Name of new Bristol rail station is unveiled

Jonathan HolmesWest of England
News imageBBC Seven people dressed in orange high-visibility clothing and hard hats, holding a giant sign which reads Bristol Brabazon. Behind them is a railway line and industrial buildingsBBC
The name was unveiled at a ceremony earlier on Friday

The name of a new railway station has been unveiled.

Bristol Brabazon station - previously known as North Filton - will serve the new Aviva Arena, which is currently being constructed on the site of the former Filton Airport in north Bristol.

The station will form part of the Henbury spur, and an hourly service will run between Bristol Temple Meads and Henbury, calling at Lawrence Hill, Stapleton Road, Ashley Down, Filton Abbey Wood, and Bristol Brabazon, from 2028.

West of England Combined Authority Mayor, Helen Godwin, said: "Bristol Brabazon station is being built at the heart of the fastest-growing part of the country's fastest-growing regional economy."

About 6,500 new homes and three new schools are being built at the new development.

The station will link to a public square, and the entrance will be via an office building currently in construction.

Construction is being undertaken by contractors BAM Nuttall, who have already relaid track and installed the first sections of platform.

Bristol City Council leader Tony Dyer said: "Choosing the name Bristol Brabazon is a positive step that makes this important new railway station feel closer to becoming a reality.

"It reflects both the heritage of this part of north Bristol and the huge potential it has for the future."

News imageSome railway lines in the foreground and the Bristol arena buildings behind. The picture is taken on a sunny day and the arena buildings are large and grey
The station will link to the new Bristol Arena, being built just a short walk away

The West of England Combined Authority said once services begin it will be the first time passenger trains have used the line since 1964.

The railway through the area is presently only open to freight traffic heading to and from Avonmouth.

Bristol Brabazon station will open in two stages. It will initially be unstaffed with two platforms, while the station building will become operational once the arena opens.

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