Inspired by a revolutionary airplane that became an icon of engineering, Brabazon is a thriving new neighbourhood in North Bristol. At its heart is the Spitfire Hangar at Brabazon, a Grade II-listed 1917 aircraft hangar with its original brickwork and Belfast truss roof still largely intact. Used during both world wars, including service as a home for a Spitfire squadron, it’s a monument to the area’s aviation heritage.
As a preferred supplier to YTL Developments and YTL Construction, our team helped demonstrate how this fragile historic building could become a cornerstone of the UK’s largest brownfield regeneration. This £2 billion new town includes plans for 6,500 homes and capacity for up to 30,000. Working with the architects and specialist carpenters, we delivered civil, structural, fire, and acoustic engineering to sensitively bring the hangar back into public use.
The challenges were considerable. The 100-millimetre (3.9-inch) thick brick walls weren’t capable of carrying new loads, delicate timber trusses required targeted repairs, and the reinstatement of the huge timber doors mandated by planning. We designed discreet structural strengthening, carefully coordinated the door installation, and developed a fire strategy that preserved the exposed trusses, avoiding intrusive linings while supporting safety.
The restored hangar is now a vibrant charity-run community centre offering a range of spaces and activities for the local community and hosts the much-loved independent Bristol bakery Mokoko. It provides an identity to this nationally significant brownfield regeneration project and, run by registered charity Brabazon Community Trust, it stands as a warm, people-centred destination—a place to meet, eat, and connect.
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