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In the first phase of new homes Brabazon – the new neighbourhood for Bristol being built on the historic former Filton Airfield – the roads were named after some of the most celebrated figures from the Airfield’s past.
The Heritage District is the next phase of new homes at Brabazon and lies at the historic heart of the former Airfield. To the west lies Hangar 16U; once a hive of activity maintaining aircraft, this historic Grade-II listed building is currently being reborn as a local, social hub for the community. Immediately to the North is the Aerospace Bristol Museum, one of the best-loved visitor attractions in the region, and home to the last ever Concorde to fly.
And when The Heritage District launches for sale in the coming weeks – it is the unsung heroes of that pioneering age of aviation who will take centre stage.
The Heritage District features 100 two, three and four-bedroom homes, designed by leading local architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. The new homes are set around six brand new ‘living’ garden streets, with shaded gardens, landscaped squares and accessible play areas for children, that will be named as follows:
Pedley Gardens
Elizabeth Pedley was an electronics engineer on Concorde and a trailblazing woman in aviation.
Sage Gardens
Named after Phyllis Audrey Ellen Sage, who worked in the print department at BAC during the 1940s.
Smart Street
Named after Ada Smart, who worked in the wing-making workshop during WWII.
Hawkins Close
Ed Hawkins was an unsung hero who worked on almost every major aircraft produced by BAC and Airbus for 43 years.
Watts Drive
Named after Brian Watts, the senior flight engineer on the maiden flight of Concorde in April 1969.
Yabsley Terrace
George Yabsley was the band leader of the BAC Works brass band in the 1940’s and a central figure in the local community as it shaped the era of modern air travel.
The hidden heroes were identified by a ground-breaking immersive community history project, led by local organisation The Natural Theatre Company, as well as from submissions to YTL Developments by local residents.
David Sage, son of Phyllis, after whom Sage Gardens is named, said: "Brabazon is steeped in history. It was one of the biggest aircraft factories in the world. It was the birthplace of Concorde. Thousands of ordinary people came together to make that history happen. And during the Second World War my mother was one of them! It is such a thrill for our family to know that her contribution to her community is being recognised in this way.”
Andy Hawkins, Son of Ed Hawkins and a current resident at Brabazon, said: "I was one of the first new residents at Brabazon. With the first phase of new homes now nearly complete, there is a really lovely feel to the neighbourhood.
“Much like in the Airfield’s aviation heyday there is a great community of people here. My father Ed worked here for 43 years, alongside pretty much most of my family and neighbours. Both parents were great examples of community builders in the road in Filton where I grew up. The fact that I now call this place home and there will be a street named after my father is really special and he would have absolutely loved it!”
Jon McDiarmid, Director at YTL Developments, said: "The new homes at The Heritage District are designed to live up to the legacy of the Airfield’s past. They are built to last, with carefully-considered designs, attention to detail and craftsmanship, as well as the latest sustainable technology, like solar panels, electric vehicle charging and air-source heat pumps.
“It felt absolutely right that as we look to build a new community at Brabazon, we honoured the ordinary people whose collective spirit created technologies that shaped the modern world.
“Brabazon should offer the next generation the space, connectivity and opportunities to once again shape the future from North Bristol, and is setting a new standard for sustainable, community-focused modern-living.”
The selection of new homes in The Heritage District at Brabazon will go on sale in early October. To be the first to hear, register your interest online at www.brabazon.co.uk/live/registration or contact our New Homes Consultants by phone on 0330 1234 207 or by email at BrabazonSales@ytldevelopments.co.uk for more details.
A limited number of one and two-bedroom apartments and three-storey homes also remain available at the first phase of new homes at the first phase at Brabazon, known as The Hangar District. Prices start from £250,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.
