Features / Bristol Arena
Does Bristol even need an arena?
While Brexit continues to dominate the national political discourse, Bristol has an issue of its own that’s dividing opinion across the city.
The long-awaited arena – and more specifically, where it should be located – is surely the most talked about topic of the year, generating more headlines, column inches, frustration and fierce debate than any other.
Everyone from politicians and business leaders, to local music legends, including Massive Attack’s Robert Del Naja and Portishead’s Geoff Barrow have given their tuppence worth as to where and how it should be built.
is needed now More than ever
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Read more: ‘Anyone can make decisions, getting them right is the challenge’
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Branded the most important decision that mayor Marvin Rees will make during his term in office, the multimillion-pound project has actually been in the pipeline since 2003 – when the vision for a 10,000 capacity facility to host major music acts, conferences and sport events was first revealed.
Fifteen years on, there are now two possible locations on the table – the original earmarked site near Temple Meads and one at the former Filton Airfield – millions have already spent on infrastructure, a costly value for money report published … and still, no arena.
Yet, Bristol continues to flourish, regularly topping lists as one of the world’s most desirable places to live and visit. All perhaps begging the question of why it even needs an arena at all in these cash-strapped times.
James Durie says the arena is essential to attract people to live, visit and invest in Bristol.
But James Durie, chief executive of Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative at Business West argues that’s exactly why the project must go ahead.
“We strongly support an arena for Bristol,” he told Bristol24/7. “As the area is increasingly recognised as the best UK city region in which to live, the total potential needs to be optimised to further attract people to live, visit, invest and study here.
“In the top 10 list of things a city like Bristol needs, an arena is very much to the fore. The importance of investing in cultural fabric and activity is something business has long understood and this opportunity must not be lost.”
Sir Edward Lister says the mayor must be given space to make the right decision for Bristol.
A recent contributor to the debate is Sir Edward Lister, chairman of Homes England, which sold the Temple Island land to the council in 2015. What’s more, he is tentatively supportive of the project moving to Filton.
“Today, we see evidence of a commitment to the pace and scale of delivery that is winning the interest of Government and the private sector alike,” said Sir Edward at the end of July.
“It is in this context that it is vital that Bristol gives the mayor and his cabinet the space and support they need to make the right decision on the future of the arena.
“Bristol is at a pivotal moment where impending decisions will affect the city’s future for generations to come. Decisions made about strategic development opportunities, including the location of the arena, must be made on robust evidence rather than short-term political gains. This will ensure that the city continues to attract investment and remains economically successful.”
Kerry McCarthy says Bristol does need an arena, but not at any cost.
Bristol East MP and music lover Kerry McCarthy agrees that the people of Bristol deserve an arena after so long a wait, but argues this should not be delivered at any cost, adding that it should not be assumed that a location by public transport links means people won’t drive.
“Most other major cities have arenas, and I think Bristol should get one too,” she told Bristol24/7.
“Although it’s also important we support our grassroots music scene which I find more exciting than what goes on in big stadia. I’m working with Bristol City Council, the Music Venue Trust, and live music venues to protect and grow Bristol’s night time city centre economy, which is where most people will go on a regular basis.”
The Brabazon Hangar on the former Filton Airfield has been thrown into the mix as a possible location for the long-awaited arena.
Read more: ‘A campaign to discredit a Bristol city centre arena is unnecessary’
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