B&NES Council says it is delighted to announce that it will be entering into a partnership agreement with two companies to regenerate the derelict buildings at Newark Works, on the south side of the river in Bath.
The partnership will be with successful design, engineering and management consultancy company BMT, and creative workspace provider TCN.
The partnership will allow the Council to secure an anchor tenant for Bath city’s central business district and will provide a secure location for BMT’s new regional headquarters.
As a key part of Bath’s ambitious Enterprise Area, the proposals for South Quays reflect the council’s plans to create exciting spaces for the hi-tech companies who can deliver the right type of jobs for Bath’s new economic vision.
Bath Quays South is part of the wider Bath Central Business District proposal.
The council is creating a new city centre location for businesses which includes Bath Quays North (on the current site of Avon Street Carpark and Coachpark), Bath Quays South and the crucial link provided by the new pedestrian and cycle bridge.
The project will be delivered by the Council’s own project delivery team – whose recent successes include the award winning Keynsham Civic Centre buildings and Writhlington School.
Once the necessary floodworks and planning permissions have been completed, on site construction is estimated to begin in 2017 with BMT moving into their new offices in 2018.
Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones (Conservative, Lansdown), Cabinet Member for Economic Development, was delighted to share the news: “The Council’s vision for a thriving economy and local jobs depends on creating the right type of high quality workspace for our businesses.
“Developments like South Quays, aimed directly at successful modern businesses are key to delivering that vision for 21st Century Bath.”
Councillor Tim Warren (Conservative, Mendip) Leader of the Council, added: “This is great news for our ambition to bring more quality jobs to Bath – meaning even greater prospects for local people.
“We look forward to working closely with our partners and the business community to ensure this exciting development helps to Bath at the forefront of entrepreneurship.”
Established in 1985, BMT is a significant employer in Bath providing high quality jobs for over 500 people in the city.
The company is already located on South Quays and the new partnership arrangement will provide premises for BMT alongside new workspace for other businesses.
David Bright, BMT Group Programme Director, confirmed that: “BMT is delighted to have found a long term solution to our requirement for new office space in Bath. The partnership approach with the Council provides greater business certainty and supports our long term business strategy.
“New regional headquarters will allow us to grow and develop our business and secure our company’s future in Bath.”
Alongside BMT, the Council is also working with specialist regeneration property company TCN.
TCN is a team of recognised experts in property regeneration recycling historic buildings to create vibrant and inspiring places for people to work and live.
They have international and local experience, having recently brought forward Temple Gate in Bristol and the UGLI campus in Wood Lane opposite the old BBC television centre.
Stephen Holme Development Director at TCN confirmed their commitment to the project.
He said: “Having regenerated over 600,000 sq ft of old buildings into dynamic workspace over the last 10 years, TCN are uniquely positioned to help Bath & North East Somerset Council deliver their vision for the area.
“Bath is a city with a reputation for highly successful creative and digital business and we look forward to being part of its future.
“Working closely with partners we will ensure that our development maintains the character of this unique historic area of Bath whilst repositioning it into an exciting environment fit for future generations.”
