Change is inevitable. Bristol is barely the same place it was 40 years ago, let alone 482 years ago when it became a city (1542, for those of you who are bad at maths). So what might Bristol look like in only five years? And we’re not talking about tinpot ideas like the Bristol Underground – recently described as “almost terminal” – we’re talking about real development plans that are either underway or soon to be. In five years, it will be 2029, so what will Bristol be like?
1. Bristol Arena
It’s still shocking to us that Bristol has no arena to call its own. As much as adore Bristol Beacon, it’s not quite big enough to attract those mammoth stars. Your Taylor Swifts and Metallicas and whatnot. Well, that’s about to change come 2026/2026, fingers crossed anyway! YTL Arena Bristol will be a 19,000-capacity indoor arena out by the former Filton Airfield. But the arena is just the beginning for this area of Bristol…
2. Brabazon
Over the next five years, we may see a shift in focus and power to the north of Bristol. Brabazon is a new neighbourhood planned for the historic former Filton Airfield. Over 6,000 new homes are planned for the area, as well as three million square feet of commercial space – which developers say will support 30,000 jobs – and a 15-acre urban, public park at its centre. A new rail station will also connect the neighbourhood to Bristol Temple Meads, but more on that further down
3. Wapping Wharf
As much as we find the CARGO containers at Wapping Wharf charming, they could never last forever. Bristol’s number-one foodie destination will be replaced with something more permanent at some point soon. In five years, we expect some variation of the plans to replace it with a 10-storey building.
Current plans will include a six-storey terrace of restaurants. Overlooking the harbour, not only is this big enough to house loads more new restaurants and bars but will see the addition of a new CARGO hall, with an indoor food and produce market. Other additions for Wapping Wharf include 245 new homes and a new flexible workspace.
4. The Galleries
The Galleries isn’t what it once was. Sure, some interesting things are popping up in the shopping mall – a secondhand bookstore, a new venue, and an arcade – at the moment. But this is because of the situation The Galleries finds itself in, not in spite. The once-future of Bristol’s shopping district is now its past, and will soon undergo a reinvention.
A reimagined Galleries, proposed to open in 2027, will open up the area to Castle Park. The plans include 450 new homes; 8,000 sqm for retail, food and beverage options; 750 beds for purpose-built student accommodation; 46,000 sqm of office space; a 1,800 sqm leisure facility; and a 250-room hotel. It’s not that exciting but highlights the potential wasted right now
5. More Train Stations
The future of Bristol rarely comes up without mentioning an Underground these days, but it’s about as close to being finished as it was when Marvin Rees mentioned it almost five years ago. What we can expect in the short term is a whole bunch of new train stations. The new Henbury line will stop at three new stations at Ashley Down, North Filton and Henbury by 2029. Meanwhile, a recent report also suggested a further four new train stations in Lockleaze, St Anne’s, Saltford and Ashton Gate to expand Bristol’s railway system.
6. Bristol Zoo Project
Bristol Zoo Project (out in North Bristol, again) is still alive and kicking, but it’s far from reaching its full potential. Work begins this spring, over several years, on a new Central African habitat – transforming a 136-acre woodland into a dense forest and landscape similar to Equatorial Guinea.
The first-of-its-kind zoo in the UK will be home to some of the world’s most critically endangered species – including slender-snouted crocodiles, African grey parrots, and western lowland gorillas. More than this, Bristol Zoo Project will double as a cutting-edge learning centre for visitors, schoolchildren and undergraduate and postgraduate students.
7. Castle Park
Everyone loves Castle Park, but there’s no doubt it needs a little love. Bristol City Council is looking to transform the area into somewhere “more inclusive, sustainable and connected” to other parts of the city. There are many new design elements to this revamped Castle Park, like repurposing St Peter’s Church, adding a floating boardwalk, new play areas and cycle routes, and adding new entrances. To learn more about the future of Castle Park head here.
8. Bristol’s Tallest Building
Bristol’s skyline is instantly recognisable partly because of the lack of giant buildings. Castle Park View – only completed in 2022 – is the city’s current tallest building with 26 floors. But stand for much longer. The 18-storey Premier Inn in Bristol City Centre has been approved for demolishment. It will be replaced by two new buildings with a maximum height of 28 storeys – housing 422 student bedrooms and 132 co-living studios, plus co-working areas, gyms and a public café.