One of five new railway stations being built in Bristol has been officially named Bristol Brabazon, after the enormous aircraft that was built for transatlantic service, but was scrapped after just four years.

The new station, being built on a former airfield at Filton in north Bristol, will serve a new Aviva Arena at YTL Live and the West Innovation Arc Growth Zone, which includes Brabazon and some world-leading engineering and technology companies.

This new station, scheduled to open this autumn, is on the existing freight-only line through Henbury, where passenger services ceased in 1964.

Contractors BAM Nuttall have already started work at the site, and installed some track and the first platform blocks last Christmas.

There are plans for the station to be expanded to support the nearby 20,000-capacity Aviva Arena, which will be open in 2028 as the third-largest arena in the country.

It is estimated that 238,000 jobs and £14.25 billion economic benefits could be generated by growth around railway stations across the South West, with the annual value of economic output generated by new developments close to selected Great Western Railway (GWR) stations expected to increase by an additional £2,921 million per annum, with nearly three quarters of this coming from the masterplan for Bristol Brabazon.  

Partners in the project are looking to ensure that sufficient funding is in place for the improvements needed to the area’s infrastructure, with more than £16 million already invested by YTL UK Group, both through contributions via South Gloucestershire Council and direct delivery on site.

Over the next decade, it is expected that a further £40 million will be invested to help ensure that Brabazon is Britain’s best-connected new town. As well as the new Bristol Brabazon, the new railway station, transport improvements in the area include Metrobus routes and dedicated cycle paths.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy commented that Bristol Brabazon station will help drive economic growth in the West of England, with new homes and jobs and supporting prosperity across the region.

In 2024, a new station opened at Ashley Down, 60 years after the nearby station at Ashley Hill was closed.

Work is also underway to reopen the railway line from Portishead to Bristol Temple Meads.

“We’re delighted this important project is progressing, which represents a major step forward in reconnecting this area by rail. These aren’t just trains – they’re a vital economic catalyst connecting communities and businesses across the region. This project validates our belief that reliable rail services are essential for local and national growth. The station will serve the substantial Brabazon housing development and provide direct access to the new Aviva Arena, creating sustainable links for thousands of residents and visitors.

“We’ve worked closely with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, South Gloucestershire Council and Network Rail to reach this stage and are looking forward to operating train services from this new station in due course. To enable this, the Department is supporting the future introduction of train services to Brabazon under Great British Railways.”

GWR Business Assurance Director Joe Graham