News / Marvin Rees
Former mayor says Aviva Arena ‘will transform how world sees Bristol’
Bristol’s former mayor says even past critics of an arena project right on the edge of the city in Filton are “celebrating what’s now coming into view”.
Marvin Rees hailed the announcement of the naming rights of the new Aviva Arena as “an incredible moment”.
While he was mayor, the now lord Rees of Easton scrapped the proposed site of an arena next to Temple Meads despite also voting for a motion stating the city centre would be the best place for the venue.
Writing on LinkedIn following the launch of the Aviva Arena at a glittering event at Aerospace Bristol, Rees praised arena owners YTL.
Replying to Rees, West of England mayor Helen Godwin said: “Wouldn’t have happened without you!”
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Read more: YTL have paid for flights, a hotel and meals for Rees in last seven months
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Rees wrote: “YTL Construction announced that Aviva will be the long-term partner for the arena, including naming rights.
“So it will officially be the Aviva Arena. And seeing the plans brought to life made clear just how big this is…
“I was struck by the room itself: packed with people from across business, culture and politics, all testifying to the scale and significance of what’s happening here. I think we are all believers now!
“I couldn’t help reflecting on how often Bristol has been discouraged from aiming for the best.
“Even recently, criticism resurfaced about not having a city-centre arena site, when what’s being delivered here is twice the scale, in a fantastic transport location, and acts as the anchor for the wider regeneration of Brabazon: thousands of new homes, community facilities, and major transport solutions, including a new another train station and the long-discussed Circle Line / Henbury Loop.
“This is regional development of real international significance.
“Even the Chancellor Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, marking that significance yesterday, and it was also good to see former critics celebrating what’s now coming into view.”
Rees added: “So let’s get fully behind YTL and this project.
“A world-class arena, due to open in late 2028, that will transform how the world sees Bristol…
“I am confident that when we’re sitting in that first sold-out event, we’ll truly realise the incredible asset our city and region now has.”
Main photo: Marvin Rees / LinkedIn
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