It’s the city’s business
BRISTOLWORKS WHAT WILL YTL ARENA COMPLEX COMPRISE? The Brabazon Hangars offer three individual but interlinked areas CENTRAL HANGAR – YTL ARENA 17,080 capacity, the third largest in the UK. Multi-purpose, flexible and unique arena auditorium. Providing the ability to host theatre format shows for 4,000, a super theatre for 8,000 and full capacity gigs at 17,080. The new and unique UK arena configuration allows Bristol to host full-capacity live music shows, but also to offer sporting events, family entertainment (eg Dancing on Ice, Strictly Come Dancing) and comedy shows. As the third-largest UK arena, it will attract major events and shows previously unable to include Bristol in their touring programme. EAST HANGAR - FESTIVAL HALL A flat floor space for trade shows, exhibitions, conventions and other events. The Festival Hall will also be able to compliment the Arena shows – as a break-out area or extension to the show.
It’s happening…
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ristol is a city that’s constantly evolving and reinventing itself. There’s no room for stagnation here; and the latest change will come in the form of a new arena for the city after Bristol City Council gave YTL the green light to repurpose the old Brabazon Hangars in Filton on 4 March. It’s a landmark moment for the Malaysian family business, who submitted an application in November 2019, but also for the people of Bristol, who will probably have some strong opinions on the matter (two words: ‘Temple Island’). The birthplace of Concorde will be reimagined and brought back to life, with the character, history and industrial feel of the building showcased throughout the arena – the UK’s third
WEST HANGAR - THE HUB A place to eat, work and play, with a visitor attraction, leisure, workspace and food and drink. This will be the heartbeat of the complex, a 365-day a year venue creating quality, full and part-time contracted jobs and opportunities for career progression.
largest after Manchester and the O2 in London. “We’re delighted that the council has entrusted us with this brilliant opportunity to put Bristol on the world stage. It’s a huge step forward for our plans,” said YTL Arena MD Andrew Billingham. “We’re incredibly grateful to all those who have supported us and encouraged us on this journey. And I am particularly proud of our team who have worked so hard to get us this far. “We are committed to delivering a venue that everyone can be proud of, and that will benefit not just Bristol, but the whole of the wider city region. Today’s decision is a huge step forward in our plans to put Bristol on the world stage.” Despite concerns to the contrary, YTL Arena will be both financially and environmentally
sustainable. It will be flexible to attract a wide range of events to suit all interests, from music and sport to comedy and family entertainment. “We will celebrate all that is great about Bristol and the south west”, said Andrew. “If you are local, we hope you will feel at home. If you are visiting, we hope you will leave wanting to come back for more. Famed for being the birthplace of Concorde, this is the next step in the amazing history of the home of Supersonic. “We committed to submitting a planning application which we have now done and have a successful outcome. Now we are focused on getting the arena open and creating memories that will last a lifetime.” For more: www.ytlarenabristol.co.uk
