The scaffolding is finally beginning to come down from the Empire Hotel – a metal embrace – reaching the heights – that’s been ongoing for many months.
Bath builders – Emery Brothers Ltd – were tasked with the ‘heady’ work. Director Richard Waldron told Bath Newseum:
‘We have been given practical completion for our contract and SN scaffolding will be stripping the remaining scaffold over the next two weeks.
We refurbished and renewed the roof coverings, repaired any defected ashlar or iron work and redecorated all woodwork. I hope you see a difference!’
The Empire was built by the City Architect Major C E Davies in 1908 to cash in on the re-discovered and excavated Roman Baths. Taken over by the Admiralty during the war it was – more recently – converted into luxury retirement flats.
Loved and loathed – it’s quite a city landmark. Here’s hoping – with the scaffolding cleared – restaurant owners Garfunkel will finally get rid of those horrible plastic flowers in front of their business.
In a city famous for the real thing – artificial stalks just doesn’t cut it.
