Bristol Hoteliers Association recently met with YTL chief Andrew Billingham to discuss the 20,000-seater venue
A CGI of what an arena at the Brabazon Hangars in Filton could look like(Image: Publicity Picture)
Bristol’s hotel bosses are hopeful the long-awaited arena will put the city “right back on the map” as a top visitor destination and provide a big boost to businesses. Members of Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA) recently met Andrew Billingham, chief executive of YTL Arena Bristol, who updated them on the development of the 20,000-seater venue being built at Brabazon, on the old Filton Airfield.
When complete, the arena will be among the five largest in Europe and the same size as the O2 in London.
Malaysia-based YTL first announced plans for the arena in 2018, but its construction has been hampered by years of delays. The venue, which is due to open in 2028, will be part of a huge development known as Brabazon that includes 6,500 homes. Last September, it was confirmed the Brabazon development would secure town status under government plans.
BHA chair Adam Flint said: “The past few years have been extremely challenging for the hospitality sector, but certainly for us in Bristol, there is a light ahead which is getting much brighter, and which will make a huge difference to our businesses and the city as a whole.
“Our hotels already benefit when Cardiff plays host to major events – such as the Oasis reunion concert last summer – when hotels in the Welsh capital were full, concert-goers turned to Bristol, just an hour away.
“So, we can only imagine what things will be like for us when this incredible new facility opens right on our doorstep – but we won’t have too much longer to wait now.”
Mr Flint said that although the arena would be on the outskirts of Bristol, the train station at Brabazon would connect to central Bristol in 11 minutes.
“We’ve no doubt that once it starts hosting concerts and events, the YTL Arena will provide a much-needed big boost to our businesses,” he said.
“Add to that the development of the sporting quarter around the Ashton Gate stadium in the south of the city, and there are lots of reasons to be optimistic for the future, with Bristol being put right back on the map as a major destination.
“Concerts, major events and sports activities will bring huge numbers of people to our city and hopefully many of them won’t be coming for just one day, which is great news for Bristol’s hospitality sector.”
According to the BHA, its members are already talking about preparations for the arena’s big opening – and the potential increase in business.
“The past few years have been tough but there is now definite cause for optimism,” added Mr Flint.
“It’s been a long-time coming, but after what Mr Billingham shared with us, we are confident that it will be worth the wait, and we believe there are some extremely exciting times ahead for Bristol as a whole, and its hospitality sector in particular.”
