What happened at YTL Developments in 2024?
2024 was a big year for YTL Developments, with South Gloucestershire Council approving the updated masterplan for Brabazon, enabling work to start on many of the new and exciting projects planned for the neighbourhood.
Projects
Purpose-built student accommodation
Planning permission was granted in January 2024 and work subsequently started on the purpose-built student accommodation at Brabazon.
With four mansion-style blocks located adjacent to a brand-new train station, the project is one of the biggest in the country and ensures Brabazon will cater to residents at every stage of life, enhancing the neighbourhood's reputation as a place for all generations to thrive.
The Dials welcomes its first residents
The Dials apartment building was completed at Brabazon. This new landmark for North Bristol is setting the standard for modern living in the city.
With a private gym, landscaped residents' gardens, an airy double-height entrance lobby and secure under-croft parking, it is already established as one of the best new addresses in Bristol.
The second phase of new homes at Brabazon
Known as ‘The Heritage District’, the latest collection of energy-efficient, high-specification homes at Brabazon also launched in 2024.
Designed around a network of living streets, parks and gardens, the new homes are made to bring people together and offer a greener lifestyle, with EV-charging ports and air-source heat pumps installed to every home.
Restoration of Hangar 16U
Work began to restore the historic Grade II-listed hangar. Once complete, the listed building will return once again to the heart of the community as a new local, social hub for North Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
There will be a bustling café on the ground floor, alongside a community-focused gym and a range of vibrant multi-use spaces on the mezzanine.
This transformation will honour the former Airfield’s rich aviation heritage while creating a new, much-needed space for connection and creativity for the area.
The first green space at Brabazon
The first area of green open space was opened at Brabazon in July 2024.
Residents can now enjoy a place to picnic or catch-up with friends right on their doorstep, with landscaped lawns and a wildflower meadow, designed to further boost biodiversity. The official opening was celebrated with a Party on the Green.
This space is just a small part of the network of parks, gardens, and public squares planned for Brabazon, and marks the beginning of Brabazon Park, which will eventually connect Hangar 16U, the centre of Brabazon and the YTL Arena.
First workspaces at Brabazon
The innovative workspace provider Forward® moved Boxworks - Bristol’s original shipping container offices - to Brabazon, marking the beginning of a new chapter for start-ups and small businesses in North Bristol.
In the Spring, Boxworks officially opened for business and welcomed its first tenants.
Community
A heart-safe neighbourhood
Together with the Great Western Air Ambulance, YTL Developments pledged to create the South West’s first heart-safe community at Brabazon
As part of the partnership, defibrillators and vital first-aid training will be rolled out, ensuring that safety and well-being remain at the heart of our community.
Lighthouse construction industry charity
YTL Developments forged a partnership with Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, to help support wellbeing within the industry.
This formed a major part of our comprehensive strategy to support staff, residents at Brabazon and the wider community in North Bristol with mental health, physical safety and social wellbeing.
Considerate Constructors Scheme
YTL Developments started working with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and was awarded an Excellent rating, scoring 41 points for the management and upkeep of the construction site at The Heritage District after being evaluated in categories such as “Respect the Community” and “Care for the Environment”.
Recognition
This year, YTL Developments was honoured with multiple prestigious awards, each serving as a testament to the quality, innovation, and impact of Brabazon:
- Developer of the Year at the 2024 Insider South West Property Awards - for making a significant impact on the South West region, addressing local needs, and creating positive social and economic value for the region;
- Large Development of the Year at the international Brick Awards for the unique design of the neighbourhood. The judges commended the outstanding architecture and craftsmanship that has gone into the first residential phase;
- Finally, to round off a year of award wins, YTL Developments collected its third "Developer of the Year" award at the Bristol Property Awards, as well as collecting the coveted “Winner of Winners” award for the first time.
Expansion
YTL Construction UK
This Autumn, we also welcomed a new company under the YTL umbrella – YTL Construction UK
Part of the worldwide YTL Group, YTL Construction UK provides integrated services to the infrastructure, residential, student accommodation, hotel and industrial sectors, with a focus on Brabazon.
Coming Soon in 2025
As 2024 comes to a close, we are looking forward to plenty more milestones coming over the horizon in 2025, with:
- The first residents moving into the new homes at The Heritage District;
- The completion of Hangar 16U – the new community hub at Brabazon;
- The first mansion-style buildings of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation at Brabazon ‘topping out’;
- New infrastructure will be completed, including parts of the primary road network and new utility connections;
- Pre-construction and detailed design on the YTL Arena, the train station and Brabazon Park will continue moving forward;
- Work will kick off / pick up on multiple Commercial projects.
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