2025: A Year of Transformation - In Our Own Words

An Extraordinary Year of Progress at Brabazon

As 2025 draws to a close, we're taking a moment to reflect on another extraordinary year at Brabazon. From restoring historic spaces to breaking ground on new ones, it was a year of progress, transformation, and standout highlights.

But what truly makes Brabazon special are the people behind the progress. Here's a look back at the year - in their own words.

Big Steps Forward

This year, Brabazon reached a turning point. Across the neighbourhood, change has been gathering pace:

• "North Filton Station is a massive moment for me...seeing the piling going in and knowing the platforms are being installed in January is so cool." - Seb Loyn, Planning and Development Director
• "Restoration and completion of the Spitfire Hangar - what a transformation." - Mike Stone, Head of Preconstruction
• "Seeing Brabazon reach a real tipping point - everything is starting to come together." - Jon McDiarmid, Director of Sales & Marketing

Other highlights included welcoming hundreds of new residents to Brabazon, the opening of The Propeller Quarter Student Show Flat - marking the start of our student accommodation journey - recognition of Brabazon's potential 'New Town' status and industry awards, the start of work on our first commercial building, paving the way for a thriving business hub, and the completion of preparatory works on the landmark Arena.

Moments That Made Us Smile

It wasn't all hard hats and deadlines. There were plenty of moments that brought joy:

• "GROMIT!!! It's something that put us on the map so well." - Nicola Green, Property Manager
• "Eating far too many Mokoko pastries - no regrets." - Jon McDiarmid
• "Probably watching Gary Cripps not win a trophy at the charity padel tournament!" - Ben Yates, Divisional Director at YTL Construction
• And for Seb Loyn, nothing topped "welcoming my daughter, who was born at Brabazon in November!"

Celebrating Our Teams

Behind every milestone is a team making it happen. Here are a few shout-outs from across the business:

• "A huge thank you to our Customer Relations Team for turning the tide this year." - Jon McDiarmid
• "My Project Planners - always ready to share the workload." - Mike Stone
• "Shoutout to the Marketing Team at YTL Developments for their energy and creativity." - Karen Locke
• "Hats off to the infrastructure guys - the least glamorous but the most important!" - Seb Loyn
• "The residential construction team on The Heritage District - your quality improvements have been outstanding." - Ben Yates

These acknowledgements show the spirit of collaboration that drives Brabazon forward.

Challenges & Triumphs  

Delivering a new town is never simple. From financial complexities to juggling multiple workstreams, the team faced challenges head-on:

• "Ensuring the Propeller Quarter was positioned correctly in Bristol's purpose-built student accommodation market - we overcame it by working closely with our operator." - Karen Locke, Residential Asset Manager
• "The pace and complexity of what we're delivering means the goalposts often move. Staying on top of it all can be demanding - but pushing forward and taking calculated risks is part of the job." - Jon McDiarmid
• "Setting up the first overheads budget and supporting financials for management companies was tough - grit, stubbornness and an eye for detail helped." - Nicola Green

Looking Ahead to 2026

If 2025 was about laying foundations, 2026 will be about bringing Brabazon to life:

• "Opening Spitfire Hangar and new sports and leisure spaces - such as padel courts and social hubs - will turn Brabazon into a place to enjoy, not just a place to build." - Mike Stone
• "Welcoming our first students at the Propeller Quarter - a huge milestone." - Jon McDiarmid
• "Amazing food and drink options and an exciting events space - a taste of what's to come in the Arena." - Sarah McBride, Director of Partnerships
• "Metrobus arriving - so I can tell residents IT'S HERE - YAY!" - Nicola Green
• "Everything! This is a pivotal moment. I can't wait for people to experience the creativity and community we're building." - Amy Taguri, Retail Asset Manager

Fun Fact: If Brabazon Had a Soundtrack

We asked the team what song sums up Brabazon. Here are a few picks:

• "Adventure of a Lifetime" - Coldplay, chosen by Sarah McBride
• "High Hopes" - Panic! At the Disco, chosen by Nicola Green
• "Starman" - David Bowie, chosen by Seb Loyn
• "Bloom" - Maribou State, chosen by Karen Locke

Closing Thoughts

2025 was a year of ambition, collaboration and milestones that set the stage for what's next. As we head into 2026, the energy at Brabazon is stronger than ever. From new homes and student living to vibrant spaces for sport, food, and entertainment - and the Arena rising on the horizon - the best is yet to come!

Final Word

"2025 has been a defining year for Brabazon, setting the foundations for a new way of living and working in Bristol. In 2026, our focus is on creating places that bring people together - from homes and green spaces to culture and entertainment - and delivering on the promise of a truly connected new town." - Baldip Singh, CEO, YTL Developments

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