“The first one has been a huge amount of fun. That is why we are now looking to do another one”
Artist’s impression of ‘Ground Force’, the second plane proposed to ‘land’ in Brislington, brought by businessman Johnny Palmer(Image: PytchAir)
A man who installed a Boeing 727 in an industrial estate in South Bristol has asked city council planners if he can put another one there. Businessman Johnny Palmer, who owns the Skyline Park site at Bonville Road in Brislington said he wants to create a ‘placemaking landmark’ in the local area.
Mr Palmer’s first Boeing 727 is currently mounted on one level of shipping containers, but the second plane he wants to bring to Brislington will be much higher – on the equivalent of three storeys of containers. He has told council planners the plane and the structures underneath it will create a range of co-working and office spaces, with a coffee shop and public amenities.
“The applicant’s concept for this development originates from the recognition that industrial areas typically lack a ‘sense of place’ and community,” said a report to planners proposing the plane. “This presents an opportunity for novel and unconventional developments that can enhance the area in ways that may not be feasible in other locations.”
Since the planning application was formally submitted last week and neighbours informed of Mr Palmer’s plans, early submissions have been logged 11-3 in favour of the proposal, and Mr Palmer said the installation and the development underneath will create 34 jobs.
“The project will create high-value opportunities in marketing, public relations and communications, providing employment for young creatives, designers and marketers,” the report to planners said.
“This project represents a forward-thinking, innovative development, integrating economic, social and environmental benefits,” it added.
Mr Palmer brought his first Boeing 727 to Brislington back in February 2021. The journey from Cotswold Airport in Kemble along the motorway network and through Bristol stopped the traffic and brought thousands out to watch the spectacle of a jet fuselage being transported through the city.
The Boeing 727 on its way to Bonville Road on February 27(Image: John Myers)
Since then, the plane has served as offices, a film shoot location and can currently be rented on AirBnB as one of the quirkiest places to stay in the country – aided by the notoriety of the plane once being associated with drug baron Pablo Escobar.
“It has been a lot of fun and I believe it has been great for the community,” said Mr Palmer. “We have had lots of free open days, donated it to charities and countless artists and musicians have used it for filming and photo shoots.
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“It has also helped economic activity in the area resulting in a bit more money to make the area better as well as employing people. Personally, I have found it to be a huge amount of fun. That is why we are now looking to do another one,” he added.
Bristol Live first revealed Mr Palmer’s plan back in February, and now a formal planning application has been submitted to Bristol City Council, with a decision expected on whether it will be allowed later this year.