Brabazon begins: The transformation of the former Filton Airfield gets underway

The historic Filton Airfield is set to be transformed into a thriving new neighbourhood for Bristol, known as Brabazon.

On Tuesday 7 January, local councillors, community leaders and local businesses celebrated as the foundations were dug for the first new homes at Brabazon.

The Leader of South Gloucestershire Council Cllr Toby Savage, as well as the leaders of Filton, Patchway and Almondsbury councils were joined by representatives of the local business community, including Airbus, Network Rail and GWR.

The Chief Executives of local community organisations, including Southern Brooks Community Partnerships and the Southmead Development Trust, were also on hand to help plant a commemorative tree to mark the occasion. 

Speaking to guests on site at Brabazon, Cllr Toby Savage said: 

“Filton Airfield is steeped in history. Today this part of South Gloucestershire is a world-leading hub for engineering and innovation. The new neighbourhood at Brabazon will provide the homes, offices and infrastructure to allow that amazing commercial cluster to continue to grow.

“This is a major investment into our local community. The project will create new homes and new opportunities and our shared vision is that it will be a place that all local workers, residents and visitors will feel proud of.”

The first phase at Brabazon will feature 278 homes, designed by award-winning local architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. Over the next 20 years, Brabazon will become a new urban community, with over 2,600 homes, a new commercial quarter and major new transport links, including a dedicated MetroBus route and a new train station, which will connect to Bristol Temple Meads in less than 15 minutes. 

Brabazon will also be home to three new schools, a health centre and library, all set among landscaped public squares and parkland. 

The plans for Brabazon are designed to reflect the heritage of this historic local landmark. Jon McDiarmid, Director at YTL Developments said:

“The former Filton Airfield was the birthplace of Concorde. We want to make sure that Brabazon lives up to that legacy.

“The iconic aircraft that were built here were known for their considered design details, timeless styling, and cutting-edge technology. Our aim is that people will feel the same way about these new homes.”

“Our vision is to create a thriving new neighbourhood for North Bristol so it’s very special to be joined by leaders from across the local community to mark this major milestone as we dig the first foundations.”

There was more exciting news for North Bristol in November 2019 when YTL Developments submitted a planning application to transform the historic Brabazon hangars into a 17,000-capacity arena complex. 

The first homes at Brabazon will go on sale in Autumn 2020, with the first residents expected to move in early in 2021. To find out more and register your interest, visit www.brabazon.co.uk/register 

To read more about this exciting event, visit http://bit.ly/36RLPEF.