South Gloucestershire Council has agreed changes to its loan agreement with Aerospace Bristol museum to support the charity as it builds longer-term sustainability.
At October’s cabinet meeting, councillors approved amendments to the terms of the council’s loan arrangements for the charity with a revised repayment schedule which will help support the museum’s plans to invest in its visitor experience and secure its future as a local attraction.
Councillor Chris Willmore, South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member and Heritage Champion, said: “The aerospace industry has been at the heart of our area for generations. It is why so many people came here to work, build their lives and raise their families. Many local people still remember the work buses travelling from Yate and communities across South Gloucestershire to Filton every morning.
“That history matters because it is deeply personal. Countless local families can visit the museum and see the story of what their parents, grandparents and neighbours helped to achieve. They can take pride in the innovation, engineering and design that put this area on the map and contributed to achievements of national and international significance.
“That is why investing in the museum, whether through this support or by helping to preserve the historic control tower, is so important. These are the places where our stories are kept alive.
“But this is not just about preserving the past, it is also about inspiring the future. South Gloucestershire continues to be at the forefront of aerospace innovation, from the development of low and zero-carbon aviation technologies to advances in sustainable aircraft design, advanced manufacturing and next-generation aerospace engineering. The stories of innovation are still being written here today.
“Every local family has a connection to aerospace in one way or another, whether through Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Airbus, GKN, or one of the many businesses in the supply chain that support the sector. In my own family, both my husband and brother-in-law worked in the industry. Remembering and celebrating these stories helps us understand why South Gloucestershire is the place it is today.”
Sally Cordwell, chief executive of Aerospace Bristol: “Aerospace Bristol is the only museum dedicated to the area’s extraordinary aerospace heritage, bringing the wonders of flight to life for people of all ages. In the last year, we’ve seen over 100,000 visitors and launched our most ambitious conservation programme yet: restoring Europe’s only surviving Bristol Freighter, one of Britain’s rarest surviving post-war aircraft, in full public view.
“Inspiring the next generation is at the heart of what we do. We’ve welcomed over 13,000 young people through our schools programme, work experience, placements and the Youth Guarantee Scheme, and many more have enjoyed free summer entry for under-16s.
“Like many charities, we’re balancing rising costs with visitors having less to spend. We’re extremely grateful to South Gloucestershire Council for their continued support and recognition of the value we bring to local people, communities and the region.”
Aerospace Bristol offers a fun family day out for all ages, with interactive exhibits, an outdoor play area, and children’s trails for budding engineers and pilots to enjoy. Almost 100,000 people visited the facility in 2024/25, with 45 per cent of those local visitors.
The museum provides significant benefits to South Gloucestershire. It is an education and skills hub, hosting 13,000 school visits a year, along with university and international education visits, and providing work placements. It protects and shares regional heritage, being an accredited museum and holding a significant air industry-related archive that reflects the area’s aviation heritage. It also benefits the local community with its café, room-hire for community groups and providing facilities for the local Boxworks businesses.
The building features fully equipped learning spaces with specialist facilities for school and youth groups. An inspiring and practical learning programme has been developed alongside partners in the aerospace industry, which not only allows visitors to discover the region’s aviation history, but also develop STEM skills and explore a career in engineering.
The museum is home to the last Concorde to fly, Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, and children get to see the aircraft up close, as well as taking part in STEM educational workshops and enjoying a number of the museum’s other exhibits, including aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, satellites and more.
Aerospace Bristol also offers experiences for youth organisations such as Scouts, Brownies, Guides and Air Cadets, including guided tours and specialist talks, as well as practical engineering skills sessions.
For more information about Aerospace Bristol visit https://aerospacebristol.org/
