A New World Class Venue for Bristol

Bristol, April 26, 2019

Simon Jones

Last week I had the pleasure of getting up close and personal with the new YTL Arena Bristol project. Well, as up close and personal as you can get with a hanger that is big enough to have previously housed seven supersonic jets! The absolute scale of the project is immense. Set on the currently unused Filton Airfield in Bristol, the development has a footprint big enough to fit the O2 Arena inside. My first impression when arriving is probably not repeatable in print!

Now let’s be honest, as a proud Bristolian I have seen many arena projects come and go without even a fork being placed in ground let alone any development being started. So why is this project different?

Steps to Success

Well firstly, the organisation behind this have developed many successful projects all over the world and seem to have a genuine desire and clear vision to get this completed. They are supported by a team on the ground that have already led the successful redevelopment of Ashton Gate into the state of the art multi-purpose stadium it is today, no mean feat to say the least.

Secondly, they have clearly paid detailed attention to the heritage and history of the site. The plans pay tribute to the runway and allow easy access to the fantastic Aerospace Bristol. The Spitfire hanger will be developed to provide desperately needed new schools and lots of open spaces for the local community.  

Thirdly, the additional transport infrastructure includes a new railway line which will link the city centre to North Bristol and will benefit the local community and the many people working in the area (not just those visiting for an event or concert). The extension of the metrobus service linking both sides of the city will help even further.

A World-Class Venue

Personally, I’m tired of having to go to London, Birmingham or Cardiff to see my favourite bands. For a self-confessed music and sports fan (just ask my wife), the promise of a 17,000 all seater arena able to host the largest bands in the world and major international sporting events is incredibly exciting.

When you add to this a large conference and exhibition centre and a leisure element designed to encourage year round use, this really is a project that Bristol needs and should be welcomed with open arms. In the past Bristol has lost out on large international events and conferences that would bring huge revenue to the region due to the lack of facilities.

I am incredibly proud of this great city which I was born in, grew up in and continue to live and work in. Bristol is an internationally recognised city and this state of the art and forward-thinking development will do a huge amount to enhance the reputation of our amazing city even further.

A big thank you to Andrew Billingham, Charlotte Hanna and the rest of the team for the visit. I look forward to watching the development with interest and cannot wait to attend my first concert at the YTL Bristol Arena.

All we will need then is a Premiership football team and you never know, we might even achieve this first #COYRs #MakingBristolProud