News / Housing
Government could give ‘new town’ status to land on edge of Bristol
Land to the north of Bristol has been named as one of the locations of what the government is calling “part of the most ambitious housebuilding programme in more than half a century”.
The former Filton Airfield – now known as Brabazon – and the ‘West Innovation Arc’ in South Gloucestershire is one of seven proposed new towns across England.
Up to 40,000 homes could be built here “at the heart of a world-class research and advanced engineering economy”.
The next generation of new towns are proposed to “kickstart a housebuilding push”, promising “well-connected new communities with homes, jobs, schools, green space and transport links planned from the start”.
A public consultation on the proposed locations and draft planning policy is due to be published shortly, with the final locations – which also include Tempsford in Bedfordshire, Leeds South Bank in West Yorkshire and Manchester Victoria North in Greater Manchester – confirmed by the end of 2026.
Brabazon is named after the huge airliner that was built in the hangars that will become the Aviva Arena – photo: Brabazon
West of England mayor, Helen Godwin, said: “The country’s fastest growing regional economy here in the West of England is the perfect place for a new town: Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc.
“As we continue to create jobs and growth, we need to build the right homes in the right places – with the services and infrastructure that people need.
“Just on Friday, we officially named Bristol Brabazon, the new railway station that will open this autumn to serve this regional Growth Zone.
“The housing secretary also saw the West’s brilliance up close at NCC on Thursday, where we were proud to host the Mayoral Council for the first time.
“In a huge week for devolution, real momentum is building for our region as we work with government and partners across the West of England to deliver change that people can see and feel.”
Claire Hazelgrove, MP for Filton & Bradley Stoke, added: “I’m very pleased that Brabazon and our wider community has been recognised by our Labour government as one of the new places with the most potential in the country.
“Since before I was elected, and in my very first question in Parliament, I’ve called for the infrastructure and green spaces, alongside the high quality, sustainable homes – including affordable homes – we need locally as our community grows.
“Brabazon and our wider community continuing to be taken forward by our Labour government for strong consideration of official ‘New Town’ status – one of only a few in the country – which would help unlock even more of all of this, is very positive.”
Main photo: Brabazon
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