News / Politics
Bristol South MP argues city centre remains best location for arena
The decision to approve YTL’s ambitious plans for an arena and entertainment complex was hailed “fantastic news for the city” by mayor Marvin Rees.
Labour colleagues and business leaders joined in expressing joy that the project to transform the historic Brabazon Hangars on the former Filton Airfield into a “world-class venue” is set to go ahead.
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Speaking after Tuesday’s decision, Darren Jones, the MP for Bristol North, called the development, which includes a 17,000-capacity arena, events space, retail, food and drink outlets and offices, “great news for the city”.
But Karin Smyth is not toeing the party line on this one. Instead the MP for Bristol South has spoken out in the wake of the decision to argue the long-awaited arena should have been located in the city centre, where it could provide much-needed jobs and improved infrastructure for people in her constituency.
YTL’s ambitious plans to build an entertainment complex in Filton have been approved. Image courtesy of YTL
Writing on her website, Smyth said: “I’ve seen the planning decision relating to the plans for an arena in Filton and my position on this has not changed. Like many of my constituents I remain convinced that the best location for any such development is in the centre of Bristol.
“Substantial amounts of public money have been earmarked for transport improvements in the Filton area – with plans for a new train station, metrobus routes and bridges. We need to see similar investment here in Bristol South.
“I welcome Ashton Gate’s plans to expand and create build a sport and convention centre alongside its 27,000-capacity stadium. They have a strong track record of delivering large scale events – from football matches to huge music concerts – and, crucially, of getting people to and from the stadium from across the region.
“Most local people walk, cycle and use trains or buses to get to Ashton Gate. Its location makes it accessible not only for people in Bristol South, but also right across the city and the region.
“But, with ambitious plans to expand its annual programme of events it would benefit from more transport infrastructure – electrification of the existing track which runs from Temple Meads through Bedminster and Parson Street, a new station for Ashton Gate as part of the re-opening of the Portishead line, a metrobus stop outside the stadium and a new pedestrian bridge over the main road. The plans focus on sustainability – encouraging people out of cars and onto forms of active travel, very important considering the climate emergency we are in.”
Derelict land by Temple Meads had been earmarked for the arena, but this option was officially taken off the table in September 2018, following months of fierce debate. Asset management firm Legal & General has since outlined plans to develop the site with new homes, a hotel, conference centre and office blocks.
Smyth argues: “We cannot talk about the Filton arena plans without considering what is happening to Arena Island near Temple Meads (which was supposed to be home to the city’s new arena). We were promised hundreds of jobs and apprenticeships as part of the original arena plans and I want to see that the new development proposals benefit people in Bristol South – as the plans for Ashton Gate will.”
Read more: Plans for arena on former Filton Airfield approved
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