Hangar 16U

Built around 1915, Hangar 16U is an essential part of Brabazon’s heritage. Originally built for the Royal Flying Corps, this impressive Grade II listed building connected Bristol to the world. Beneath its Belfast trusses, a community of engineers and designers were driven by a common purpose, creating new technologies that shaped the future of flight.

Now this beautiful brick-built structure will have a new lease of life as a local, sociable community hub at Brabazon.

Downstairs there will be a bustling open-plan café to catch up with friends for coffee or enjoy a family lunch. A new modern library will cater for adults and children alike, with casual seating on which to linger and learn. There will be quiet pods for studying and arched nooks for private meetings. Activity rooms will host a busy social calendar of events, offering anything from antenatal classes to Zumba, while a community-focused fitness centre will have both cardio machines and weight-training facilities for those wanting to work out.

Upstairs will feature dedicated youth spaces and more activity rooms, creating a place for after-school clubs, informal study groups, workshops and recreation. A large hall will be a social space for multi-faith groups, a backdrop to the children's creche or the perfect venue for public meetings and family events.