Work has begun at the former Bath Press site to create a mixed-use development incorporating new homes and office space.
Breaking ground at the Bath Press site | Photo © City & Country
Independent housebuilder City & Country acquired the land in March 2024 for £13.8 million.
Formerly the headquarters of Pitman Press, founded by Sir Isaac Pitman, inventor of the famous shorthand system, the 5.3 acre site will become Bath Press, featuring a range of apartments and townhouses.
The redevelopment of the site includes the preservation of part of the print work’s Classical and Art Deco façade and chimney, a well-known local landmark that will be incorporated into the design.
The development features three-storey townhouses, which reflect the city’s Georgian architecture, alongside more contemporary one to three-bedroom apartments which will be more industrial in character.
How the Bath Press site will look | Image © City & Country
The first phase will comprise a total of 146 new homes. The mainly four-storey apartment blocks will be set among landscaped gardens, with a mix of internal courtyards, surrounding green spaces, roof terraces and a playground.
Meanwhile, on the ground floor fronting Lower Bristol Road, will occupy 16,200 sq ft of new modern office space.
Shelley West, Group Sales & Marketing Director at City & Country, said: “Pitman Press has a famous history, both for the development of shorthand and for more modern printing – bestsellers Andrew Morton’s Diana: Her True Story and Margaret Thatcher’s The Downing Street Years both rolled off the presses here.
“Now it is time to turn a new page, and transform the area into new homes and businesses that will bring the buzz back.
“As heritage experts, we are looking forward to incorporating the historic façade in the design, as well as creating beautifully finished, comfortable and spacious new homes in this superb city location.”
