News / Hospitality
Bristol hoteliers welcome construction of ‘long-awaited’ arena
Hoteliers in Bristol said they are optimistic that the long-awaited YTL Arena will significantly boost the city’s hospitality sector and help put Bristol back on the map as a major UK destination.
Members of the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA) recently met YTL Arena Bristol chief executive Andrew Billingham, who provided an update on the 20,000-capacity venue currently under construction at the historic Brabazon Hangars in north Bristol, once home to Concorde.
Set to be among the five largest arenas in Europe and comparable in size to London’s O2, the arena is now expected to complete construction in 2028, following delays to the original 2022 opening plan.
Despite the revised timeline, hoteliers welcomed progress on the project and its potential economic impact.
Members of the Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA) recently met YTL Arena Bristol chief executive Andrew Billingham – photo: BHA
Hospitality leaders pointed to recent trading boosts generated by major concerts in Cardiff, most notably last summer’s Oasis reunion, with overflow demand benefiting Bristol hotels.
They believe a world-class concert venue of this magnitude, one of the largest in the UK once it’s complete, will provide a major boost to a sector that has faced uncertain times since the pandemic.
BHA chair Adam Flint said the arena, alongside improved transport links including a new on-site train station offering an 11-minute connection to central Bristol, will attract major concerts and events and drive increased demand for overnight stays.
He said: “The past few years have been tough, but there is now definite cause for optimism. BHA members are excited about the potential and are already talking about how to prepare for the increased business we expect to see over the next few years, especially when the YTL Arena opens.
“We believe there are some extremely exciting times ahead for Bristol as a whole, and for its hospitality sector in particular,” said Adam Flint, BHA chair – photo: BHA
“It’s been a long time coming, but after what Mr Billingham shared with us, we are confident it will be worth the wait. We believe there are some extremely exciting times ahead for Bristol as a whole, and for its hospitality sector in particular.”
He also pointed to wider developments, including the emerging sporting quarter around Ashton Gate, as further reasons for optimism, with hoteliers already preparing for a rise in visitor numbers once the arena opens.
Main photo: Rosie Burgess
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