Planning application granted for Brabazon Park

The largest new urban public park in the South West for over 50 years has received planning permission

South Gloucestershire Council has approved YTL Developments’ plans for the creation of a 6 hectare sustainable public park at the centre of Brabazon, the thriving new neighbourhood being built on the historic former Filton Airfield. 

Equivalent in size to Bristol’s Castle Park and featuring a 1 hectare lake, Brabazon Park will be located between The Hangar District and the future 17,000 capacity YTL Arena Bristol. 

Award-winning landscape architecture practice Grant Associates is leading on the public space design for Brabazon Park, set to be a modern reimagining of Britain’s historic tradition of urban parks and the beating social heart of Brabazon, connecting the new homes and future workspaces with the entire community across North Bristol. 

The team at Grant Associates, based in Bath, have been closely involved in the vision for Brabazon - one of the largest brownfield sites in the UK - since 2015, working with YTL Developments to create the overall landscape strategy and masterplan for the new neighbourhood.

The design of the park takes inspiration from aviation engineering, aiming to capture the historical, cultural and ecological uniqueness of the former airfield. The lake will be the focus of the park, creating a distinctive waterside and wetland environment, as well as being an integrated part of the overall sustainable urban drainage system for Brabazon. Other highlights of the park include a new destination neighbourhood play space and Heritage Trail, connecting the Brabazon Hangars with the Aerospace Bristol Museum and retelling the history of the airfields’ pioneering past.  

Brabazon Park will also provide a new network of walking and cycle paths, and a variety of landscape spaces from intimate gardens to open events and picnic lawns as well as creating extensive new habitats for birds, insects and animals that connect to other local wildlife corridors. 

Danny Nagle, Senior Associate at Grant Associates, comments:

“We’re delighted that planning approval has been achieved for Brabazon Park, a new recreational and ecological landscape space at the heart of Brabazon and a focal point for its new community. We look forward to working with the YTL Developments’ team on the next phases of the project through to its construction. We envisage that the new park will create a long-lasting legacy of landscape and nature to be enjoyed by residents, workers and visitors to this exciting new quarter of the Bristol and South Gloucestershire area.”  

Once completed, visitors to Brabazon Park will be able to wander along the floating boardwalk around the lake, grab a coffee or a bite to eat at independent lakeside cafés and restaurants, or simply enjoy a picnic or the community events on the public lawns. Those who are feeling active can challenge friends to a game of table tennis, play petanque, or workout on the outdoor exercise equipment, while children will be able to explore the adventure playground, whizz along a zipline or climb across a bouldering wall. 

Seb Loyn, Planning and Development Director, YTL Developments said:

“Brabazon Park is designed for everyone; the range of activities and attractions will bind together the new community at Brabazon and benefit visitors from across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

“Whether it is an early morning jog along the boardwalk, an afternoon outing to the adventure playground with the family or a date-night drink by the lake, Brabazon Park will offer something for everyone.

Brabazon Park is a new landmark public space, designed to be the heart of the new community for generations to come.”

You can learn more about the plans for Brabazon Park by visiting www.brabazon.co.uk

Ends

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes to Editor

IMAGES

All computer-generated images (CGIs) are indicative only.

About YTL Developments

YTL Developments is a team of adventurous placemakers, creating exceptional developments where many generations can thrive. Our Pioneering Spirit unites us to enrich people’s lives by creating tomorrow’s communities. Read more information on our projects at www.ytldevelopments.co.uk

Alongside Brabazon, the YTL Group’s UK portfolio includes some of the country’s most innovative luxury hotels such as The Gainsborough Bath Spa, Edinburgh’s The Glasshouse and Berkshire’s Monkey Island Estate.

About Grant Associates

Grant Associates is a pioneering international landscape architecture practice. Our work reconnects people with nature in insightful, delightful and distinctive ways whilst addressing the global challenges of urbanisation, the climate crisis and biodiversity extinction.

Our design process is underpinned by a knowledge of human behaviour, nature and ecological science combined with innovative design technology. We bring original thinking, creative collaboration and are exploring what regenerative design and the circular economy means to landscape architecture.

Our varied portfolio includes ambitious large-scale, landmark projects through to small, local ventures.

For more information, please visit https://grant-associates.uk.com 

About Brabazon

Filton Airfield is steeped in history. Home to the Hurricane aircraft in WW2. Birthplace of Concorde and supersonic travel. Now a bold new vision will see Filton Airfield transformed into Brabazon, a thriving new neighbourhood for Bristol and a place that changes everything.

The 380 acres of the Airfield will become the most exciting new city district in the South West. You’ll be able to wander around independent stores, discover new restaurants or relax in leafy parks and open public squares. Inspired by a revolutionary airplane that became an icon of engineering, the 2,600 homes and creative workplaces at Brabazon will be a new home for Bristol’s next generation of pioneers. A place for enjoyment and entertainment. A centre of learning and a launchpad for business. A hub for industry and invention, with the new 17,000-capacity YTL Arena complex as its beating social heart. 

Over £100 million is being invested to improve local infrastructure: A new railway station will connect Brabazon to Bristol Temple Meads in less than 15 minutes and a dedicated metrobus will run straight to the city centre. The new neighbourhood will also be criss-crossed by walking routes and cycle paths.

For more information, please visit www.brabazon.co.uk