A hangar which once housed ‘Battle of Britain’ fighter planes, including the famous Hawker Hurricanes, is to be restored into a new lifestyle hub as part of the massive neighbourhood being built next to the new arena.
The announcement was made today (Thursday 13 April) by YTL Developments regarding the latest plan for the Brabazon development in North Bristol. The developers confirmed that approval has been given by South Gloucestershire Council to revitalise the Grade II listed aircraft hangar on part of the former Filton Airfield.
Hangar 16U was originally built in 1917 and housed ‘Battle of Britain’ fighter planes, where there was a hive of activity. The developers said the restoration “will see this historic structure return to the forefront of community life as it is transformed into a new public library, cafe, gym, social and wellness club".
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Hangar 16U is located in The Hangar District - the first phase of 302 homes at Brabazon, almost half of which are now completed and occupied - and the 15 acre Brabazon Park, which is described as a “modern reimagining” of Britain’s traditional public parks. Work to restore the hangar is due to start in coming months with a target opening date before the end of 2024.
YTL Developments' planning and development director, Sebastian Loyn, said: “Hangar 16U has an incredible history and we can’t wait to bring this building into public use. As an early aircraft hangar in a pioneering era of aviation, it was the centre of community life in North Bristol.
“The restoration work will transform it into a new local, social hub at the heart of the community once again. Whether its meeting old friends in the cafe or making new friends at community workshops, Hangar 16U will provide something for everyone,” he said, adding that the new neighbourhood of Brabazon is being designed so that “every daily essential is just a 5 minute walk or cycle away.”
Bristol-based architects Ferguson Mann have designed the hangar to “live up to the legacy of its past, ensuring that distinctive features such as the original hangar doors are restored and rehung". The developers said that the iconic Belfast trusses and intricate red brickwork will also be fully preserved.
Once open, the hangar will have a bustling open-plan cafe for friends to meet up, a modern library which will stock new bestsellers, while the former store rooms will be changed into arched nooks which provide a quiet work or study space.
The developers said the new lifestyle hub will be spread over two floors catering to adults and children. There will be a large hall for multi-faith groups or public meetings and family events, while a range of activity rooms will offer spaces for after school clubs and community groups and will host a social calendar of events.
The wellness centre will offer cardio machines, weight training facilities and group sessions - from mindfulness to dance classes for anyone looking for an active lifestyle. The developers said: “Hangar 16U will become the beating heart of the new community at Brabazon.”
To the east of the building will be a vibrant new public square with space for street food stalls and pop-up events. To the west, the cafe will spill out onto Brabazon Park which will have playgrounds, picnic areas, exercise zones, along with cycling and walking paths.
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