New images of Bristol's long-awaited arena have been released that show spectators just what it will look like to watch a gig at the venue. The YTL Bristol Arena is on target to open in 2024, a little later than planned due to a delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The arena promises to be the "number one live destination for the South West" when it opens its gates to the public in two years and is currently under construction at the Brabazon Hangars in Filton. Developer YTL says the Arena will be arranged into three spaces.
The first is the central hangar - a 17,080 capacity arena auditorium which will host live music, sporting events and comedy shows. Also on the ground floor there will be the Runway Bar, covering the entire width of the hangar with capacity for 3,000 people.
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Secondly is the east hangar, where there will be a floor space for trade shows, exhibitions, conventions and other events. The west hangar is where visitors will be able to "eat, work and play." The 365-day a year venue will have room for leisure, food, drinks and workspace.
Behind the Arena is a loading bay with space for touring trucks. YTL has also stressed that it is maintaining the layout and foundation of the Airfield, with a huge emphasis on sustainability.
Steven Kennedy, principal architect of the YTL Area project, said the aim of the design behind YTL Arena’s bowl is to bring an immersive experience to Bristol.
He said: “We want the artists to be immersed in a sea of faces as they look out from the stage. This experience is predominantly thanks to the lower tier design, which minimises intrusions and gaps within the seating bowl to promote an intense atmosphere and add to the crowd's energy, intensifying the experience for both the artists and the fans.
“We are pushing this technology to link the visual and audio experience with our friends at Vanguardia. We can replicate the exact full panoramic view and audio experience for every individual seat in the bowl.
“The industry standard is to measure sightlines to ensure the best possible view from your seat, and angle from your seat to the stage, which in different configuration modes can move and alter your experience of the event. These varied modes allow us to optimise the design, but the true measure of experience of this venue will come from the people of Bristol adopting this venue as their own.”
On the YTL website , YTL also stated that they hoped to prioritise inclusivity when designing the seating bowl, in order to create lasting memories for all attendees. Mr Kennedy added: “For us, it’s imperative that people with accessibility requirements can access all areas and ticket types within the bowl and in all capacity reduction modes.
We also recognise that there is a broad range of accessibility needs, and so we are providing amenity seating in addition to the accessible viewing platforms. These seats will provide additional legroom and easy access in locations with no or minimal stepped access.
"This level of provision is remarkable, and we believe this would place the YTL arena at the forefront of accessible entertainment and sporting venues in the UK and worldwide.” He added that the seating bowl of the arena will be inserted into the centre of the Brabazon Hangars, which are three interlinking assembly halls that were once home to all ten UK Concordes.
He goes on to say that the venue was designed to pay homage to the area's industrial heritage which allows his team to “adapt and reuse the existing main structure in its entirety”.
Mr Kennedy added: “The best way to appreciate the existing structure is either in the main concourse lobby on entry to the building from the bridge, or in either wing bars that get you up close to the existing interlocking columns, with views into the East and West Hangars. Several aspects of this project are hugely exciting, but honestly, I think the most exciting thing will be opening night.
“The thought of standing in Runway Bar, soaking up the atmosphere of Bristol's new 'Machine for Entertainment' before whoever is chosen to open the new building takes to the stage, surrounded by the people who have dedicated themselves to its journey, that's an exciting prospect.”
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