A 17,000-capacity live entertainment complex near Bristol has been given the go-ahead, with construction work set to begin.
On March 4, Bristol City Council’s planning committee voted to approve the application to build a 17,080-capacity arena in the Brabazon Hangars on Filton Airfield.
It's now been backed by the UK Government: the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has chosen not to call-in the decision to grant approval for the YTL Arena.
The venue will be the third largest in the UK, after London's O2 and Manchester Arena. It is set to open in 2023.
Andrew Billingham, managing director of YTL Arena Complex, Bristol, said: “During the current Covid-19 crisis this is especially welcomed news. It is a huge step forward for everybody in Bristol and the region.
"We are fully committed to opening a venue that will inspire future generations, giving our great city a beating heart across the global music and entertainment industry.”
The city of Bristol has been waiting almost two decades for an arena.
South Gloucestershire Council’s planning committee have also approved applications to build a temporary 1,800-space car park.
There will also be access for delivery vehicles from the north, across the former airfield and via West Way, and a new pedestrian bridge over the existing railway track, which will serve as the main entrance to the arena.
