Bristol’s historic Hangar 16U green-lit for community hub conversion
A historic Grade II listed hangar in North Bristol is set to become a hub for the local community after a planning application was approved by South Gloucestershire Council.
Constructed in 1917 and once home to WWII-era aircraft including the iconic Hawker Hurricane, Hangar 16U now sits between The Hangar District, the first phase of a residential project at Brabazon, and the 15-acre Brabazon Park.
The proposals will see the development of a café, a library, study spaces, a large hall, activity rooms, and a wellness centre. Work is due to begin before the end of 2024.
YTL Developments, who put forward the proposals, say the Hangar 16U development will become the “beating heart of the new community” at Brabazon.
To the development’s east will sit a public square with room for pop-up stalls and public events, while Brabazon Park will be located to its west.
Earlier in April, YTL Developments also launched a multi-year partnership with Southern Brooks to fund community development work across North Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Sebastian Loyn, planning and development director at 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.”