By Sharen Kaur
KUALA LUMPUR: YTL Corp Bhd's RM37 billion Brabazon project in Bristol, United Kingdom (UK), has drawn fresh attention after securing a major partnership with Aviva, a diversified UK insurer.
YTL Live, the operating company for the new live entertainment complex in Bristol, announced Aviva as a partner for its upcoming 20,000-seat indoor venue, which will be named Aviva Arena under a long-term,RM200 million naming-rights deal.
Scheduled to open in late 2028, the arena will be among the largest in the country and the first of its kind in western England, with projected annual attendance of about 1.4 million for concerts, sports and shows.
YTL Corp executive chairman Tan Sri (Sir) Francis Yeoh said the collaboration reflects shared values in community, inclusion and sustainability.
He noted that while the group continues investing in traditional infrastructure such as construction, utilities, transport and hospitality, it is also expanding into digital infrastructure, including 5G networks and AI data centres through its partnership with Nvidia, and its newly launched AI-driven digital bank, Rytbank.
"Whilst we embrace the new, we also continue to be the long-term stewards of our existing portfolio for they complement each other. Our purchase of the disused Filton airfield in 2015 was a major move into something we have done many times in Asia – regenerating disused sites with care and imagination to create a new environment and a prosperous community," he said at the naming-rights launch.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously launched the revised master plan for Brabazon New Town, alongside the group's pledge to invest about £4 billion in the UK over five years.
Construction is now set to begin, led by YTL Construction UK, following completion of demolition works. The 161.8 hectare development by YTL Developments will include up to 6,500 homes, offices, hotels, retail space, a town centre and the YTL Live complex, as well as water and wastewater infrastructure.
The site once hosted wartime aircraft and later became the birthplace of the Concorde. Its historic hangars are now being converted into an entertainment destination housing the arena, conference halls and exhibition facilities. The complex is expected to contribute roughly £1 billion to the Bristol economy within its first decade.
Andrew Billingham, chief executive officer (CEO) of YTL Live, said the venue will position Bristol as a global touring destination while also nurturing local talent and supporting emerging performers.
"The Arena will become a platform for local talent to grow, thrive, and shine. We are already exploring ways to support emerging artists who are building their audience and fanbases. Our aim is clear: to ensure that Aviva Arena contributes positively and sustainably to the entire live-music landscape, from emerging talent to headline artists," he said.
Amanda Blanc, Aviva's group CEO, said the investment reinforces Bristol's status as one of Europe's leading creative cities and adds to the insurer's portfolio of landmark venues, including the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and Aviva Studios in Manchester.
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