Grade II listed aircraft hangar to be transformed into lifestyle hub

YTL Developments has received approval from South Gloucestershire Council to revamp a Grade II listed aircraft hangar into a lifestyle hub at Brabazon.

Originally built in 1917, Hangar 16U was once a hive of activity, housing ‘Battle of Britain’ fighter planes, including Hawker Hurricanes. The restoration work will see this historic structure return to the forefront of community life as it is transformed into a new public library, café, gym, social and wellness hub.

Bristol-based architects Ferguson Mann have designed Hangar 16U to live up to the legacy of its past, ensuring that distinctive features such as the original hangar doors are restored and rehung.
Hangar 16U is located between The Hangar District – the first phase of 302 new homes at Brabazon, almost half of which are now completed and occupied – and the 15-acre Brabazon Park. Work to restore the building is now due to start in the coming months, with a target opening date before the end of 2024.

Sebastian Loyn, planning and development director, YTL Developments, said: “Hangar 16U has an incredible history and we can’t wait to bring this building into public use.
“As an early aircraft hangar in a pioneering era of aviation, it was at the centre of community life in North Bristol. The restoration work will transform it into a new local, social hub at the heart of the community once again.

“Whether its meeting old friends in the café or making new friends at community workshops, Hangar 16U will provide something for everyone, a place for all ages and for all interests, for this generation and the next.

“The restoration will also accelerate our vision to create a truly sustainable new neighbourhood at Brabazon, where every daily essential – from food shopping, to schools, exercise classes to evenings out – is just a 15-minute walk or cycle away.”

The project team for Hangar 16U includes:
Architects: Fergusson Mann
Landscape Architects: Grant Associates
Mechanical & Electrical Services: Hydrock
Lighting Design: Lightistry
Transport Consultants: PJA
Principal Designer (Safety Consultants): Taylor Lewis