Anwar (middle) signing the plaque as (from left) Zafrul, Reynolds, Yeoh and Seok Hong applaud.

LONDON: Delivering 6,500 high-quality new homes, a 15-acre park and a state-of-the-art carbon-neutral entertainment complex, a Bristol brownfield site is set to be brought back to life as the Malaysian-owned YTL Group seeks to create the most sustainable new town in the UK.

During a recent visit to the UK, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim formally launched Brabazon Bristol, one of the UK’s largest and most ambitious brownfield developments. This Copenhagen-inspired project will transform the historic Filton Airfield site into a vibrant 15-minute neighbourhood where residents can access essential services within a 15-minute radius of their homes.

Anwar signed the plaque flanked by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz, UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds, YTL Group executive chairman Tan Sri Francis Yeoh Sock Ping and YTL Power International managing director Datuk Yeoh Seok Hong.

Key features of Brabazon Bristol include 6,500 sustainable homes, three new schools, a new urban park and the YTL Arena Bristol, a 19,500-capacity carbon-neutral arena designed to be the most sustainable in Europe. The development will also include creative office spaces, laboratories and advanced manufacturing facilities, delivering over 30,000 jobs for the UK economy.

"As chair of Asean, this year, Malaysia is uniquely positioned to promote regional economic integration, using YTL’s success as a shining example of Asean-UK collaboration. Investments by Malaysian businesses into the UK are not just about economic growth, they reflect our commitment to nurturing partnerships that drive innovation, foster prosperity and contribute to a better world for all,” said Anwar.

Yeoh highlighted the company's £4bil (RM21bil) investment commitment in the UK over the next five years and emphasised Brabazon's focus on sustainable living and innovative design.

Brabazon Bristol is being developed by YTL Developments, an award-winning company with a proven track record in delivering high-quality, sustainable communities. The project has already won numerous awards for design, build and sustainability and planning approval has been obtained for 6,500 homes, three schools, three hotels, 2,000 student beds, a retirement village, a new railway station and 60 acres of commercial development.