Work has begun on Brabazon Park, a landmark new public park and lake that will bring 15 acres of biodiverse green space to the heart of the new town in North Bristol.
Equivalent in size to Bristol’s Castle Park, Brabazon Park will be the largest new urban park built in the South West for more than 50 years, and a modern and sustainable reimagining of Britain’s proud tradition of public parks designed for everyone to enjoy. It will also be the gateway for gig-goers heading to Aviva Arena.
Designed by Grant Associates and built by YTL Construction UK, visitors and families will be able to enjoy a woodland-themed children’s playground, outdoor fitness equipment, including a bouldering wall, table tennis tables and a pétanque court, as well as public lawns for picnics or play.
The lake at the centre of the park will create a vibrant waterside destination featuring a boardwalk, independent cafés and lakeside seating. Landscaped gardens, picnic lawns and quiet spaces to sit and enjoy the view will surround the water. The park will also host cultural activities, public art and community events throughout the year, while a dedicated Heritage Trail linking the historic Brabazon Hangars with Aerospace Bristol will celebrate the area’s rich aviation history.
The park at Brabazon has been designed to support nature, biodiversity and climate resilience as part of a commitment to sustainability that is one of the fundamental design principles for Brabazon.
A total of over 500 new trees will be planted, which are expected to create a cooler local microclimate. Lawns, wildflower edges, shrubs, herbaceous and waterside planting will offer new habitats for a variety of native flora and fauna. The lake in particular will introduce a whole new ecosystem for aquatic species, while also filtering surface water and aiding flood resilience. The orientation of the Park means it will act as a green corridor between Hayes Wood and Filton Golf Club.
The park forms part of a total of more than 86 acres of parks, playgrounds, landscaped gardens, sports fields and public squares planned across the new town, all supporting a richer natural environment and encouraging a greater variety of species to thrive.
The start of groundworks on the park marks a major milestone in the development of Brabazon. Designed as the green heart of the new community, Brabazon Park will provide a place for people from across Bristol and South Gloucestershire to get outdoors, meet friends and spend time with family. It is a central part of the masterplan for Brabazon, helping to create community spaces that support health, wellbeing, biodiversity and social connection.
New walking and cycling routes will connect the park with the wider neighbourhood at Brabazon and North Bristol, making it easy for people to access and enjoy the green space without needing a car.
Brabazon Park, including the lake and surrounding boardwalk, is expected to open to the public in 2028.
Jon McDiarmid, Director at YTL Developments, said:
“This is a hugely significant milestone for Brabazon and for the wider West of England region. Brabazon Park will become a new green heart for North Bristol, creating a beautiful public space where people can meet, relax, play, exercise and connect with nature.
“Great parks become part of people’s everyday lives and Brabazon Park represents a major investment in the wellbeing of future residents and visitors alike.”
Ben Yates, Divisional Director at YTL Construction UK, said:
“Creating a park of this scale starts long before the first tree is planted. We have now begun work laying the foundations that will enable us to deliver the lake, the landscaping, the game courts and the biodiverse habitats that people will enjoy for generations to come.”
Andrew Billingham, CEO at YTL Live, said:
“Brabazon Park will play an important role in shaping the overall experience of Brabazon. Whether visitors are attending a concert at Aviva Arena, coming for a conference, spending time with family or simply exploring the area, Brabazon Park and the YTL Live Entertainment District will together create a fantastic new destination for Bristol and beyond.”
