Construction work has started on a vast new public park being built to the north of Bristol as part of the Brabazon development, it has been announced. The 15-acre site will be the same size as Castle Park, according to developer YTL, making it the largest new park to be created in the West Country in 50 years.
Plans for Brabazon Park
Under the plans, Brabazon Park will feature 500 new trees, a woodland-themed children's playground, outdoor fitness equipment including a bouldering wall, table tennis tables and a pétanque court, as well as expansive public lawns.
A large lake will sit at the heart of the park, complete with a boardwalk, independent cafés and lakeside seating, while landscaped gardens, picnic lawns and "quiet spaces" will frame the water's edge.
Heritage and community features
The park, which is set to host cultural activities, public art and community events throughout the year, will also incorporate a 'heritage trail' connecting the historic Brabazon Hangars with the Aerospace Bristol museum.
Andrew Billingham, chief executive of YTL Live, said Brabazon Park would "play an important role in shaping the overall experience" of the new town.
"Whether visitors are attending a concert at Aviva Arena, coming for a conference, spending time with family or simply exploring the area, Brabazon Park and the YTL Live Entertainment District will together create a fantastic new destination for Bristol and beyond," he said.
Green corridor and connectivity
According to YTL, the positioning of Brabazon Park means it will function as a green corridor linking Hayes Wood and Filton Golf Club. The lake will also introduce a "whole new ecosystem" for aquatic species, while "aiding flood resilience", the company said.
The developer hopes the new walking and cycling routes connecting the park with the broader neighbourhood at Brabazon and north Bristol will make it simpler for people to reach the green space without requiring a car.
Jon McDiarmid, director at YTL Developments, said: "This is a hugely significant milestone for Brabazon and for the wider West of England region. Brabazon Park will become a new green heart for North Bristol, creating a beautiful public space where people can meet, relax, play, exercise and connect with nature."
Ben Yates, divisional director at YTL Construction UK, added: "Creating a park of this scale starts long before the first tree is planted. We have now begun work laying the foundations that will enable us to deliver the lake, the landscaping, the game courts and the biodiverse habitats that people will enjoy for generations to come."
Timeline and wider development
Brabazon Park is being designed by Grant Associates and built by YTL Construction UK, and is expected to open in 2028.
The new Brabazon Park forms part of a total of more than 86 acres of parks, playgrounds, landscaped gardens, sports fields and public squares planned throughout the new town.
The newest Brabazon announcement comes just days after the date for the opening of the town's new train station was confirmed. The Bristol Brabazon station will restore passenger services to the Henbury Line, making it the third new railway station to open in the city in the last few years.
