A Peek Behind the Curtain at YTL Arena Bristol
It’s been a few months since we last updated you on our plans to transform the Brabazon Hangars into the first large scale indoor arena and exhibition centre in the region, creating a new headline act for the South West.
Designing a world-class venue
We are currently completing the technical design phase. This is a huge, complex project, so getting through this period is time-consuming and intense, but we are making great progress. We are continuing to work with our incredible design team; Grimshaw Architects, Griffith Evans and OPS Structures, and with their support, we are designing an arena and exhibition space that everybody from Bristol and the South West can be proud of.
Spotlight on sustainability
Sustainability is centre stage of our plans, and we’re making it our goal to create the most responsible and sustainable arena in Europe, and to be carbon neutral from day one. YTL Arena is a Retrofirst solution, and by repurposing the Hangars, we will save approximately 18,600 tonnes CO2 from being emitted - that’s equivalent to 11,200 return flights to New York. Sustainability is at the heart of our approach not just during construction, but throughout operation, including operating without the use of fossil fuels, generating two megawatts of energy from 10,000m2 of solar panels covering the entire roof, and reducing our water consumption by more than 70% through rainwater harvesting.
Talking to the industry
We’ve been talking with the very best in the business to make sure we have one of the biggest and best service yards in Europe, from production managers, promoters and trucking companies. Everyone at YTL Arena will have a first-class experience, whether you are coming to see a show or putting one on.
Best-connected Arena
We’ve also been working hard to ensure we are building the best-connected arena. YTL Developments and Network Rail recently released the first computer-generated images of the proposed new train station at Brabazon, only 200m from the Arena. Once completed, the station will connect us to Bristol Temple Meads in less than 15 minutes.
The Hangars take a leading role
Hollywood came to the Hangars this year and our iconic industrial site was used as the backdrop for Netflix’s sci-fi adventure The Last Bus, and Amazon Prime’s teen spy thriller Alex Rider. We’ve also opened our doors to emerging artists, who have filmed some incredible music videos.
Rolling out the red carpet
Next spring, we’ll be rolling out the red carpet for the launch of our premium memberships. Members will be treated to a range of exciting perks, such as pre-sale tickets, discounts on food, drinks and hospitality experiences, and the chance to win free backstage VIP experiences. Keep an eye on ytlarenabristol.co.uk, we’ll have some exciting news soon...
Countdown to opening
Now we turn our focus to 2022 and all the exciting things we have coming up next! We’ll be beginning the demolition and construction phase, as we prepare to transform the Brabazon Hangars into a next-generation entertainment venue.
We’re thrilled to have already received enquiries from promoters looking to book events for 2024-25. We are starting to pursue those live enquiries, building up a fantastic calendar of events. Demand is greater than ever in the music industry and it’s amazing to see shows coming back, from sold-out arenas and outdoor festivals.
The countdown to opening is on! And over the next three years, our recruitment drive will grow, hiring over 500 people, both permanent and event staff.
Keep an eye out for new vacancies and opportunities on our social @ytlarenabristol or sign up to our newsletter