Swindon & Wiltshire News
Brabazon will probably be one of UK’s seven new towns
Brabazon – the new community on the former Filton Airfield north of Bristol – has been named by the government as one of its seven preferred new towns – as it attempts to ramp up housebuilding to levels not seen since the postwar era.
A national consultation began today (Monday) on proposals for ‘Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc’ to become one of the government’s next generation of new towns.
Each of the potential new town sites is expected to build at least 10,000 new homes, with Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc one of those expected to be able to deliver around 40,000 over the coming decades.
The government is working with mayors, councils, and developers to ramp up housebuilding – unlocking economic growth, creating new jobs, and helping tackle the housing crisis by getting millions more people onto the property ladder.
After a dozen locations were shortlisted in September, a national consultation will begin for seven places – including in South Gloucestershire in one of the West of England’s Growth Zones.
Leaders across the West of England have encouraged people to have their say on the proposals.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “People want real homes they can actually afford and infrastructure that really works – this government is making that a reality for communities across the country.
“For the West of England, that means up to 40,000 new homes in South Gloucestershire.
“These homes are at the heart of a world-class research and advanced engineering economy and will make local jobs, opportunities, and apprentices accessible to more people.
“The West of England is ready to build, and together with the new National Housing Bank, we’re laying the foundations our communities deserve.”
On Thursday the Housing Secretary visited the West Innovation Arc with the Mayor of the West of England for the Mayoral Council, welcoming more than a dozen mayors and ministers to the fastest growing part of the fastest growing regional economy in the country.
On Friday, the Mayor, council leaders, and MPs came together in the new town area to name Bristol Brabazon station, one of five new train stations being delivered over the coming years across the region.
Work is well underway for the first phase of the station to open this autumn, with the first regular passenger services on the Henbury Line since 1964.
A second phase to increase the station capacity ahead of the 20,000-capacity Aviva Arena being built, which will be the third largest in the country when it opens in 2028.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, 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.
“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.”
Brabazon is being developed by Wessex Water’s Malaysian owner YTL.
YTL UK Group chief executive Colin Skellett said: “We’re delighted that Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc has been included in the new towns consultation, it marks a crucial step further towards becoming the most exciting multi-purpose destination in the South West.
“With work already underway and hundreds of residents already occupying homes, Brabazon is fast becoming a model for sustainable growth and placemaking in the UK while also creating thousands of local jobs.
“With planning secured for 6,500 homes, state-of-the-art office and commercial spaces, a community hub in the restored Spitfire Hangar, the upcoming Bristol Brabazon train station and the Aviva Arena at YTL Live at the heart of it all, Brabazon will be one of the country’s highest quality developed areas.
“The potential new town status will unlock even more homes and opportunities for Brabazon, along with the public transport and infrastructure needed to support it.”
Douglas Ure, CEO of Business West, said: “Today’s announcement is hugely positive for the West of England’s economy.
“Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc will build much-needed new homes, creating a vibrant new city quarter at the heart of one of the UK’s highest productivity places.
“This is exactly the kind of long-term public-private collaboration that drives tangible change, strengthening our key sectors, and improving connectivity between Bristol’s city centre and the region’s highest value employment areas.
“High quality housing, modern transport links and robust cultural infrastructure are essential foundations for prosperity. Our businesses tell us time and time again that these factors are critical to attracting and retaining the talented and skilled workforce that they need.
“Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc will boost business confidence in our regional economy and help unlock further private sector investment in our region.
“We look forward to giving these plans our enthusiastic support, and we encourage businesses to back the Brabazon and West Innovation Arc through this national consultation.”
