Bristol North West MP Darren Jones has compared plans to delay North Filton railway station to "putting the cart before the horse" as it's set to open two years after Bristol YTL Arena. The delay is blamed on design changes which are set to cause transport carnage for concerned goers when the Arena opens next to the Filton station in 2024.
In a letter to the managing director of Wales & Western Network Rail, Mr Jones said: "It is unthinkable to have a situation where we are putting the cart before the horse like this. From the outset, I have welcomed the Arena coming to North Bristol – but only if significant transport upgrades are made to prevent gridlock on our roads across Henbury, Brentry, Southmead and Horfield."
It is one of three new stations opening over the next few years, with services running from Bristol Temple Meads to Ashley Down, the arena, and Henbury. Mr Jones continued: "The new train station connecting the Arena to Temple Meads in only 15 minutes is a vital part of these transport upgrades. Until the new station opens, the nearest station will be more than a 30-minute walk from the Arena and lacks the train service frequency to meet the needs for large crowds."
READ MORE: Bristol arena train station to open in 2026 with delays blamed on design changes
A spokesman for YTL said: “Responsibility for delivering the station sits with the West of England combined authority and Network Rail. The station is due to open by mid-2026, however, the combined authority team is currently looking at options for accelerating the work and we are working closely with them.
Mr Jones shared additional concerns about the delays to the new Henbury station. A source at the West of England said the delays to North Filton station were due to several design changes. These include needing to redesign a footbridge over the tracks, delays to the Henbury station—which impact North Filton as the two are being built together—and the need to do “value engineering and cost avoidance exercises” to keep project costs in control.
Mr Jones said there are "risks" of "future travel chaos for both concert goers and residents" in his constituency if plans for the North Filton railways station fail to get back on track. He said it's "a matter of urgency to discuss these issues and to explore all options".
- Bristol arena transport delays could cause 'gridlock' as train station won't open for a year
- New images show what it will be like to sit and watch a show at Bristol's arena
- First look at stunning park planned for Bristol's huge new Brabazon neighbourhood
- YTL reveal plans for 339 more homes at Filton Airfield as part of Brabazon Neighbourhood transformation
- Boost to climate projects across west of England as millions of investment agreed
