The new railway station being built in North Filton has officially been named Bristol Brabazon.
The new station is one of five coming down the track in the West. It is set to serve the new Aviva Arena at YTL Live as well as the surrounding West Innovation Arc Growth Zone, including Brabazon and some of the region’s world-leading engineering and technology companies.
Project partners are working to ensure that infrastructure improvements are fully funded and delivered. YTL UK Group has already invested more than £16 million in this area through contributions via South Gloucestershire Council and direct delivery on site, with a further £40 million planned over the next decade, to help ensure that Brabazon is one of the best connected new towns in the country.
Local transport network improvements on and around the historic former Filton Airfield will include the new railway station, Metrobus routes, dedicated cycle paths, and improvements to signalling and junctions across the major road network.
Plans have already been approved for three new schools, a new park, and 6,500 new homes – and the site has been shortlisted to be one of the Government’s new towns. More than 500 residents have already moved in at Brabazon, with many of the new homes already inhabited and Bristol Brabazon station due to open in the autumn.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “Bristol Brabazon station is being built at the heart of the fastest growing part of the country’s fastest growing regional economy, with work also underway to progress new stations for Charfield, Portishead, Pill, and Henbury.
“A record three-quarters of a billion pounds already secured from the government will make it easier for everyone to get around the West, with a shared ambition to also increase the frequency of train services across our growing regional rail network.
“With the new Aviva Arena and the surrounding West Innovation Arc Growth Zone set to be served by Bristol Brabazon, our investment with partners in this new station will be part of a real difference to life in our part of the world.”
Claire Hazelgrove, MP for the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency, said: “‘Bristol Brabazon’ is a fitting name for our community’s new train station, as it not only pays tribute to our proud aerospace heritage and leadership today, but also welcomes our new town.
“This new station will be vital locally for everyone living, working and visiting Brabazon – be that for the Aviva Arena, to meet friends at Mokoko Bakery, or for a walk around the new green spaces and lake that will be part of our new local town.
“I know the train station will also be well used by those working in our nearby businesses, hopefully giving more people confidence to leave their car at home, too.
“I’ve long said – including in my very first question in Parliament – that it’s crucial we have the infrastructure we need as our community grows, and I was glad to help break ground on this station last year. Thank you to everyone involved in helping make this a reality.”