YTL Developments has secured planning approval for One Brabazon Gateway, a 123,000 sq ft prime office building at the entrance to Brabazon New Town. The decision comes as the team advances plans for three further office buildings to meet strong occupier demand driven by new transport links and the pull of Aviva Arena.
Sister firm YTL Construction UK has already started building The Interchange, the first major commercial building at Brabazon, while Network Rail is progressing works on the new railway station. New tracks were installed over the Christmas period and platform construction is now moving forward at pace. The station is scheduled to open later this year.
Together with the expanding residential community and growing food and leisure offer, these developments are creating clear momentum as this new town continues to evolve into a thriving commercial hub for Bristol.
One Brabazon Gateway will provide 123,000 sq ft of prime workspace over seven storeys. It includes a glazed atrium, large floorplates, a communal rooftop clubhouse, a fitness studio, a double-height lounge reception and high-quality facilities, including showers, lockers and drying rooms. It targets leading sustainability credentials including EPC A, BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5*, WiredScore Platinum and SmartScore Gold.
It is designed to be fully electric and powered by renewable energy, with an ambition to be operationally net zero by day one and to set a new benchmark for workplace performance in Bristol.
The building will be delivered by YTL Construction UK, with a flagship Waitrose store at ground floor level and a 1,650-space multi-storey car park coming forward alongside it.
YTL Developments is progressing designs for three further office buildings that will expand the range of workspace available. Plans include a new headquarters building, an affordable workspace building to support local enterprises and start-ups, and a further prime-grade office building to meet sustained demand from larger occupiers.
Located beside YTL Live – the 20,000-capacity Aviva Arena with its conferencing and exhibition space – Brabazon offers businesses a rare position at the heart of a major new events and leisure destination.
The Arena’s year-round programme of live entertainment, conferences and corporate events will create a distinctive setting for client hosting, team engagement and after-work socialising, while placing occupiers within easy reach of high-quality food, drink and hospitality options.
Seb Loyn, Planning & Development Director, YTL Developments, said: “Securing planning approval for One Brabazon Gateway marks another major milestone for Brabazon. Rising enquiries and a growing choice of places to eat, meet and spend time here are building a critical mass of activity, giving us the confidence to accelerate and broaden our commercial offer.”
Steve Lane, Office Leasing and Tenant Representation, Cushman & Wakefield, said: “There remains a clear shortage of prime workspace in Bristol. One Brabazon Gateway delivers high-quality, energy-efficient offices in a location that will help occupiers attract and retain talent.”
Chris Meredith, Director, Savills, said: “Bristol’s office market is showing renewed activity, with occupiers placing an ever-sharper focus on quality and sustainability. One Brabazon Gateway arrives at an important moment, offering best-in-class space to support the region’s growing professional and tech sectors.”
When the train station opens later this year, Brabazon will offer direct journeys to Bristol Temple Meads in around 20 minutes, supported by walking and cycling routes, and a dedicated Metrobus service.
