BAE Systems says Filton hangar will stay

Aerospace group BAE Systems has denied rumours that the historic Brabazon Hangar at Filton Airfield is likely to be demolished. However, the group, which recently signed a £120 million deal to sell the airfield to property developers, has said that it is currently looking to find a new long-term use for the huge structure.

The rumours have led to Bristol Mayor George Ferguson getting in touch with English Heritage to express his concern. The huge hangar, built in the late 1940s, was used by designers and engineers working on the development of Concorde — the most famous aircraft ever to be built in Bristol.

A spokesman for BAE Systems, which has been criticised for the closure of the airfield and its intended sale to Bridgehouse Capital, said the group is trying to find a new tenant for the 35,000m² building. “BAE Systems has been actively seeking new occupiers for the Brabazon Hangar for over 18 months, and that activity is on-going.

Given the current marketing activity to find someone to occupy the hangar and bring the building back into economic use, there are no plans to demolish the Brabazon Hangar.”

The airfield closed to flights for the final time on 21 December last year, after more than 100 years of operation.