plans for YTL Arena submitted
YTL has submitted final detailed plans for Bristol Arena revealing that the venue will feature an outdoor cinema, Christmas ice rink and sports courts.
New computer-generated images include huge public squares in front of the refurbished Brabazon hangars at the former Filton Airfield.
They were submitted to Bristol City Council as part of the developers’ landscape masterplan on April 25 – four days before a three-year deadline set by South Gloucestershire Council as part of the conditions it gave when granting outline planning permission.
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The 19,000-capacity arena building itself is in Bristol but much of its surrounding land is in South Glos.
Architects said that the YTL Arena “is poised to emerge as a focal point within the city”.
“Nestled strategically with the vibrant city of Bristol to the south and surrounded by the newly envisioned Brabazon Park, the wider proposed masterplan and existing developments, the Arena finds itself in an ideal position to evolve into a cultural hub.”
Architects say they want the YTL Arena to become a “cultural hub” – image: YTL / McGregor Coxall
The CGIs show what is proposed for an east and a west square directly outside new conference and exhibition halls which flank the main central concert seating bowl.
The planning documents said: “The space comes alive with visitors relishing the outdoor cinema experience throughout the summer season.
“During the winter season, the area is animated by festive pop-up markets, sparkling Christmas lights and a myriad of joyful activities.”
The outdoor cinema and a small outdoor music stage look like they will be replaced in the winter by an ice rink.
There will also be badminton courts, a tennis court, multi-use games area for sports such as basketball and five-a-side football, and a BMX pump track.
A proposed view of badminton courts and a multi-use games area – image: YTL / McGregor Coxall
A YTL spokesperson said: “The landscaping around YTL Arena is designed to be a vibrant space for visitors to enjoy before events.
“It is flexible enough to host activities throughout the year, like Christmas markets, winter ice skating rinks, outdoor movie screenings and various community events.
“Our design incorporates the potential to increase the arena’s capacity from 17,000 to 19,000 seats. In the future, we plan to submit an application to unlock this extra capacity for a select number of shows.”
Previously revealed visuals of the YTL Arena – image: YTL / McGregor Coxall
Bristol’s long-awaited arena was previously expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026 but an update from YTL in March said construction was yet to begin and was likely to take two-and-a-half years once the builders move in.
This suggested an opening date of late 2026 at the earliest, although the company said it had reached a “pivotal milestone” in the project with the start of site preparation and enabling work.
Decontamination work got underway in early March to be followed by the demolition of non-essential structures ahead of the main construction programme.
YTL is also building the massive new Brabazon neighbourhood on the former airfield with thousands of homes, a park, community facilities, leisure and employment.
An arena was originally planned next to Temple Meads but outgoing Bristol mayor Marvin Rees scrapped the idea because of the risk to the taxpayer.
Main image: YTL / McGregor Coxall
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