Plans to transform an historic aircraft hangar into a new community centre have been unveiled, as part of a major development on Bristol’s northern edge.
The proposal is the latest from YTL Developments for its Brabazon project, a huge new neighbourhood around the site of the former Filton Airfield – the birthplace of Concorde.
Under YTL’s plans Hangar 16U, which housed Spitfires and Hawker Hurricane fighter aircrafts for the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, will comprise a public library, gym and café.
The grade II-listed building will be located by the recently-approved, 15-acre Brabazon Park which will be the largest urban public space to be built in the South West for more than half a century.
The facility will also link up with the first collection of the thousands of new homes planned for Brabazon, with a new public square which could accommodate pop-up food stalls and markets.
YTL said work to restore the building was due to start next year, with a target of opening in 2024.
CGI images of the restoration indicate the design of the community hub, envisaged by Bristol-based architects Ferguson Mann, will retain some of the building's historic features, such as the Belfast trusses of its roof.
YTL said Hangar 16U hub would also be an “important attraction” along a ‘heritage trail’ that will tell the story of the airfield's pioneering past, connecting the Brabazon Hangars - to be turned into a 17,000-seater music and events area - with Aerospace Bristol Museum.
Planning and development director Sebastian Loyn, said: “The restoration of Hangar 16U will see this historic structure return to its rightful place as the centre of community life. As a vibrant local hub and multi-use space, it will celebrate culture, nurture social bonds and be a focal point for the new community at Brabazon.
“Whether it's meeting old friends in the café or making new friends at community workshops, the new social centre will provide something for everyone, a place for all ages and for all interests, for this generation and the next.”
In April, Malaysia-based YTL forecasted the entire Brabazon project could provide a £5bn boost to the local economy and support more than 30,000 jobs.
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