News / YTL Arena Bristol
Construction work to begin on ‘much-longed-for’ music venue as demolition concludes
Construction work on a ‘much-longed-for’ music venue in Bristol is ready to start, with the project’s demolition phase now finally completed.
What was once one of the historic Brabazon aircraft hangars is now a patch of empty concrete, expected to be ready to seat and entertain 20,000 people when it is the YTL Arena by the end of 2028.
“For some period of time we’ve been looking at this demolition, which is what people call it, but actually it has been more about dismantling of the existing building,” said John Thompson, CEO of YTL Construction UK.
One of the hangars adjacent to the site that will become the YTL arena will be an exhibition centre
Thompson continued: “It has been about respecting the real important heritage of the structure and retaining some of the existing trusses, which will be incorporated into the permanent design at the end.”
Built in the 1940s, the aircraft hangars were once responsible for the construction needs of post-war British civilian passenger airliners. Before this, all UK aircraft had only been built for military purposes. Now, decades later, the hangars are an important part of Bristol’s aviation history.
“There are not many arenas in the world that can say that they were home to the supersonic aircraft that was built here,” said Andrew Billingham, CEO of YTL Live. “Every British Concorde – which just celebrated 50 years since its first commercial flight – was built inside these hangars.”
“Now it’s going to become home to supersonic music and entertainment.”
Thompson and Billingham both see the completion of the demolition phase as a “milestone” for the YTL arena project
Standing tall between the empty site are still parts of two other aircraft hangars, which will soon become an exhibition centre and a multi-purpose leisure centre.
The YTL arena in Bristol, Billingham added, is a “much-longed-for” venue for the West of England.
He continued: “It’s been really well reported that the West of England and Bristol are desperate for a major arena. Now, YTL are putting their money and investment into creating what will be one of the top three arenas in the world.
“Capacity-wise, it will be exactly the same as the O2 in London. ”
Read next:
- Brabazon to play key role in government’s plans for new towns
- Restored aircraft hangar reopens as cafe and event space
- New train station next to future Bristol Arena to open in 2026
All photos: Rosie Burgess
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