Aviva Arena, Bristol

Few places in the UK hold such a remarkable legacy of engineering and innovation as the Brabazon Hangars at Filton. Constructed in 1946, these vast structures were built to house the Bristol Type 167 Brabazon aircraft and later became the assembly site for every British Concorde, pioneering achievements that shaped aviation history and firmly placed Bristol at the forefront of global engineering.

For decades, the hangars witnessed some of the most important moments in British aviation, including Concorde’s final landing in 2003. Today, this iconic site is entering an exciting new chapter.

As part of YTL Developments wider transformation of the Brabazon estate, the historic hangars are being reimagined as a vibrant cultural and leisure destination for the West of England. At its heart sits Aviva Arena, a world-class 20,000-capacity entertainment venue set to bring global music, sport and events to Bristol.

The vision is rooted in celebrating the site’s pioneering past while unlocking its future potential.

By carefully repurposing the vast industrial hangers, the project preserves a powerful piece of British heritage while establishing a landmark venue capable of attracting world class events and audiences.

The design embraces the monumental scale and industrial character of the original hangars, transforming them into a contemporary venue capable of hosting world-class performances, exhibitions and events. The aim is not simply to insert an arena into a historic structure, but to celebrate the unique spatial qualities of the hangars and ensure the story of aviation innovation remains visible within the new experience.

AWW has been appointed by YTL Developments to lead the architectural and technical delivery of Aviva Arena, working across RIBA Stages 4 and 5 to bring the project from detailed design through to construction.

Our role focuses on translating the ambitious design vision into a deliverable, buildable venue while maintaining the integrity of the historic structures. This includes:
 

• Technical design and construction information
• Value engineering and design optimisation
• Coordination across a complex multidisciplinary team
• Engagement with specialist supply chains and technical advisors
• Delivery of Principal Designer duties under the Building Safety Act

Working within the constraints of a historic aviation structure presents significant technical challenges. The scale, heritage sensitivity and operational complexity of a 20,000-capacity venue require careful coordination to ensure the arena performs seamlessly for performers, operators and audiences alike.

Sustainability is central to the transformation of the Brabazon Hangars. By repurposing these historic structures rather than rebuilding, the project preserves significant embodied carbon while extending the life of one of the UK’s most important industrial buildings.

Aviva Arena is being designed as a fully electric, next-generation venue, targeting carbon-neutral operations and supporting Bristol’s ambitions for low-carbon urban development. Circular design principles and responsible material strategies help ensure the arena performs sustainably throughout its lifecycle.

Aviva Arena represents a major cultural and economic investment for the West of England.

The venue will attract global music, sport and live entertainment to Bristol, strengthening the city’s cultural offer while creating new opportunities for jobs, tourism and local businesses. As part of the wider regeneration of the Brabazon site, the arena will help establish a vibrant destination where people come together through shared cultural experiences.

At the heart of Aviva Arena is the experience of the audience. The design focuses on creating an immersive, memorable environment that celebrates both the scale of live performance and the unique heritage of the site.

Visitors will arrive into a venue unlike any other in the UK — a place where the same concrete floor that once supported Concorde will soon form the largest dance floor in the West of England.

The arena’s design prioritises clear circulation, intuitive movement and high-quality spaces for gathering, ensuring the venue works effortlessly for audiences, performers and operators alike. The monumental character of the hangars provides a dramatic backdrop for performances while creating a sense of occasion from the moment visitors arrive.

The result is a venue that combines historic atmosphere with contemporary performance standards, creating a truly distinctive cultural experience.

Designed to operate as a multifunctional events venue, Aviva Arena will host a diverse programme of concerts, performances, exhibitions, conferences and live entertainment.

The arena forms the centrepiece of a wider cultural and leisure destination that includes Bristol’s largest conference and exhibition centre and a range of complementary mixed-use spaces. Together, these elements create a flexible environment capable of supporting activity throughout the year.

This adaptability ensures the venue can respond to evolving event formats, audience expectations and commercial opportunities, securing its long-term role as a major driver of economic growth and cultural life for Bristol and the wider South West.