Filton Airfield Regeneration
South Gloustershire
Local Planning Authority: South Gloustershire Council
Client: BAE Systems
Status: Outline planning consent
Project type: Urban Regeneration, Mixed-use, New Neighbourhood
Role: Planning, Masterplanning, Urban Design
Transforming Filton Airfield into the place to live life
Drawing on the site’s rich aviation legacy, Origin3 developed a forward-thinking and commercially viable masterplan that sets a new standard for integrated urban regeneration—bringing together heritage, housing, employment, and infrastructure in an interconnected and deliverable framework.
The former Filton Airfield is one of the UK’s largest brownfield redevelopment opportunities, offering a chance to deliver thousands of new homes and a flexible, future-facing employment hub. The scheme supports South Gloucestershire Council’s strategic housing targets while fostering economic growth across key sectors, including aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and microelectronics. At the heart of the development sits the Concorde Museum—a powerful symbol of the area’s engineering legacy and a focal point for community, education, and tourism.
We led the outline planning application, balancing the Council’s aspirations with commercial realities. While original plans called for 50 hectares of employment land, market feedback guided a more flexible, viable mix—accommodating logistics, light industrial, and future high-tech uses. The residential strategy evolved in parallel, delivering 2,675 homes at varied densities to ensure market appeal and build-ability. Unlike neighbouring developments, Filton Airfield emphasises character, green space, and a built form more aligned with Bristol’s architectural identity.
Transport and infrastructure were also central to the plan. A new rail station—ultimately located in the east of the site—was agreed with Network Rail, while a fully segregated MetroBus route was included to meet local transport expectations. Open space provision was increased to match resident numbers, using innovative dual-use solutions for sports facilities and sustainable drainage. The result is a well-balanced, deliverable scheme that blends heritage, housing, employment, and infrastructure to create a thriving new destination.
