Bristol Brabazon railway station opening date announced

The 23 November will mark the first time passenger trains have used the Henbury Line since 1964. The Mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin, is responsible for transport in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset. She said the opening of the station would be "a major milestone" for the region.

"For the first time in more than 60 years, passengers will be able to travel on the Henbury Line, making it easier for people to get to work, education and leisure opportunities - with more work planned to enhance the station before the Aviva Arena opens," she said. Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood said the station was key to further development.

"Stations are catalysts for new homes, jobs and investment," he said. "Bristol Brabazon will connect the growing Brabazon community and in time the new Aviva Arena to Bristol and beyond." He added: "With work continuing to reopen Portishead and Pill, this is about more than track and trains.

It's about unlocking access to jobs, education and opportunity, and giving a real boost to the wider regional economy." Bristol Brabazon station will open in two stages and will be unstaffed initially with two platforms, while the station building will come into use when the Aviva Arena opens.