Green Light For Green Park House Redevelopment

Proposals to redevelop the site of the derelict former care home at Green Park House have been given the go ahead by planners at Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Berkeley Group has now begun work to regenerate the site and neighbouring Ernest Ireland House, a vacant 1960s office block.

Green Park House has been boarded up for a number of years, blighting a prominent position overlooking Green Park and the River Avon. It will now be comprehensively redeveloped with purpose-built, managed student accommodation.

The plans were well received at a public exhibition in December 2013, with the vast majority of those who attended indicating their support for the proposed architecture. The proposed building, constructed using Bath stone and incorporating Georgian detailing, will closely mirror the Georgian terrace opposite at Green Park, and reflect the terrace that occupied the site prior to World War II.

Andrew Saunders-Davies of site owners and developers Berkeley Group said “We are very pleased that works to regenerate this important site on the edge of the city centre can begin. With new Council initiatives limiting the number of student houseshares in the city, developments like Green Park House will be important in helping free up the city’s housing stock for families and first time buyers.”

“The site is situated in an extremely suitable location for student accommodation” added Mr Saunders-Davies, “with key bus routes to both university campuses on the doorstep, and a short walk from the City of Bath College.

“Having students living in the heart of the city can only be good for Bath’s economy, and nearby businesses in Kingsmead Leisure Complex and the wider city centre are sure to benefit.”

“Work will begin on site almost immediately. Berkeley Group is committed to the Considerate Constructors scheme and we will be proactive in minimising any disruption to nearby residents during the demolition and construction phases.”

More information about the Green Park House redevelopment proposals can be found at www.greenparkhouse.co.uk.

Fire crews attended an arson attack at the building at the end of April, with rubbish being set on fire in a ground floor room.