Network Rail and YTL Developments have released the first computer-generated images of the proposed new railway station at Brabazon, the mixed-use development being constructed on the site of the former Filton Airfield in north Bristol.
The station at Brabazon – currently designated Filton North – will connect the new neighbourhood and adjacent YTL Arena Complex to Bristol Temple Meads in less than 15 minutes once it is completed as part of MetroWest Phase 2.
Network Rail is expected to submit a detailed planning application for the station in the coming weeks. Subject to approval, Network Rail is expected to begin construction in 2022, with the station then scheduled to be operational in 2023.
The YTL Arena Complex, which includes a 17,000-capacity concert arena with adjoining spaces for exhibitions & conventions, leisure facilities and food and drink outlets, is then scheduled to open its doors for the first time in 2024.
YTL Developments is contributing over £1 million to the cost of the railway station, which forms part of an integrated transport plan for the new neighbourhood.
The new railway station will connect with services on the Cribbs Patchway MetroBus Extension as they pass through Brabazon, allowing seamless journeys across north Bristol by public transport. The station will also link to a network of walking routes and cycle paths that will criss-cross this new neighbourhood, encouraging active travel.
In addition, the new station will be accessible to all. There will be step-free access, covered waiting areas on both platforms and dedicated blue-badge parking spaces. There will also be covered cycle parking, while the station will also be secure thanks to CCTV.
Details of the station come just a few weeks after YTL Developments appointed consultants to develop designs for Brabazon Park, which will be just 200m west of the new station and directly in front of the YTL Arena Complex. The new park, which is expected to open to the public in 2024, is set to be the largest new urban public park in the South West for 50 years.
The first two-, three- and four-bedroom homes and one- and two-bedroom apartments at Brabazon – in a phase known as The Hangar District – are also under construction approximately 300m to the north of the station site.
Seb Loyn, director at YTL Developments said:
“Investing in public transport and active travel is a key part of the vision to ensure Brabazon becomes a thriving new neighbourhood for Bristol. With our first homes now selling fast, the new rail station due to be operational by 2023 and then Brabazon Park and the YTL Arena Complex due to open in 2024, progress is well underway to deliver on that vision.”
This article originally appeared in the September 2021 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine (on pages 12 & 13). The magazine is delivered FREE, nine times a year, to ALL 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
