Last week, members of the Bristol Initiative gathered at Lloyds Banking Group’s Harbourside Hub for our Autumn Members’ Evening, exploring how major investment in housing, transport, skills and infrastructure could help unlock the West of England’s next phase of growth.
We were pleased to welcome Sebastian Loyn, Director of Planning & Development at YTL Developments, and Alex Cobb, Head of Housing & Strategic Planning at the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA), for a fireside chat on the West Innovation Arc and Brabazon, chaired by Andrea Dell, Director of Futures West Foundation.
The evening opened with a welcome from Adam Rainey, Group Ambassador for Lloyds Bank in the South West, who shared the bank’s commitment to supporting regional growth and developing future talent. From investing in apprenticeships and graduates at its Bristol Harbourside hub to working with local partners on initiatives that unlock housing on smaller sites, Adam highlighted the role businesses can play in addressing the region’s challenges and creating opportunities for the next generation.
A central focus was an exclusive insight into one of the South West’s most transformative projects: the West Innovation Arc and Brabazon. The development presents an opportunity to bring together new homes, commercial space, employment and leisure, helping to create a place where businesses can thrive and communities can flourish.
Alex (WECA) explained how the West Innovation Arc has the potential to deliver 40,000 new homes and 40,000 jobs, representing a significant opportunity for the West of England.
Naturally, achieving this will require more than development alone. The discussion also highlighted the practical challenges that must be addressed to unlock that growth, from better mass-transit and rail connections to construction skills and sufficient energy capacity.
At the heart of this opportunity is Brabazon, described by Seb (YTL Developments) as “a new city district for the Bristol region”. Its mix of commercial and residential development, alongside the Aviva Arena and conference facilities, could help attract businesses, create jobs and strengthen the region’s appeal as a place to live, work, learn and invest.
The challenge now is to build on the West of England’s existing strengths in innovation and enterprise, ensuring that growth delivers benefits for businesses and communities across the region.
We are totally committed to this region as an economic powerhouse.
A recurring theme throughout the evening was the need for a joined-up approach. Ambitious development plans will only succeed if the supporting infrastructure and workforce are in place. Improving connectivity, investing in skills and creating routes into employment will all be important in ensuring the region can make the most of new opportunities.
Connectivity also remains central to the region’s competitiveness. Bristol Airport plays an important role in linking the West of England with national and international markets, and we heard from Clare Hennessey, Director of Planning and Sustainability, on the airport’s plans for expansion while continuing to consider the sustainability of its operations.
Growth is ultimately about people as well as infrastructure, and initiatives such as the Spear programme, referenced by Ed Rowberry (President of Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative), highlight the importance of helping young people access employment and build long-term prospects. The charity supports young people aged 16–24 to recognise their strengths, develop practical skills and take their next steps into employment or education. Members and local businesses were encouraged to get involved through mock interviews, coaching, work placements or funding opportunities.
If everyone does a little bit, we can really make a change.
The evening reinforced the scale of the opportunity ahead for the West of England, as well as the need for businesses, developers and public-sector partners to work together.
We’ve got to keep going with pushing the same core messages out to everybody about the importance of our region and why investing here is absolutely critical.
With the right investment, infrastructure and collaboration, projects such as Brabazon and the wider West Innovation Arc could make a lasting contribution to the region’s economic future.
The Bristol Initiative brings businesses and regional stakeholders together to engage with the issues shaping Bristol’s future, share perspectives and help make the case for investment in our region.
If you’re not a member but would like to be part of the conversation, then get in touch with Jenny Ablett, Bristol Initiative Acting Director.
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