The Thermae Bath Spa in the city centre will be reopening to the public at midday today, Friday 6th December, following a collision involving a lorry earlier in the week.
Work has been undertaken to make the site safe | Photo © Thermae Bath Spa / YTL
On Wednesday morning, 4th December, a delivery lorry reversed into one of the columns at the entrance to the building on Hot Bath Street.
The column, which is part of the 18th century Grade 2 listed building, incurred significant damage, and the decision was made to close the complex for safety reasons.
Specialist structural surveyors from YTL Construction supported by MGF structural support contractors and IDH design consultants drew up a repair plan, and worked through to 4am on Thursday morning to make the site safe.
The temporary solution was complicated by the fact that the structure sits on top of 18th century vaults, so further stabilising work was required beneath street level to stabilise the column using a network of steel props.
The work has been independently validated, meaning the spa will again open to the public to enjoy in the run up to the festive season.
Andrew Jordan, Vice President of YTL Hotels UK, which operates Thermae Bath Spa, said: “We apologise to all our customers who had planned to visit Thermae Bath Spa over the past couple of days and we are grateful for their patience and understanding.
“We also really appreciate the kind messages and well wishes we have received.
‘‘Our staff have been working incredibly hard to contact all our customers and rearrange their visits, or offer vouchers or refunds.
“It is great to see how all our staff pulled together in difficult circumstances. We are also grateful to our sister company YTL Construction who were on the scene almost immediately and called in specialist contractors to assist.
“Thanks to their expertise and for working through the night we are now in a position to be able to open our doors in time for what we anticipate will be one of our busiest weekends of the year.’’
Further work will be carried out over the coming months to restore the column.
