News / YTL
Work begins to turn historic former aircraft hangar into ‘community hub’
A historic hangar that was once at the beating heart of Bristol’s aviation industry is due to be repurposed as a ‘community hub’.
Hangar 16U on the old Filton Airfield site will become home to an open plan cafe, activity rooms, a fitness centre, dedicated youth spaces and a large social venue under plans outlined by YTL Developments.
The company has recently been granted approval for its new masterplan that could see the number of homes at Brabazon more than double to 6,500 and says the work to create a new hub will give the distinctive, listed building a new lease of life serving the wider community.
is needed now More than ever
It comes as a planning application to build a new pedestrian bridge linking to the Brabazon site over the Henbury Loop railway line has been withdrawn. Bristol24/7 has asked YTL for further information about this.
Hangar 16U on the old Filton Airfield site will become home to an open plan cafe, activity rooms, a fitness centre, dedicated youth spaces and a large social venue
Construction is now underway on Hangar 16U, which will be split over two floors and feature an open-plan cafe downstairs, along with activity rooms and a fitness centre. Upstairs, the building will host dedicated youth spaces, more activity rooms and a large social space.
Sebastian Loyn, planning and development director at YTL Developments, said: “Hangar 16U’s restoration embodies the vision for Brabazon.
“As the birthplace of Concorde, this former airfield was the centre of a community that changed the world. Our aim is to live up to that legacy by reimagining this historic hangar as a vibrant social hub, returning it to the heart of the community once again.
“Hangar 16U will provide something for everyone; a place for all ages and for all interests, for this generation and the next.
“The restoration of Hangar 16U is another sign of our commitment to the local community and to creating a truly sustainable neighbourhood at Brabazon. Our vision is to create the space, connectivity and opportunities that will drive local prosperity for the next 100 years.”
A historic hangar that was once at the beating heart of Bristol’s aviation industry is due to be repurposed as a community hub
Construction is now underway on Hangar 16U, which will be split over two floors
The Brabazon development was originally granted permission for 2,675 new homes in 2018, but the new masterplan approved by South Gloucestershire council is for 6,500 homes on the 380-acre site.
There would also be commercial space, a new secondary school, two new primary schools and a park the same size as Castle Park incorporated as part of the plans, which are also due to include Bristol’s long-awaited arena.
The Hangar 16U renovation plans, designed by King Street-based architects Ferguson Mann, will seek to preserve the hangar’s unique features, including the Belfast trusses and intricate red brickwork.
Hangar 16U is expected to open to the public in the summer or autumn of next year.
Renovation plans will seek to preserve the hangar’s unique features, including the Belfast trusses and intricate red brickwork
“Hangar 16U will provide something for everyone,” says Sebastian Loyn, planning and development director at YTL Developments
All images: YTL Developments
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
