Malaysian PM hails Bristol Brabazon development
6,500 homes are currently being built on the old Filton Airfield by Malaysian company YTL
The Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim is celebrating work to build a new town on the edge of Bristol, whilst on a visit to the UK.
Mr Ibrahim is in London meeting Sir Keir Starmer, to mark a new trade agreement between the two countries and is highlighting the work of Malaysian company YTL, which is currently working to build thousands of homes on the old Filton Airfield in Bristol.
In a statement released this afternoon (15th January) to highlight what can be achieved through cooperation, a spokesperson for YTL says the firm is looking to create "the most sustainable new town" in the UK.
Named the Brabazon New Town development after historic aircraft hangars at the airfield, once finished it will feature 6,500 homes, three schools and a park, as well as a 19,500 capacity indoor arena for concerts, sports events and conferences.
It will also feature office space, laboratories and "advanced manufacturing facilities", delivering more than 30,000 jobs, YTL says.
Elsewhere in the UK, the company also owns Wessex Water.
"The YTL businesses are committing to invest £4bn into the UK over the next five years," a spokesperson for YTL said.
"This announcement comes as part of an official visit to celebrate the new Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade agreement between Great Britain and the Indo-Pacific region.
"The new deal will enable much closer working between YTL in the UK and Malaysia."
Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Honourable Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim said: "As Chair of ASEAN, this year, Malaysia is uniquely positioned to promote regional economic integration, using YTL’s success as a shining example of ASEAN-UK collaboration.
"Investments by Malaysian businesses into the UK are not just about economic growth, they reflect our commitment to nurturing partnerships that drive innovation, foster prosperity, and contribute to a better world for all.”
Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson OBE said: “Increasing investment is a mission at the heart of this government and will help us deliver long-term, stable growth that supports skilled jobs and raises living standards across the country.
“YTL's commitment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK. Seeing global investors put billions in the UK economy shows we are an investment destination of choice.”
Executive Chairman of YTL Group, Tan Sri Dato’ Sir Francis Yeoh Sock Ping said: “Our UK businesses are committing to invest £4bn into the country over the next five years.
"Brabazon is a rare opportunity to re-imagine how best to live, work and play in today’s world whilst ensuring that sustainability is built into the development from conceptualisation.
"Our expertise in our 70 years as a builder of Malaysia’s infrastructure will inform our strategies and methodologies in building this ambitious project."