Work is under way on a state-of-the-art storage centre in Bath which is on track to open in November.
Work is ongoing at the former Regency Laundry site | Photo © Vanguard
The Vanguard Self Storage facility is being built at the former Regency Laundry site on the A36 Lower Bristol Road.
The reception area will feature a restored De Haviland Vampire aircraft, adding a unique touch.
Vanguard Self Storage, one of the UK’s remaining independent providers of self-storage solutions, say the new facility marks a significant milestone in their strategic expansion.
The property, which had been a laundry dating back to the 1880s, had been purchased by a residential developer but faced a rejected planning application.
Vanguard seized the opportunity, making an unconditional offer and completing the acquisition in January 2022.
Will McCullagh, Managing Director of Vanguard Self Storage, said: “We are excited to bring our high-quality self-storage services to the heart of Bath.
“Our new facility not only provides convenient and secure storage solutions, but also showcases our dedication to sustainable design and environmental responsibility.”
It has been designed by Bath architects Designscape to blend seamlessly with the city’s architectural heritage.
How the new Vanguard facility will look | Image courtesy of Designscape Architects
Vanguard say: “Utilising a combination of Bath stone, glazing and bronze cladding, the building’s exterior pays homage to the local aesthetic while incorporating modern design elements.”
Mike Lamplough, Vanguard’s Head of Property, said: “We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible storage experience, From the architecturally sensitive design to the state-of-the-art amenities, our new Bath store exemplifies our dedication to excellence.”
Sustainability is at the forefront of the project. Key features include a 75kWp solar array on the roof, electric vehicle charging bays and a new stream landscape feature that re-naturalises the existing waterway running across the site, as well as landscaping to contribute to the promotion of natural habitats.
The new facility will offer 45,000sq ft of net lettable storage space, spread across four floors and served by two 3.5-tonne Kone lifts.
Inside the lobby of the self-storage site | Image courtesy of Designscape Architects
Each unit will be individually alarmed, and the site will be monitored 24/7 by CCTV.
Ben Thilthorpe, Head of Operations at Vanguard, said: “Following the success of our Bristol store, which we opened in 2019, we anticipate that our new Bath branch will be very attractive to business customers.
“We will have units that will be ideal for micro and small companies and a drop-in business lounge.
“The fact that we are only a five-minute walk from the city centre means that we will be providing the perfect location for final mile logistics.”
The Bath store is the latest addition to Vanguard Storage’s growing network of facilities across the UK.
The company have also announced the completion of expansion projects at its Staples Corner and Bristol locations, as well as the installation of a new 295kWp solar PV array at their Manchester site.
