With a dedicated MetroBus route and a new rail station due to be completed by 2024, Brabazon is set to be the best-connected new community in Bristol.
Network Rail and YTL Developments have today released the first computer-generated images of the proposed new station at Brabazon - the thriving new neighbourhood being built on the site of the former Filton Airfield in North Bristol.
The station at Brabazon – currently known as Filton North – will connect this thriving new neighbourhood and YTL Arena Bristol to Bristol Temple Meads in less than 15 minutes once it is completed as part of MetroWest Phase 2.
Network Rail will be submitting the detailed planning application for the station in August. Subject to approval, Network Rail are expected to begin construction in 2022, with the station then scheduled to be operational in 2023. YTL Arena Bristol is then expected to open its doors for the first time in 2024.
YTL Developments is contributing over £1million to the cost of the railway station, which forms part of an integrated transport plan for the new neighbourhood.
This approach is designed to ensure that the necessary transport infrastructure is in place from the outset of the transformation of the former Filton Airfield.
The new rail station will connect with the MetroBus as it passes through Brabazon, allowing seamless journeys across North Bristol by public transport. The station will also link to the 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 YTL Arena Bristol. 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 new station. The very first residents moved in in May this year, with the remaining homes in the current phase selling fast. Prices currently start from £219,500 for a one-bedroom apartment.
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 Bristol due to open in 2024, progress is well underway to deliver on that vision.”