A public consultation revealing new details for Bath's biggest ever office development, Bath Quays North, has gone live.
The project is set to transform the Avon Street Car Park site with 176,292 sq ft of modern office space as well as restaurants and retail units, 92 new homes, a hotel and huge improvements to car parking and public spaces.
The development has been described as Baths "flagship project" by former council leader Tim Warren and it is hoped that 2,000 jobs will be created.
Site owner Bath and North East Somerset Council has entered into a joint-venture with Legal & General and Bell Hammer to bring forward what has been described as the most significant office-led development in Bath for a generation, with the potential to deliver a wealth of benefits to the local business community, residents and visitors to the city.
Architectural designs revealed online show how the site may look including the new waterfront space and other details have come to light including four new public spaces created between the buildings.
Under 'proposals' the developers set out the aim to reconnect the city with the River Avon and Bath Quays South.
They wish to "create a new river front destination and promenade for all to enjoy" as well as being a safe place to live.
A 'Greenscape' will support well-being and biodiversity across our new streets, walls and roof terraces. Not only that but 413 new car parking spaces will be created.
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Outline planning permission for the development was granted by Bath and North East Somerset Council in 2019.
The new detailed proposals show the public how the site will be redeveloped into a mixed-use scheme including up to seven new buildings comprising workspace, homes, retail units and a hotel, with a new promenade providing riverside restaurants, landscaped public spaces and a basement car park.
The plans also have a focus on sustainability, and the strategy encompasses green infrastructure and ecology, pollution control, drainage, waste, water, materials, transport and health and well being.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the public consultation will be held online here.
Alexandra Brown, senior development manager at Legal & General Capital said: “It’s essential that even during this period of economic uncertainty, institutions continue to invest in Britain’s towns and cities, driving economic growth and creating jobs for local people.
“These mixed use proposals will transform the site, creating a bustling new riverside destination with homes and workspace, green open spaces, pedestrian and cycle routes, as well as views of, and links across the River Avon.
“Whilst current circumstances prevent us from holding a physical exhibition, the details of our proposals will be readily available to all. We would like to hear the views of the people of Bath, so please visit the Bath Quays North website and leave your feedback.”
Ian Bell, executive director of Bath Chamber of Commerce and the Initiative in at the council, added: “Our members are delighted to see progress on this site. It will be a game changer for the local economy, allowing existing businesses to grow and attracting fresh inward investment, bringing jobs for the future. I hope as many people as possible participate in this important consultation.”
Councillor Tim Ball cabinet member of housing, development and economic development at Bath and North East Somerset Council said: “This is another piece of the jigsaw in revitalising the centre of Bath enhancing the offer that Bath has across the region and further afield."
Patrick Davis, director of Bell Hammer said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Legal and General and B&NES on this flagship project. We are a property development company delivering best in class office buildings and high quality places.
“We provide investors and occupiers with inspired design and certainty on delivery. We are committed to developing low energy buildings and ensuring both landlords and occupiers minimise environmental impacts.
“To have the chance to develop on such a scale in Bath occurs once in a generation.
"The size and quality of the office element will enable local companies to grow as well as attract regional, national and international occupiers for whom Bath has never previously been an option, due to the lack of suitable space. With retail, restaurants, hotel and residential uses complementing the business space, Bath Quays North will create an attractive and vibrant addition to the city.”
The consultation will close on 22 June 2020. If you are unable to access the consultation materials online and would like a hard copy sent, please call 01225 423400.
