• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Thursday April 23 2026

Brabazon and Beyond: West of England makes case for major investment boost

The West of England will intensify its push for inward investment next month as regional leaders and businesses gather at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum in Leeds, aiming to secure funding for housing, infrastructure and long-term economic growth.

A delegation led by Helen Godwin will present a coordinated offer to national and international investors, highlighting plans to deliver 72,000 new jobs over the next decade under the region’s Growth Strategy. Dozens of business leaders are expected to join the mayor in promoting the West as one of the UK’s most dynamic economic areas.

The West of England is currently the fastest-growing regional economy in the country and the most productive outside London. Since 2019, its economy has expanded at four times the national average, reaching a value of more than £54 billion. More than 100,000 jobs have been created over the past decade, with strong growth across sectors including digital, clean energy and creative industries.

A central focus of the investment pitch will be major regeneration projects such as Brabazon and Bristol Temple Quarter. Backed by YTL UK Group, Brabazon is emerging as a new town on the former Filton Airfield, with nearly £1 billion already invested. Plans include 6,500 homes, schools, green space and transport links, alongside a new railway station opening later this year and a 20,000-capacity arena scheduled for 2028.

Regional leaders are also seeking to secure new town status for Brabazon and the wider West Innovation Arc, which could deliver up to 40,000 homes in the coming decades. Public investment is supporting this growth, including £45 million from the Brownfield Housing Fund to unlock new housing, as well as a new regional transport vision aimed at reducing congestion and improving connectivity.

Speaking ahead of the conference, the metro mayor said: “The West of England is proud to be the country’s fastest-growing regional economy. Together we’ll be making the case to investors as we continue working to create more jobs, build more homes and improve transport.”

Private sector partners will play a prominent role in the delegation, including Savills and Universities West, which collectively support tens of thousands of jobs and contribute billions to the regional economy.

Further opportunities will be showcased across five designated growth zones, with Bristol Temple Quarter alone expected to deliver 22,000 jobs and 10,000 homes.

Business leaders say the region’s combination of strong economic performance, infrastructure investment and collaborative leadership positions it as a leading destination for future investment.