Brabazon and West Innovation Arc New Town
June 5, 2026 Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee (Committee) Key decision Approved View on council websiteThis summary is generated by AI from the council’s published record and supporting documents. Check the full council record and source link before relying on it.
Summary
The Executive Director of Transport approved a change of scope for the Hydrogen and Sustainable Transport Economy Accelerator project, changing it from liquid hydrogen storage infrastructure to two additional battery emulator systems, and reprofiled £649,348 of capital funding. This decision was made on 08/07/2026.
The CEO awarded a contract for Henbury Station detailed design and Henbury line upgrade design work to Network Rail for £6,764,379 on 26/05/2026.
The West of England Combined Authority Committee approved the non-statutory designation of the West Innovation Arc as a Mayoral Development Zone, endorsed the establishment of an interim delivery team, and delegated authority to the Director of Place to recruit an interim chair for the MDZ. This decision was made on 05/06/2026.
The Director of Strategy awarded a contract to The Hubbub Group for Underground Assets Data Transformation and Commercialisation support for £142,495 (excluding VAT), commencing on 08/07/2026 and concluding on 26/03/2027. This decision was made on 06/07/2026.
The Head of Infrastructure Directorate Planning awarded a contract to Atkins Realis for £50,000 + VAT to progress lessons learned on CRSTS regarding the West of England Combined Authority's role as Accountable Body. This decision was made on 06/07/2026.
The West of England Combined Authority Committee approved the West of England Skills Strategy on 05/06/2026.
Full council record
Decision
That the West of England Combined Authority Committee:
(1) Approved the non-statutory designation of the West Innovation Arc as a Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ);
(2) Approved the key principles of the Mayoral Development Zone set out in paragraph 11;
(3) Endorsed the establishment of an interim delivery team to coordinate activities and facilitate early progress for the West Innovation Arc (WIA) project;
(4) Delegated authority to the MCA’s Director of Place, in consultation with equivalent directors at South Gloucestershire and Bristol City Councils, to recruit an interim chair of the MDZ, supported by an MDZ Board;
(5) Noted the direction of travel towards establishing a statutory Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for the West Innovation Arc, with detailed proposals to be developed through further evidence development, consultation and local engagement before being reported back to Committee for a decision.
Related Meeting
Joint meeting - West of England Combined Authority Committee and West of England Joint Committee - Friday, 5th June, 2026 1.00 pm on June 5, 2026
Supporting Documents
Details
| Outcome | Recommendations Approved |
| Decision date | 5 Jun 2026 |