Swindon & Wiltshire News
Plans for 1,500 students flats at Brabazon given green light
Plans for more than 1,500 beds of student accommodation at the Brabazon development in north Bristol have been given the green light.
YTL Developments, which is transforming the 380-acre former Filton Airfield into a sustainable new mixed-use neighbourhood for Bristol, has secured permission for four “mansion-style buildings” containing, in total, accommodation for 1,514 students.
The accommodation is 1.5 miles from the University of the West of England (UWE) and can be reached by MetroBus or via dedicated cycle and footpaths.
And a new railway station, close to the apartments, will serve Bristol Temple Meads – adjacent to the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus – in less than 15 minutes.
Designed by leading local architects Stride Treglown, YTL says the accommodation blocks will have the space students want, both to socialise and to study.
“Separate bedrooms are arranged in clusters around communal spaces that will balance studying with a rich social experience,” said the developer.
“Inside, there will be dining areas and karaoke rooms, a gaming suite and gym, as well as shared studies and quiet working areas. Outside, the landscaped courtyards and green spaces include exercise areas and even a basketball court as well as south-facing gardens.
“The project is designed to inspire the next generation of engineers, designers and inventors and attract the best young talent to Bristol. The city’s world-class universities and diverse student population help give Bristol its unique energy and edge. But at present, a lack of dedicated student accommodation risks resulting in large numbers of HMOs that can upset the balance of some neighbourhoods.
“When the new student accommodation at Brabazon opens in time for the 2026-7 academic year, it will provide an inclusive place to live that is conducive to learning and be part of a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by the housing shortage elsewhere in the city.
Sebastian Loyn, Planning and Development Director, YTL Developments added: “Brabazon is designed to live up to the pioneering legacy of the former Filton Airfield and inspire the next generation. New purpose-built student accommodation is essential to our vision to create a thriving, diverse new neighbourhood for Bristol.
“When the student accommodation completes, approximately 400 private homes will also be occupied, giving a total of almost 2,000 new residents from all generations by 2026-7.
“This represents a critical mass.
“The new residents will facilitate the arrival of a new breed of cafes, shops and restaurants.
“They will ensure the new public transport services – both the MetroBus and new train station – become sustainable and reliable options for the whole community.
“Alongside the existing world-leading engineering cluster, the new residents at Brabazon will accelerate the transformation of North Bristol, ensuring it remains a place of opportunity and drives local prosperity for the next 100 years.”
