An ambitious plan by Bath & North East Somerset Council to bring back to life unused space at Grand Parade and Undercroft will be discussed at a Cabinet meeting on October 10th 2012.
Proposals will be discussed that would enhance the business and tourist environment around the Guildhall for both community and commercial benefit. Some of the specific ideas that if approved will be thrown open to public consultation are:
- Redeveloping the Colonnades underneath Grand Parade – possibly for shops, cafes, and restaurants;
- Enhancing the Bath Markets;
- Redeveloping New Market Row – enhancing the look and feel of this location with a better entrance into the market, possibly providing some homes.
The Cabinet are being asked to approve a consultation on the full range of possibilities and find a development partner. The whole process is at an extremely early stage.
Councillor David Bellotti (Lib-Dem, Lyncombe), Cabinet Member for Community Resources, said, “There are exciting possibilities with these ideas to maintain and enhance the quality of the environment and help support a strong local business sector, tourism, and local shopping. Bath & North East Somerset Council is looking in detail at all the factors that must be addressed to turn these ideas into reality.
“This is an opportunity for the Council to address the responsibility we have to preserve our city’s historic buildings and ensure they are in good shape for future generations. The possible redevelopment of the Colonnades is something which is particularly exciting given their riverside location and important place in Bath’s commercial history.”
The proposals also refer to other opportunities that could be implemented at a later time if external funding could be found, such as the restoration of Pulteney Bridge, the Boat Dock, and River Radial Gate.
