MP Welcomes Government Announcement on Potential New Town Investment
March 30th, 2026
Claire Hazelgrove, MP for the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency, has welcomed the Government’s announcement that Brabazon and the wider community will be considered for official ‘New Town’ status and with it a further funding and infrastructure boost.
The proposal focuses on the development corridor in South Gloucestershire, spanning from Brabazon and the Bristol and Bath Science Park (also known as ‘the West Innovation Arc’). This part of our community is one of the UK’s highest‑productivity areas, given the number of businesses working in aerospace and defence, alongside cutting-edge research and technology led by businesses, institutions and UWE.
As our community grows, with good jobs and opportunities here, this connected area of development could support the delivery of up to 40,000 new homes – including social and affordable homes – along with vital infrastructure and green spaces.
As part of the ‘New Towns Programme’, which will see the Government invest in the next generation of New Towns – following in the tradition of the post‑war pioneer, the Government assessed more than 100 potential locations across the country. Last September, 12 were taken forward for further consideration and now only 7 – including this area locally – are being taken forward into the next phase.
Claire Hazelgrove has welcomed the inclusion of Brabazon and the wider community being among the locations being taken forward. She has consistently called for the infrastructure and green spaces needed to support this growing community. Ahead of today’s announcement, Claire met with the Housing Minister, wrote to the Housing Secretary and called for additional support to make the support that New Town status provides a reality for the local community.
Only last Friday, Claire was among those present for the unveiling of the upcoming train station’s name in the same area as ‘Bristol Brabazon’. The station is due to open this autumn, providing this first phase of new infrastructure.
As part of this next phase of consideration, the Government has now launched a public consultation on the New Towns Programme. This marks the first of several opportunities for residents and local organisations to help shape what this could look like in our area. Local people can share their views on this here – https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/new-towns-draft-programme
Claire Hazelgrove, MP for the Filton and Bradley Stoke constituency, said:
“I’m very pleased that Brabazon and our wider community has been recognised by our Labour Government as one of the new places with the most potential in the country.
“Since before I was elected, I’ve called for the infrastructure and green spaces, alongside the high quality, sustainable homes – including affordable homes – we need locally as our community grows.
“Babazon and our wider community continuing to be taken forward by our Government for strong consideration of official ‘New Town’ status – one of only a few in the country – which would help unlock even more of all of this, is very positive.
“Boosting investment and better connecting different parts of our community would make a real difference to day‑to‑day life here and help unlock even greater potential for the future.”
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