Reacting to the publication of KPMG’ s value for money report on the Bristol arena, published this week, Simon Peacock, lead director for property consultancy JLL across the South West and Wales, and based in Bristol said:
“So it looks as though the arena could go to Filton. I’ll be honest, I don’t think that’s the optimum solution for the people of Bristol, but it is a solution – and would deliver a much anticipated and painfully long awaited major entertainment venue for the only UK core city without one.
“In an ideal world, there is no doubt a city centre location would be best, but regrettably we are not in an ideal world. If the YTL site at Filton is the only way to get the thing built, because of the level of public investment required for the Temple Quay site – money the council simply does not have – then we must press ahead.
“What will be crucial to success on the Filton site is transport. We must ensure public investment goes into the surrounding infrastructure so that contrary to current concern, people are not driven to drive, but have practical, comfortable and affordable public transport options, and the economic benefits are shared within Bristol.
“But before that happens, there needs to be some level of assurance from YTL that if they get the infrastructure, Bristol gets its arena. Walking away part way through if ‘costs overrun’ or ‘commercial viability’ is threatened, cannot be allowed to happen.”
