It is due to open to the public in early 2026The newly restored Spitfire Hangar at Brabazon (Image: YTL )

An historic Grade II-listed hangar has been transformed into a community and social hub as part of a brand new neighbourhood being built on the edge of Bristol. Dating back to 1915 and once housing a World War Two Spitfire squadron jet, the Spitfire hangar has been transformed by YTL Construction UK into a community space as part of the Brabazon development at the former Filton Airfield.

When it officially opens early next year, the hub will be home to Mokoko bakery, as well as a new fitness centre, library, and event and meeting spaces for up to 300 people available for hire.

Bristol’s biggest businesses, charities, politicians and local residents all descended upon the new town of Brabazon on Friday 21 November take a look around the Spitfire Hangar, a state-of-the-art community and social hub set to open in early 2026.

Last week businesses, charities and local residents were invited for a sneak peak of the new hub. Artwork commissioned by students from the University of the West of England was unveiled by MP for Filton and Bradley Claire Hazelgrove and will be permanently displayed in the Spitfire Hangar.

A sneak peak event of the new Spitfire Hangar at Brabazon on Friday, November 21(Image: YTL)

Naomi Easy, events and venue manager at the Spitfire Hangar, said: “We’re so pleased to have given this historic hangar a new lease of life and have kept its rich aviation heritage and character at the core of its design, with many of the original Grade II listed features remaining in place.

“The Spitfire Hangar will further connect residents of Brabazon and the wider community with the site’s previous life as an important airfield. We can’t wait to see everyone enjoying what it has to offer next year.”

In September, in a milestone moment of the hangar’s renewal, YTL Construction UK teams restored and reinstated three original one-tonne wooden doors to the side of the structure.

Looking further into the future, the Spitfire Hangar will overlook the planned 15-acre Brabazon Park, featuring a 2.5-acre lake with a floating boardwalk, heritage trail and children’s playground, along with the 20,000-capacity YTL Arena.

Up to 6,500 homes, new schools, community facilities, business spaces, parks and public squares are also planned as part of the new Brabazon neighbourhood. A £100 million investment in local infrastructure, to include a new railway station connecting Brabazon to Bristol Temple Meads in less than 15 minutes, is set to open in Autumn 2026, along with a dedicated metrobus service, walking routes and cycle paths.