By Alex Seabrook
The boss of the new Bristol arena has responded to fears of potential parking problems by saying extensive plans are in place. The YTL Arena will be built on the old Filton Airfield, six miles away from the city centre.
The arena is due to open in 2028 and could have a capacity of 19,500. Behind the plans are Malaysian company YTL, who also own Wessex Water, named after the billionaire Yeoh Tiong Lay. YTL currently only has planning permission for 17,000, but could apply to expand this.
Last month Bristol City Council was urged to carry out parking surveys soon, before the arena opens, as councillors anticipate a flood of cars on residential roads in neighbourhoods like Brentry. Responding to this, Andrew Billingham, chief executive of YTL Arena, sought to reassure local residents on transport and parking issues. He said: “We understand the concerns raised regarding transport and parking as we progress with the development of YTL Arena. Our commitment is to ensure that concert-goers and visitors can travel to and from the arena efficiently while minimising any impact on neighbouring communities.
“YTL has already committed over £3.6 million in planning obligations, which will contribute to transport improvements and infrastructure. A comprehensive transport management plan has been approved as part of the planning process, ensuring a well-structured approach to managing visitor journeys.
A new train station will be built next to the arena, named North Filton. Services will call at Filton Abbey Wood, Ashley Down and Bristol Temple Meads, as well as another new station in Henbury.
Initially, trains will only run once an hour. The station is designed to accommodate five-carriage trains, enough for 582 passengers — but this falls rather short of the 19,500 arena capacity.
It’s unclear when the station will open, as the station has been redesigned following changes to security rules in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing. An update is expected in June at the next meeting of the scrutiny committee at the West of England Combined Authority.
A shuttle bus service will be provided from the city centre to the arena too.
YTL has also committed to “incentivising the use of public transport while discouraging car use”, although details of this aren’t yet clear.
Next to the arena will be a car park with more than 1,600 spaces. Dedicated park-and-ride schemes will also be operated, including potentially from the Portway Park and Ride.
Public square plans revealed
By Adam Postans
Detailed plans for a large public square next to the proposed new railway station that will serve Bristol Arena and the giant Brabazon neighbourhood have been unveiled.
Developers YTL have submitted a planning application to South Gloucestershire Council for an area called Station Square at the former Filton Airfield.
It will be directly north of North Filton railway station when it opens.
In planning documents, the Malaysian firm said the “proposal will act as flexible open space” that will also host markets on non-arena days, and “a variety of permanent and temporary pop-up uses will be available to provide a vibrant and welcoming approach … to the Arena bridge”.