News / YTL Arena Bristol
Preparation work finally begins on long-awaited arena
Work has finally begun on a long-awaited entertainment arena in Bristol which could open in early 2027.
Site preparation and enabling work is underway to transform the former Brabazon Hangers into YTL Arena Bristol, a live entertainment and cultural hub for the South West.
The initial phase of the project has seen decontamination of the site carried out by Omega Environmental Services, which will be followed by the demolition of non-essential structures before starting on the main construction programme.
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YTL Construction UK, a new company that will be part of the international YTL Group, will be responsible for the construction of the venue.
The company previously operated in Malaysia, China, Japan, Singapore, and Australia across a wide range of sectors including energy, water, rail and property development.
The 19,000-capacity arena will host entertainment events, exhibition space and conferencing facilities, as well as food and drink locations for concert-goers.
What the lobby of the long-awaited arena could look like – image: YTL
Once complete, it will be the only indoor arena in the South West, and the fourth largest venue in the UK.
The arena will be 100 percent electric, making it one of the first venues in the UK to operate without the use of fossil fuels.
Venue bosses say the arena will provide 500 jobs, increase overnight stays in the city by more than 300,000 and boost the region’s tourism economy by £60m a year.
Andrew Billingham, CEO of YTL Arena Bristol said: “We’re pleased with the progress and are pushing forward, albeit slower than originally planned.
“Handing over the Hangars to Omega represents a pivotal milestone. We have tackled challenges head-on making crucial decisions to expedite the opening while ensuring we deliver one of the premier arenas in Europe.
“Once main construction has started, we estimate it being a two-and-a-half-year build programme.
“It is well documented that construction companies are facing difficulties, and with the international experience the YTL Group has in construction and project management, it is a logical step for us to control the whole process through to operation.”
The arena forms part of larger plans for Filton Airfield. The historic site was once home to the hurricane aircraft in WW2, birthplace of the Concorde and supersonic travel.
The 380 acres of the Airfield will become home to hundreds of new homes, shops and businesses, and a new railway station connecting Brabazon to Bristol Temple Meads.
Main photo: YTL
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