Plans for a huge public square within the new Brabazon neighbourhood in Filton have been granted approval by South Gloucestershire Council.
The 4,120m central civic space, commissioned by developers YTL, is being designed by Bath-based Grant Associates and is a major feature of the masterplan for the airfield regeneration scheme.
The square will be located immediately north of the Brabazon railway station and will be the arrival point for passengers travelling by train.
On the east side of the square will be a landmark eight-storey Grade A office building, while to the west visitors will be guided through towards the new Bristol Arena and to the neighbourhood beyond.
It is understood that on event days at the arena, the square will accommodate visitors in managed queuing lanes, while on non-event days it will host local and seasonal markets
Keith French, director at Grant Associates, said: “Brabazon is a landmark for the south west, and we’re proud to be part of the world-class team bringing this new community to life. The new civic square next to the station will act as a green gateway for rail passengers visiting both the arena and the wider neighbourhood.
"Just a short walk away, the planned Brabazon Park will offer an outstanding mix of public amenities - from a central lake and multi-generational play spaces to cycle trails, cafés, and a boardwalk - making this a truly memorable place to live, visit and enjoy."
The new square, which will have trees planted around it, will have 100 secure cycle parking spaces. There will also be a seasonal garden along the southern edge to "pause, relax, and connect with nature", according to Grant Associates.
Once complete, Brabazon will include up to 6,500 new homes, 2,000 beds of student accommodation, and 86 acres of public squares, parks and playing fields.
Grant Associates has been working in close partnership with YTL Developments for more than a decade, helping to shape the landscape vision for Brabazon.
It has provided detailed designs for residential neighbourhoods and street corridors, and landscape-led planning applications for the arena and Brabazon Park, which will be the largest new urban park in the south west for 50 years.
