Aerospace Bristol has reached a landmark point in its development, taking the wraps off of its star attraction – the last Concorde supersonic passenger jet to ever take flight.
The crown jewel of the £19m (US$24.3m, €22.7m) attraction, Concorde 216 had been wrapped in protective film by film specialists Packexe, while works took place around the aircraft and the end wall of the purpose-built hangar was constructed.
Under development by the Bristol Aero Collection Trust, Aerospace Bristol has a rough opening date of August this year and will tell the story of the British aviation industry. Housed on the former Filton Airfield, the Purcell development is comprised of two refurbished World War One aircraft hangars, which are currently being transformed into a heritage museum with learning suites, archives and workshops. Purcell also designed the new hangar to house Concorde.
The plans – which have been in the works since 2003 when Concorde made its final flight – were approved by South Gloucestershire Council in 2014.
The development has received Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) support to the tune of £4.7m (US$6m, €5.6m). For the rest of the projected cost, the Bristol Aero Collection Trust has received support from BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Airbus and South Gloucestershire Council, as well as a number of local and national charitable trusts and major donors. The Trust is still seeking a further £2m (US$2.5m, €2.4m) to complete the project.
