Bristol Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the decision by the city council to approve plans for a 17,000-seater arena at Filton – potentially ending more than two decades of delays for the long hope for project.
The final decision on converting the former Brabazon hangars into the showpiece entertainment venue now rests with the Secretary of State. 
If it goes ahead, it will be the UK’s third-largest arena and enable the city to attract international stars on a regular basis for the first time.
James Durie, pictured, the chief executive of Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative at Business West, said the development would, at long last, put Bristol on the map.
“We know this arena complex will create a much-needed major venue and facility for the city and our whole region, increasing our cultural, sporting, visitor and business offer, and putting Bristol on the map as a key European destination for events and exhibitions. It’s something we have long cried out for,” he said.
“An arena complex re-using these enormous hangars, which are part of the city’s industrial heritage, will be able to attract a wide variety of major and smaller events, both at weekends and during the week, attracting visitors to Bristol and the wider region from far afield and almost 365 days a year.
“Many of these events, particularly those that use the arena and the Festival Hall, will last for more than one day and will therefore attract people from afar who will stay the night, benefitting our local economy.
“The top-line acts who currently bypass us for Cardiff, Manchester and Birmingham. many of whom we know want to perform here, will be able to come. We have a priority focus on clean inclusive growth and so strongly welcome and support YTL’s ambitions and commitment to minimise carbon emissions and continue putting sustainability at the heart of this major development.” 
He said chamber members recognised that good public and other sustainable transport measures were vital for the arena complex to successfully operate and be successful together with the major Brabazon new development and other key facilities in this area.
“We thus want to see early delivery by our local authorities of the rail and Metrobus proposals and fast connection to/from Bristol city centre and other key transport nodes.”
He also welcomed YTL’s statement that the arena complex would create 580 full-time, quality jobs, many of which offered clear progression and career development opportunities for local people and have a ‘living wage’ policy as the starting salary. Plus, apprenticeship opportunities throughout the construction and into operations. Some 124 additional indirect jobs associated with the arena complex are also expected to be created, bringing the total number of jobs to 700.
“A development of this scale will bring significant financial benefits to this area – a projected £2.26bn over a 25-year period,” he said.
“YTL have set out their commitment to work with local business and organisations and are committed to sourcing at least 75% of their products and services locally, further benefitting our local businesses.
“In addition, many local businesses will benefit from the positive knock-on effect of the arena, with the demand of products and services generated by the local supply chain. With for instance our fantastic local food and drink this will give a Bristol and South West experience and character to the place.
“As this application now goes forward for approval by the Secretary of State it is important to recognise that this proposal is completely privately funded, creating no risk for tax-payers.
“Bristol and the South West has waited for an arena for many years and yesterday’s planning decision is a big step forward to see it finally delivered.”
Arena images: Grimshaw Architects
