About us | Spitfire Hangar at Brabazon

Welcome to Spitfire Hangar at Brabazon. We are a not-for-profit venue that seeks to be of benefit to the local community providing both health and recreational facilities, as well as spaces for all ages to come together and connect.

You’ll find Mokoko Bakery, an array of bookable event spaces as well as events and activities all year round - all under one historic roof (literally).

The Grade-II listed building has been carefully restored to offer a modern space at the heart of the new Brabazon community.

Our event spaces hire is offered at a community rate for local organisations and charities.
The venue will provide space for the provision of youth services delivered through South Gloucestershire Council.
We are a ‘Can’t Wait, Stop’ which offers a toilet to those who need it.
We offer a homework club every Monday from 3-5pm during term time.
Community coffee morning, a space to socialise and meet your people in your community
Our venue operates a toy and book exchange for visitors to use.
We provide free period products across our toilets.

About Brabazon Community Trust

Spitfire Hangar is operated by the Brabazon Community Trust, a registered charity. The Trust’s mission is to be of benefit to the local community providing both health and recreational facilities, as well as spaces for all ages to come together and connect. The venue will also provide space for the provision of youth services delivered through South Gloucestershire Council.

Opening times and directions

Reception opening times:
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Mokoko opening times:
Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

How to find us

Spitfire Hangar at Brabazon is easy to reach by public transport, along dedicated pedestrian or cycling routes or by car. With the opening of Runway Avenue, Metrobus services now run directly through Brabazon, alongside new walking and cycling routes and clear access from the A38 Gloucester Road.

If arriving by car, our main car park is found at the bottom of Mansell Street inside the Brabazon community. From here, follow signs to reach Spitfire Hangar on foot.
Accessible parking bays are located on Frise Street, a level 20 metres from Spitfire Hangar. You will find accessible access to the East end of the building.
Cycle parking is located at both the East and West ends of the building.

Parking directions

Download parking directions - pdf

History of the Hangar

Spitfire Hangar, formally known as Hangar 16U, is a Grade II listed aircraft hangar built around 1917 for the Royal Flying Corps located at Filton Airfield, South Gloucestershire. Constructed with red and brown brick walls and a distinctive Belfast truss roof, it served as part of an Aircraft Acceptance Park for assembling and testing aircraft during the First World War. Spitfire Hangar is historically significant both locally and nationally, having played a role in both world wars and forming part of Sir George White’s pioneering Bristol Aeroplane Company site. Despite some alterations, much of its original structure remains intact, including its softwood trusses, brick piers, and workshop annexes.

Internally, 15 Belfast trusses span the space, forming 17 bays with intricate lattice bracing. The hangar’s roof structure reflects early 20th-century engineering innovation, with the Belfast truss first marketed in 1905 and widely adopted by the Royal Flying Corps from 1916. Hangar 16U remains a rare and well-preserved example of a General Service Shed and offers a tangible link to Britain’s aviation heritage.

About

Opening times and directions

Meet the team

Naomi Easy

Megan Stevens

Mimi Batt

History of the Hangar