Work has now been completed on a multi-million pound project to redevelop the Grade II Listed former Labour Exchange building in the centre of Bath.
Development management firm Rengen took the lead on the regeneration of the former Labour Exchange building in James Street West, after securing planning permission for a mixed use scheme of student accommodation and commercial space.
The scheme, which was a Joint Venture with the building’s owners Bath & North East Somerset Council, includes 78 student rooms over three new floors and 4,000 sq.ft. of commercial space on the ground floor.
The historic building is one of the last in the city to still bear the scars of the Bath Blitz. Under the planning consent its historic bomb damaged façade has been preserved.
Throughout the project Rengen worked closely with English Heritage, Bath Heritage Watchdog and the Bath Blitz Memorial Project to ensure the development enhanced the local environment and protected the historical character of the building.
To mark the significance of the building, a special heritage plaque is to be unveiled on site by members of the Bath Blitz Memorial Project.
Rengen’s Chief Executive Officer, Iestyn Lewis, said: “We are thrilled and feel a great sense of privilege to have been involved in this scheme to redevelop the former Labour Exchange on James Street West.
“It was our intention right from the very beginning of this project to both protect and preserve the historic bomb damaged façade for future generations as well as giving the building a new lease of life.
“Having lived in the city, I was always mindful of the significance this building held in the community and that it stood as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of a previous generation.
“This innovative scheme, which came with many logistical difficulties, has enabled us to bring a very rundown building back into beneficial use, as well as safeguarding its historical importance and ensuring its place in the city’s future.”
All construction work at the former Labour Exchange building was carried out by local firm IKON. The company moved on to site at the end of 2015 with demolition work starting soon afterwards.
The student accommodation will be operated by Empiric Student Property who bought the building in a deal worth £7.65 million.
Bath & North East Somerset Council will retain ownership of the ground floor. Furniture retail specialists Nisbet are due to occupy the commercial unit.
Rengen has been involved in a number of high profile schemes in Bath, including the redevelopment of the Widcombe Social Club and the former Radway Service Station at Wellsway. Rengen is also taking the lead on plans for a new headquarters for the Bath Sea Cadets.
The company, a subsidiary of property consultancy and engineering firm Iesis, provides global property services such as project management, quantity surveying, and structural and civil engineering.
