‘Major’ Bath development given green light

An outline planning application has been granted consent by Bath & North East Somerset Council for the development of Bath Quays North.

The site, near Churchill Bridge, is a major part of the Bath Quays redevelopment which spans both sides of the River Avon in the centre of Bath.

The council say it’s the project will create a ‘new and vibrant quarter for Bath’s flourishing businesses in the heart of the city’ and ‘is the most significant development opportunity in a generation.’

The Bath Quays North site will deliver in the region of 20,000 sq m of new office space,  which the council says will create up to 1,900 new jobs.

A minimum of 70 new homes and a new, modern basement car park are also planned on the site.

Homes England have committed grant support through the recently announced Accelerated Construction Programme, to ensure affordable housing is part of a mix of accommodation aimed towards young local workers.

Paul Myers 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.

‘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 Council is in the process of selecting a development partner for the Bath Quays North scheme with an announcement expecting to be made early next year, with construction likely to begin in early 2020.