Aerospace Bristol
From historic hangars to living museum
The story of Bristol Aerospace is one of architectural ingenuity, persistence, partnership, and purpose. The project has brought the listed WWI air hangars into the 21st century, simultaneously breathing new life into the building while preserving its historic soul.
The client - a small charity with a clear vision but limited means - faced a significant challenge: raising £16.5m in funding to make the project viable. Over six years, a team of design and conservation architects and stakeholders worked together to deliver one of the UK’s most significant museum projects of the last decade.
A heritage hangar, reimagined
Located in Filton, Bristol, a site rich in aviation history and the birthplace of Concorde, the project involved converting listed WWI hangars into a functional museum, and adding a new hangar to house the client’s relocated aerospace collection.
The space needed to accommodate a range of sensitive artefacts, including 16,000 original Concorde drawings. Although the building’s structure was straightforward, it required substantial environmental improvements to ensure the long-term preservation of its contents, without significantly altering its historic character.
The conservation strategy was developed through detailed research and close coordination with the client. Studies of similar museum environments informed a design approach that prioritised both environmental performance and respect for the original architecture.
A supersonic centrepiece
Installing a 125-foot-long supersonic jet indoors required careful planning. A temporary section of the building was removed to allow the aircraft to be brought in, then reconstructed once installation was complete.
The Concorde Hall was also designed to support the museum’s financial sustainability. With no ongoing public funding, the space needed to function as a 500-person event venue outside museum hours. This dual use required efficient spatial planning, integrated storage, and adaptable infrastructure, without affecting the visitor experience during the day.
Designing for long-term flexibility
The transformation unfolded in three phases. The first involved essential enabling works, including asbestos removal, re-roofing, and structural stabilisation to provide a safe, secure, and weatherproof shell. The second phase completed the internal fit-out and the construction of the new Concorde building. The final phase repurposed a smaller listed hangar as a conservation centre, allowing visitors to observe aircraft restoration in real time: a compelling blend of education, heritage, and hands-on engagement.
Sustainability was a key design goal, but budget limitations affected what could be implemented at the time. While green technologies such as photovoltaics were not included in the initial build, the design allowed for future integration as funding and technical capacity develop.
To control risk and ensure progress, the team adopted a design-and-build contract after RIBA Stage 4. This move provided cost certainty, streamlined delivery, and reduced tender risk – giving the client confidence to proceed in uncertain financial terrain.
A catalyst for regeneration
The Bristol Aerospace project has sparked wider regeneration across Filton and Patchway. As the first major development on the site, it reasserted the area’s role in the region’s identity, celebrating its role in the aerospace industry, and signalled the start of broader transformation.
Today, the museum is a thriving educational hub, particularly for schools. From drone-flying workshops to model-making and interactive exhibits, it continues to inspire future generations of engineers and aviators.
Bristol Aerospace is now more than a museum: it’s a home for ambition, technology, learning, and community.
Details
- Client Aerospace Bristol
- Team Bristol Studio
- Location Bristol
- Country United Kingdom
- Listing Status Grade II
Awards
- RICS South West Project of the Year Won 2018
- RICS South West: Leisure and Tourism Award Won 2018
- Bristol Civic Society Award Won 2018
- World Architecture Festival: Display Buildings Won 2017
