Andrew Billingham, formerly of Bristol Sport and now head of ‘YTL Arena Bristol’ rejected claims the Filton arena project bid would require any public money and in very the same article, (in LIVEUK) admitted that it would.

Image: LIVEUK / YTL

Image: The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) — Estimatimated taxpayer contribution

According to emails from December 2017 obtained from The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) via an FOI request reveal the Filton arena project could cost the taxpayer £200m in infrastructure according to analysis by an unknown individual. The £200m sum doesn’t include modifications to the Brabazon Hangars (built during the 1940’s) to transform them into an entertainment venue. Nor does it say who pay for the work.

YTL have further stated that they require a new train station and bus link. These would have to payed for by the taxpayer.

Image: The West of England Combined Authority (WECA)

These emails don’t reveal the identity of the arena consultant however it is almost certainly Nigel Greenhalgh of ‘elev8’ who helped YTL build the Cribbs Patchway New Neighbourhood if indeed the individual in the emails is Mr Greenhalgh it would raise further questions regarding conflicts of intrest as he also advised the City Council’s cabinet to scrap the city arena project.

This wouldn’t be the first time Greenhalgh’s identity (characterised as a ‘professional officer’) has been redacted from public records. During a Scrutiny Management Board (OSMB) meeting both the quesion and Greenlaw’s response to it were withheld entirely.

Image: Bristol City Council

Arguably the YTL’s housing development would not be getting this level of taxpayer investment without their plan for the arena in Filton. Which has still yet to materialise.

Image: Bristol City Council

In comparison the city centre arena project was expected to cost £94m. Less than half the projected cost building the arena in Filton.