YTL Power International is committed to building resilient communities and to improving the livelihoods and socio-economic well-being of local communities. In the UK, approval has been obtained for the revised Brabazon masterplan. The revised masterplan is designed to meet the needs of local people whilst also delivering on the objectives of the UK’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and South Gloucestershire Council’s Local Plan. The overarching objective of the NPPF is to ensure development is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.
As the birthplace of Concorde, the former Filton Airfield was known for the collective spirit of a community that changed the world. Brabazon is being designed to live up to that legacy, creating a new neighbourhood to inspire the next generation. Economically, the revised masterplan for Brabazon is forecasted to create over GBP5.0 billion in added economic value, with sufficient commercial space to support over 30,000 jobs. Socially, it represents a huge investment in the community that built Concorde, with three new schools, a health centre, community facilities and over 35 hectares of new public green spaces, including the largest new urban park in the South West for 50 years.
The Hangar, the new local social hub at Brabazon, represents the second major community investment at Brabazon and is currently under construction. Upon completion, not only will it serve the residents of the first phase, but establish roots in a wider community. The Group is in its second year of a multi-year partnership with Southern Brooks to fund community development work and foster social cohesion across South Gloucestershire and North Bristol.
Southern Brooks is a community anchor charity, building connections and providing support to help individuals and communities thrive in South Gloucestershire. This partnership will fund an extra community development worker and a range of activities for residents and community groups. Crucially, the partnership – worth almost GBP50,000 over an initial two-year period – is designed to engage existing local communities – from Bradley Stoke to Patchway, Henbury and Brentry – as well as new residents at Brabazon.
Under the programme, Southern Brooks will:
• Run neighbourhood events, from welcome workshops and community meetings to drop-in sessions and pop-ups
• Provide targeted funding for local groups, helping anything from book clubs to gardening groups and parenting networks with everyday expenses
• Manage newsletters and social media channels to communicate community information
• Identify and support potential community champions
• Together with Southern Brooks, the Group will use the Royal Society for Public Health Community Spirit Framework to measure the success and help target support where it is needed most
New pathways into employment for local young people continue to be launched, involving working with Bristol Talent Partnership to hold taster sessions about careers in property, a work experience programme for 16-year-olds and university placement opportunities for students.
South Gloucestershire and North Bristol have needed new community spaces for some time. The Hangar, Brabazon Park and the new transport links at Brabazon will create ideal places for local residents to come together. This holistic approach to building sustainable communities is intended to make a real difference in improving social cohesion, reducing poverty, loneliness and isolation whilst boosting people’s health and well-being.