Bristol is a city that has been buzzing with energy for some time now, known for its vibrant culture, innovative industries, and stunning surroundings. In the next few years, it will undergo an even more significant transformation. We at ZiaBia are so excited about them!
There are major Bristol development projects across key areas like Brabazon, Ashton Gate, and the Harbourside. Bristol’s skyline and economic landscape are about to evolve and change for what we know is for the better.
With these developments, we hope that in the future more large conferences, trade shows, awards ceremonies and events that often bypass the South West will start to look at it differently; as a key location to hold their next event, putting Bristol firmly on the industry map.
To top that off it is less than 1 ½ hours from London by train with great road and rail infrastructure. Have you considered Bristol yet?
The Brabazon Development: A New Hub for Innovation
One of the most ambitious and high-profile projects in Bristol’s sights is the Brabazon development. Located on the former Filton Airfield in north Bristol, where some of the team went for a hard hat tour a few weeks ago, this area is set to become a thriving mixed-use district that blends residential, commercial, and leisure spaces.
The project spans 1,000 acres and will include everything from new housing to cutting-edge office spaces for tech companies and aerospace industries. With a focus on green areas and sustainable building practices, Brabazon will aim to be a model for modern urban developments.
For us the YTL Arena is what we are most excited about and to be able to present this to our clients in the coming years. Watch the video to find out more.
Key facts:
- A world class 19,000 capacity indoor arena
- 11,000 m2 flat floor pillarless space for exhibitions, trade shows and corporate dinners
- Own train station just across the bridge for easy sustainable travel access
- Onsite hotels, bars and restaurants
Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter
The city received a huge boost recently with the construction of the Ashton Gate Sporting Quarter development, including a 5,000-seater arena for Bristol Flyers, ready to start next year.
With works on the Sports & Convention Centre due to start in 2025, the Sporting Quarter will be a central destination for sport, conferences, events, and business gatherings.
The new centre will be built next to the existing Stadium and provide a home for the Flyers basketball team, with a hotel onsite. Watch video here to find out more
Key facts:
- A multipurpose 5000-seater multi-purpose arena
- The arena will be linked by a walkway to Ashton Gate Stadium
- New onsite hotel
Bristol Flyers CEO Lisa Knights said: “This has been a long-time coming and Flyers cannot wait for it to get started. Since 2018, when these plans were first unveiled, the sport of basketball has grown massively in the UK. With sell-out crowds consistently at our current home of SGS College Arena, having a bigger, purpose-built venue will ensure the financial sustainability of the Flyers and an exciting future for basketball in Bristol and the South West.”
Harbourside and City Centre: Continued Revitalisation
Bristol’s Harbourside has been undergoing an exciting transformation in recent years, and that momentum is set to continue. The area, once dominated by industrial sites, is now a thriving cultural and commercial centre. The addition of new mixed-use buildings, community spaces, and waterfront attractions is further cementing Harbourside’s place as one of Bristol’s most iconic districts.
As the Bristol development continues, more attention is being given to outdoor green spaces. Parks, walkways, and open areas will provide locals and visitors with beautiful spaces to relax, enjoy events, or simply stroll along the waterside.
What Does All This Mean for Bristol?
For your delegates attending events in the city, there are now even more options for cool venues for drinks, dinners, team building and a huge variety of independent and well-known hotel brands to choose from depending on the style of your event and your business to suit your brief.
Bristol is famous for so many reasons – Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s iconic Suspension Bridge, the SS Great Britain and Great Western Railway, the Balloon Fiesta, street art, the originator of the drink Ribena, as well as home to Fry’s Chocolate, which was the first company in the world to make chocolate bars and modern chocolate Easter eggs.
With GWR supporting corporates and offering subsidised travel to the South West from London – talk to us about how Bristol can play a part when planning your future events!
