No arena but will the North Filton train station get priority treatment?
At the inauguration of Ashley Down station—the first new train station to open in Bristol since 1927—the chief executive of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), Stephen Peacock, mentioned that there would be a new arena in north Bristol soon.
You may have read (or heard) about Stephen Peacock’s involvement in the initial iterations of the arena a few decades ago. After spending £34 million, the whole project was scrapped. He wasn’t at Bristol when Labour cancelled the second iteration of the arena but here he is at WECA promising the third one.
The arena project, however, has been delayed. It was meant to open in 2024, according to YTL’s website but construction has yet to begin. They don’t seem to be in a hurry though.
One thing YTL are stressing about, however, is the delivery of the new train station that is set to cost the public £54m. In 2018, the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood (CPNN) framework agreement was signed off by South Gloucestershire council, and as part of the £110m deal, a new railway station, MetroBus links, as well as schools and community facilities are meant to have been built on the site of the historic former Filton Airfield.
“All the new transport connections will be delivered by 2022,” YTL announced. But in 2022, the station opening had been delayed by the arena plans. The website changed from announcing a 2023 opening to 2025.
South Gloucestershire Council granted planning permission for the new North Filton station in 2023. A spokesman for YTL then said:
“Responsibility for delivering the station sits with WECA and Network Rail. The station is due to open by mid-2026, however the combined authority team is currently looking at options for accelerating the work and we are working closely with them.”
YTL may have got their answer during the press conference, 30 September, at the new station in Ashley Down, miles away from Filton.
Peacock seemed to be reinforcing what was hinted at during the recent WECA Committee meeting on 20 September 2024. The Director of Strategy had presented a report on the Local Growth Plans, which combined authorities (CAs) have been asked to prepare for the new government.
These Local Growth Plans are long-term, with the government requesting 10-year plans to unlock growth across regional economies. They will be part of a wider reform process that includes a new English Devolution Bill, and an anticipated greater devolution in power to the CAs.
The director of strategy writes:
Investment in key growth areas is already well underway (including Bristol Temple Quarter, Brabazon, Bath Quays and Somer Valley) will be reviewed to consider whether there is action we can take to accelerate or strengthen the mix of development being delivered in these and other areas.
The important part of this sentence is where Brabazon is referenced in relation to “consider whether there is action we can take to accelerate or strengthen the mix of development being delivered”.
WECA aren’t responsible for building the arena at the Brabazon hangars. However, they are responsible, along with Network Rail, for the train station at North Filton.
This isn’t about the arena. As Steve Reade, South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member with responsibility for planning and strategic infrastructure, said:
“North Filton station will support not only the growing resident population, but the new and existing infrastructure, businesses and entertainment facilities, which will attract visitors from across the region and beyond to this part of South Gloucestershire.”
While there’s still no completion date for the arena, is Peacock reassuring YTL that they will have their train station earlier than expected?