News / Bristol Arena
YTL to spend £3.1m on transport around Filton
YTL will spend more than £3.1m on improving local transport infrastructure in and around Filton as part of their plans for an arena in the former Brabazon hangars.
But this does does not include any funding to build a new train station, which is likely to be paid for by taxpayers.
A Freedom of Information request to WECA revealed that the Filton Arena would cost the taxpayer £200m in new infrastructure.
is needed now More than ever
YTL bosses say that £3.1m “is earmarked for specific schemes in Filton and the surrounding area and will help support sustainable transport and drive down car dependency”.
The money includes funding for park and ride enhancements, dedicated city centre shuttle bus facilities, junction and traffic light improvements, and cycling facilities.
It also includes funding for the creation of residents’ car parking schemes in nearby neighbourhoods, with many visitors to the arena expected to come by car.
In 2019, Bristol24/7 reported that that transport options from the city centre to the Filton site would include a new train station due to open in 2021 and a new metrobus service.
YTL Arena will be built within the Brabazon hangars on the edge of the former Filton Airfield – photo: Martin Booth; CGI: YTL
YTL Arena Complex managing director, Andrew Billingham, said that he and his team “have reached another key milestone in our journey to delivering an arena for Bristol and the South West”.
He said: “As part of the Section 106 agreement we have signed up to investing £3.1m to improve the local transport infrastructure.
“This demonstrates our commitment and determination to not only create one of the leading arenas in Europe, but to make sure that we have a positive impact on our local communities.”
Billingham added: “We will encourage our staff and visitors to travel by sustainable transport methods, and drive down car dependency. We’ll be at the forefront of the touring industry’s shift towards greener practices.”
Now due to open in 2024, the YTL Arena is expected to create more than 500 jobs.
Speaking in a hustings organised by Bristol24/7 on Thursday, Bristol mayor Marvin Rees – who scrapped plans for an arena at Temple Island – said that Beyoncé would be his dream opening act at the new arena.
Main photo: YTL
Read more: Plans for arena on former Filton airfield approved
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