An outline planning application has been granted consent by Bath & North East Somerset Council for the development of Bath Quays North in the centre of the city.
An artist’s impression of how the development could look
The site, near Churchill Bridge, is a major part of the Bath Quays redevelopment which spans both sides of the River Avon.
Bath Quays is the Council’s flagship regeneration project to create a new and vibrant quarter for Bath’s flourishing businesses in the heart of the city and has been labelled as the most significant development opportunity in a generation.
The Bath Quays North site will deliver in the region of 20,000 sqm of new Grade A office space, creating up to 1,900 new jobs, a minimum of 70 new homes and a new, modern basement car park.
Cllr Paul Myers (Conservative, Midsomer Norton Redfield), Cabinet Member for Economic & Community Regeneration, said: “Outline planning at Bath Quays North is a hugely significant step forward for Bath. Bath Quays will meet the needs of Bath’s successful local business community who wish to expand, as well as encourage others to move to the area, bringing with them higher-wage jobs, investment and economic growth.
“The development will enhance the city’s and region’s reputation as a home for business and will enable the provision of more opportunities for our residents and young people, especially in Bath’s successful high tech, creative, financial and professional sectors.
“Bath Quays aims to enrich life, work, leisure, our local economy and our world-renowned city”.
In addition to offices, the development will create a vibrant destination for all to enjoy with homes and attractive waterfront spaces for the community.
The proposed layout of the site reinstates the historic street pattern that was destroyed with the construction of Avon Street multi-storey carpark and reconnects the river to the city centre with high quality pedestrianised squares and shared cycle routes.
Waterfront cafes and restaurants will also help create a lively location accessible to all. The recently completed south-facing riverside park was the first step to improve this area of the city.
Homes England have also committed grant support through the recently announced Accelerated Construction Programme, to accelerate the delivery of new homes within Bath Quays and ensure affordable housing is part of a mix of accommodation aimed towards young local workers.
Cllr Myers added: “I welcome Homes England’s support that will allow Bath & North East Somerset Council to deliver affordable homes and employment space to benefit residents”.
Stephen Kinsella, Executive Director for Land at Homes England, said: “We’re supporting ambitious local authorities to develop their land more quickly to get more homes built for local people.
“Meeting the demand for housing requires different approaches and our funding will see local partners using new technologies.”
The outline planning consent will ensure a detailed design comes forward, that is befitting a UNESCO World Heritage City and is of exceptional design quality.
The Council is in the process of selecting a development partner for the Bath Quays North scheme. An announcement on the successful partner will be made early next year and construction is likely to commence in early 2020.
The Bath Quays scheme is being developed by Bath & North East Somerset Council working in partnership with and part-funded by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership and administered by the West of England Combined Authority.
