As the birthplace of Concorde and supersonic travel, home to over 100 years of aviation history, the former Filton Airfield is known worldwide for a community that changed the world. Under the plans, Brabazon will transform the largest area of brownfield land in the South West into a new urban destination that lives up to that legacy. 

The neighbourhood will grow to over 6,000 new homes of every type and tenure and for every generation; from rental apartments to flats for first-time buyers, open-market houses and properties for retirement living.  

There will be up to 2,000 beds for student accommodation, while high-quality affordable homes will make up 26.5% of properties, equating to over 1,700 architect-designed houses and apartments. 

Crucially, the plans are based on a flexible framework so that development is phased alongside improved transport links.  

The vision for Brabazon – developed by world-renowned architects and planners including  JRDV Urban International (US), alongside Bath-based Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (UK), SWA Group (US), Grant Associates (UK) and YTL Construction Design Group (Mal) – also includes up to 3 million square feet of commercial space: enough to support 30,000 jobs and is forecast to create over £5billion of added economic value for the local area. 

The plans extend to include three new schools and plans for a higher education or research campus alongside creative office spaces, laboratories and advanced manufacturing facilities. The neighbourhood will act as a centre of learning and a launchpad for every type of business, from leading global firms to local start-ups shaping the latest technologies. 

Brabazon will also be a hub for culture, creativity and entertainment. You’ll be able to wander around independent stores, discover new cafes and restaurants or relax in over 86 acres of public space, from leafy squares to Brabazon Park: the largest new public park in the South West for 50 years. And at its heart will be the supersonic new YTL Arena Bristol, with a capacity of over 17,000. 


YTL Arena Bristol

Finally, Brabazon will be connected to Bristol city centre and beyond with over £100m already being invested into the local transport network. 
 
A new rail station will connect the neighbourhood to Bristol Temple Meads in less than 15 minutes. Three MetroBus stops will link Brabazon with Bristol Parkway mainline train terminus, with the shops and restaurants at the South West’s largest retail centre Cribbs Causeway, and with the University of the West of England. And we will be creating 3 kilometres of new segregated walking routes and cycle paths. 

Seb Loyn, Planning & Development Director for YTL Developments, says: 

“The approval of the new Masterplan for Brabazon is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. It will transform not just North Bristol and South Gloucestershire, but the entirety of the West of England. 

“The region desperately needs more homes. Brabazon will deliver 6,500, with over 1,700 being affordable. 

“Local businesses need space to grow and expand: Brabazon will provide over 3 million sq ft of commercial space. That means that the local cluster of world-leading engineering, aerospace and technology firms can provide new opportunities for young talent. 

“But if we are to tackle the climate crisis, we need to build more sustainable homes in the right places. Brabazon is on brownfield land along existing public transport corridors. Maximising its potential will ease pressure on the greenbelt. 

“This decision paves the way for YTL Developments to build the new homes, offices, schools and community facilities we all need, and to do so in a way that is environmentally and economically sustainable.” 


Brabazon Park

Councillor Chris Willmore, Cabinet member responsible for planning at South Gloucestershire Council, says: 

“This is a historic place-shaping decision by the council for a major sustainable community with the necessary infrastructure to create a truly outstanding place. The plans for Brabazon will create a major new community for South Gloucestershire and a new quarter for the wider Bristol area, built on brownfield land. 

“We have been working positively with YTL Developments and National Highways to ensure the right infrastructure will be in place. As well as delivering 6,500 high quality homes, 1,724 of these will be affordable homes for social rent and shared ownership, and there will be office and industrial floor space, which in conjunction with the construction work has the potential to create over 30,000 jobs. 

“The development will help reduce reliance on car travel with metrobus and local buses serving the area along with the train station which already has secured planning permission. A community hub and health care facility will also be provided, along with parks, lakes and open spaces, with over 3,500 trees planted on the site.” 

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