The delay was confirmed by bosses at the YTL Arena Bristol who are now entering the final stages of design and talking with major contractors.

CEO of developer YTL Andrew Billingham said work has begun on key pieces of infrastructure required including new road connections, establishing new power supplies and site preparation works.

The arena was due to open this year.

Billingham said: “Given delays resulting from the impact of Covid and the general challenges in the construction market, our estimated opening is now late 2025 to early 2026.”

The arena’s capacity has been increased from 17,000 to 19,000 alongside the region’s largest column-less exhibition and convention halls with 6,000m2 of floor area, height clearance of 21 metres and banqueting capacity for 4,000, together with a flexible hub for entertainment, film, TV and music rehearsals.

YTL Arena Bristol will be at the heart of a vibrant new community for the city known as Brabazon.

In October 2022, YTL Developments received planning consent to build Brabazon Park, the largest new urban public park in the South West for over 50 years and the front door to YTL Arena.

Equivalent in size to Bristol’s Castle Park, this new landmark public space will span 15 acres, including a 2.5 acre lake surrounded by a floating boardwalk.

There will be mature trees, lakeside coffee spots and outdoor exercise areas for adults, and an adventure playground for kids.

Construction is planned to commence this yearwith the Park due to open in sections from 2024.