The much-anticipated Bristol Arena is still set to open its doors in 2028, following years of delays. The project, first announced by Malaysia-based YTL in 2018, will see a 19,000-seater venue built at Brabazon, on the former Filton Airfield site.
The arena forms part of a larger development that includes 6,500 homes, known as Brabazon New Town. However, the project has not been without controversy, with significant amounts of taxpayers’ money being spent on public transport links to the new suburb.
YTL’s UK chief executive recently confirmed to the BBC that the arena project is “ready to go”, adding: “It’s the best guarantee I can give you” when questioned about the 2028 opening date.
Plans for an arena in the city centre, next to Temple Meads station, were previously scrapped by ex-Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who supported the idea of a venue on the city’s outskirts.
The West of England Combined Authority (Weca) and Network Rail have invested millions in transport links to the development, including a new Brabazon train station. Expected to be completed by autumn 2026, the station will serve the new urban community and those attending events at the arena, reports Business Live.
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Construction firm BAM, which also built Ashley Down station in the city, is responsible for the build.
Dan Norris, the Mayor of the West of England, has expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “My Mayoral Combined Authority is going full steam ahead to open this station too – serving the new town at Brabazon and helping people get to the new arena. The West of England is continuing to secure major investment to create new jobs and economic growth now and over the coming years.”
Earlier this year, during a visit to the UK, the Prime Minister of Malaysia announced a massive £2bn investment in the Brabazon New Town.
A spokesperson for YTL, the company behind the Brabazon Bristol development, described the ambitious plans for the historic Filton Airfield site: “The Copenhagen-inspired project will allow people to access the essential services they need – workplaces, schools, shops, public transport, healthcare and green spaces – within a 15-minute radius of their home.”