The £2bn Brabazon Megatown: 25,000 Homes, a 19,500-Seat Arena, and a Road Gridlock Test for Bristol
A £2 billion megatown named Brabazon is planned north of Bristol on a disused Second World War airfield. Long-term plans could swell the community to 25,000 homes and include a 19,500-seat arena. The project has already been green-lit for up to 6,500 homes and is designed by the Malaysian-owned YTL Group, whose dynasty has built extensive property holdings. Officially, Brabazon is one of Labour’s proposed new towns and could ultimately deliver tens of thousands of jobs and a substantial economic boost. But the scale has sparked fierce criticism. Bristol’s Conservative group leader warned of gridlock, calling the proposal a “nightmare” and labeling the idea “f***ing stupid.” Councillor Mark Weston told the Daily Mail, “Whoever came up with this plan must have been on acid. Someone has got pound signs in their eyes and is letting their imagination run wild… this is too densely populated and will never work.” Advocates say Brabazon could bring 30,000 jobs and about £5 billion to the local economy, with more than £100 million already earmarked for transport and other infrastructure to support a new railway line and bus services.
In This Article:
From Filton Airfield to Brabazon: A 400-Acre Brownfield Dream
The Brabazon site sits on the former Filton Airfield, the WWII airfield and birthplace of the Concorde. The land covers about 400 acres and will include 86 acres of public green space, plus a 15-acre Brabazon Park—the largest new urban park in the South West in more than 50 years. Planning initially earmarked 2,675 homes since 2017, but after YTL took over, the number grew to 6,500 and is now being explored up to 25,000. The scheme includes room for a live entertainment venue and other facilities while preserving brownfield land. Work has begun on the approved phase, with hundreds of homes already built. The project is tied to broader West Innovation Arc goals and aims to connect Brabazon to the Bristol City Centre via new transport links. The plan argues that redeveloping brownfield land protects green belts while expanding the local economy; however, details for the 25,000-home vision remain sketchy and require further infrastructure planning.
Promises of Growth vs. Real Costs: Jobs, Homes, and Housing Prices
Officials say Brabazon could generate around 30,000 jobs and boost the local economy by about £5 billion. They also point to a major investment in infrastructure: more than £100 million for transport connections, including a new train station and bus services. However, the plan’s affordability remains uncertain. Two-bedroom flats are listed from £317,000, higher than Bristol’s citywide average for flats (£287,000). The overall Bristol average house price sits around £349,000. In Brabazon, two-bedroom houses are about £430,000, three-bedroom homes range from £495,000 to £525,000, and four-bedroom townhouses can reach £690,000. Beyond housing, the development promises 3.6 million square feet of commercial space, three new schools, a series of ‘community facilities for lifelong learning,’ and a 20,000-seat live entertainment venue with an aerospace-themed digital hub, plus exhibition and conference space. Critics argue the megatown could worsen housing shortages and overwhelm services, while supporters emphasise brownfield reuse, green space, and new jobs.
What Happens Next? Timelines, Approvals, and the New Town Debate
The 6,500-home phase has planning permission, but the long-range plan for up to 25,000 homes is contingent on further approvals and infrastructure upgrades. The project has already secured a place on Labour’s list of 12 new towns to be developed across the country. Officials say autumn 2026 could see the new Brabazon train station opened, with the full 25,000-home expansion potentially reaching completion by autumn 2028 if funding and planning align. Local leaders and residents will watch closely as detailed plans emerge. YTL Developments defends the project as brownfield redevelopment that protects the greenbelt, highlighting 86 acres of public green space and 15-acre Brabazon Park. The company points to over £100 million being invested in transport links, including footpaths, cycle paths, a Metrobus route, and the prospective train line. The Daily Mail has contacted Bristol City Council for comment, while YTL emphasises that Brabazon represents a sustainable, park-rich urban renewal on a site that would otherwise remain unused.
