Leaders from across the South West region have welcomed the New Towns Taskforce’s support for the West Innovation Arc becoming a new town.

The New Towns Taskforce have recommended a corridor of development in South Gloucestershire, across Brabazon and the West Innovation Arc.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced on September 28 that it will progress work on 12 locations as potential new towns, including the one in South Gloucestershire

The proposal includes Brabazon, a redeveloped Bristol Parkway station and the Bristol and Bath Science Park, connected by sustainable transport.

YTL Developments is leading the £4 billion investment centred on Brabazon, which is located at the heart of the West Innovation Arc.

It is one of the country’s largest brownfield redevelopment sites, and has planning permission to build 6,500 homes, three new schools and a 20,000 capacity music arena.

Designation as a new town would unlock faster delivery for the area, with a focus on the acceleration of infrastructure provision and effective cooperation across government departments.

The government will work to assess the site in more detail over the next six months, working in partnership with the West of England Combined Authority, local councils, YTL and other partners.

Pictured L-R – Maggie Tyrrell (leader of South Gloucestershire Council), Helen Godwin (mayor of the West of England), Ian Boulton (co-leader of South Gloucestershire Council)

Helen Godwin, mayor of the West of England, said: “Just this week we launched our Growth Strategy for the West of England. The West Innovation Arc, with Brabazon at its heart, is one of the best investment opportunities in the country right now, so I’m delighted to see our part of the world recommended for one of 12 new towns across the UK that would further drive economic growth and help tackle the housing crisis now and in the future.

“The extra government support that would come with having a new town in our region would help us deliver the right homes in the right places, with the services and infrastructure that local people deserve.

“This growth zone is one of the guiding stars of the West’s future, as we chart the course to an economy that works for everyone, where we call all contribute to, and share in, our region’s success.”

Colin Skellett, YTL UK Group CEO, added: “Today’s announcement reflects the excellent collaboration we have in our region to ensure growth and provide opportunity.

“Working with the WECA Mayor, Helen Godwin, South Gloucestershire and Bristol councils, and the wider community we are confident that we can deliver a really exciting new town, with Brabazon at its heart.

“We are proud to play a central role in the wider regeneration in north Bristol, and see it as a vote of confidence in the vision we share with our partners and the community: to build a place with a soul, where culture, green space and opportunity come together.”

Images: YTL, Freia Turland

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