‘Keep the bigger picture in mind’

Veteran observers of the Bristol political scene might have felt a depressing sense of déjà vu when the £93 million Arena scheme was put on hold earlier this month amid concerns about transport issues, and in particular lack of parking.

It is an understandable reaction given Bristol’s reputation for political bickering at the expense of progress.

However, this latest twist in the long-running saga of the Arena has involved a rare display of cross-party unity, with Lib Dem, Labour, Tory and Green councillors on the development control committee all expressing concerns about travel arrangements for the 12,000 capacity indoor arena.

And, in fact, it is arguable that after more than a decade of discussions, not to mention £13m expenditure on the project by the former South West Development Agency, Bristol now looks closer than ever before to having a major concert venue.

Since George Ferguson became mayor, key decisions have been taken on the design of the Arena and its funding, with the £91m cost to be met by £38m from the council and £53m from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership.

The debate is now getting down to difficult – but not insurmountable – logistical details, such as how people will travel to and from Arena Island, and what provision there should be for parking.

The benefits of overcoming these final hurdles will be considerable, and it is important not to lose sight of the big picture.

At present, there is a wasteland at one of the most important gateways to the city of Bristol and the region, with a former diesel depot and derelict former sorting office behind Temple Meads station. It is hardly the way to welcome anyone arriving into the city by train.

All that will change when an indoor arena, plus bars, cafes and a public square, are built on the site where the diesel depot once stood.

The Bristol Arena will be used for concerts, sports events and conferences, and it has been estimated that it would provide a £150m boost to the regional economy, while also accelerating the redevelopment of the Bristol Temple Quarter Local Enterprise Zone.

Around 1,000 gross direct and indirect jobs are expected to be created as a result of the opening of the Arena, with 400 being net additional jobs.

In Nottingham, which is a similar size to Bristol, the Trent FM Arena which was opened in 2000 has been estimated to bring £50m a year into the city through major concerts and other events.

Although it is expected to be around 25 years before the economic benefits of the Arena are fully realised, there will be an immediate boost to Bristol’s cultural status.

At present, Bristol is the only major UK city that does not have a major concert venue, and the opening of the arena will mean it will become part of the tour circuit for major national and international stars.

The need is undoubted – surely the new found political collaboration will ensure it happens.

Tim Davies is head of the Bristol office of global commercial property specialists Colliers International

Read more: ‘Why we should support the need for an arena’