Malaysia invests £2bn in Bristol brownfield development

The Malaysian government has announced a £2 billion investment to develop the Brabazon new town on the site of the former Filton Airfield in the West of England, which will feature 6,500 new homes, including 1,700 affordable units, and a 19,000-capacity arena. This project, spearheaded by Malaysian firm YTL, aims to create a '15-minute neighbourhood' with essential services accessible within a short distance. The development is expected to generate around 30,000 jobs and includes plans for three new schools, a higher education research campus, and extensive public spaces. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the investment's role in strengthening UK-Malaysia relations during a recent event in London. Despite previous delays and controversies surrounding the project, local officials view this development as a significant boost for the region's economy. The masterplan was approved in March 2024 and aims to transform the site into a vibrant community hub.