It ‘takes influence from the Spanish Steps in Rome, with elevated viewing platforms and dwelling spaces’
Plans for a new bridge over the railway line as part of the YTL Arena at the Brabazon Hangar(Image: YTL)
One is a 300-year-old icon of Europe and a must-see attraction for 90 million tourists every year. The other is going to be the main exit from Bristol’s still unbuilt arena. Now, architects designing how pedestrians will come out of the long-awaited YTL Arena to the rest of the ‘Brabazon’ site have revealed revised plans, and said they were inspired by the famous Spanish Steps in Rome.
A fresh planning application has been submitted to both Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council for a new bridge, which those behind the project say will solve the problem of there being a railway line less than 50 yards from the front of the Brabazon Hangar.
With almost all the rest of the Brabazon new town site located on the other side of the railway line, and as many as 19,000 people potentially trying to get into and out of the arena when it is eventually built, a large-scale solution was required to get people over the railway line.
The solution, according to Seb Loyn, the planning and development director at YTL Developments, is to look to Rome, where architects solved the problem of accessing Trinita dei Monti church up a steep hill, by creating a wide stairway of 135 steps.
“The plans for the bridge, submitted by YTL Developments, will provide a clear route over existing railway tracks to the arena from both the proposed new Brabazon railway station and what will become Brabazon’s town square, helping to manage traffic flows on the arena’s event days,” said a YTL spokesperson.
A view of the Brabazon Hangar – which will eventually become the YTL Arena – with the railway line in front(Image: Google Maps)
“The structure of the stairway leading to the bridge takes influence from the Spanish Steps in Rome, with elevated viewing platforms and dwelling spaces, while the overall design will complement and celebrate the aviation heritage of the Brabazon hangars and local area.
“Accessibility has been carefully considered for the bridge, with lifts available and an accessible raised strolling route through a woodland area to the left of the steps with a dedicated resting point,” she added.
Work has been progressing slowly to convert the three linked hangar buildings into one giant arena for Bristol and the south west, with suggested completion dates coming and going. The latest estimate is that the arena could be open by the end of 2028.
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Earlier this year, Bristol Live revealed that YTL’s promotion of the arena holding a capacity of 19,500 people was not what the company has planning permission for, and if it wanted to expand the number of people able to attend events there at the same time, it needed a new planning consent from Bristol City Council.
It is understood revised plans for a wider, grander bridge across the railway line are part of the requirements if the arena is to have a larger capacity.
The arena building itself stands within the City and County of Bristol, but the railway line which runs east-west in front of the building is the border between Bristol and South Gloucestershire – so both local authorities will be required to give the wide bridge planning permission.
“Managing the number of people entering the Brabazon area on event days and their journeys to the arena is critical,” said Seb Loyn.
The Spanish Steps are seen completely empty on March 13, 2020 in Rome, Italy(Image: Getty Images)
“The design of the bridge is just one of many considerations being taken to maximise customer experience and accessibility, alongside a variety of transport options.
“Having the new arena entertainment complex so close by is what has drawn many residents to move to Brabazon, so this bridge will connect them even further to the site and its rich aviation heritage,” he added.