Turn the old King Edward’s School in Broad Street into a collections and local history centre. That’s what Bath Preservation Trust would like to see happen to a building they say has been left to moulder for thirty years.
In a message – transmitted via Instagram – the Trust says:
‘BPT has once again written to B&NES Council about the condition and future of the old King Edward’s School on Broad St. Given the impact of COVID on the decline of the high street it is even more timely than ever for local action on this ‘at risk’ site.
KES moved from the Grade II* building in 1986. It is shameful that the subsequent owner has let this fine building moulder for over 30 years. Lack of occupation and maintenance is very bad for historic buildings. Questions arise about the building with regularity at BPT’s AGMs and it is a matter of frustration that we never have any better news to share.
It is a shame that at no point in the last 30 years, since the advent of the National Lottery made resources available, was any collaborative scheme put forward which could have allowed for compulsory purchase, restoration, and a new life for this building appropriate to its status and prominence. However, we are where we are and BPT is extremely keen to get this site back on track.
Times are now harder and resources more stretched. But perhaps the attraction and profitability of the ‘super-pub’ (approved use) will have diminished post-COVID and will make alternative approaches a more attractive proposition to the owner.
On our wish-list might be the consideration of the relocation of the City Archives out of the basement of the Guildhall into a DDA compliant collections and local history centre.
@historicengland say that ‘their local Heritage at Risk teams strive to find solutions for sites at risk’ and we would urge them to demonstrate that they are working actively to remedy the situation.
The Council should be doing everything within its power to CPO the site, and once in public ownership opportunities for funding will follow.
We urge you to write to your local Councillors and conservation officers expressing your concerns and support for Local Authority action. Email conservation_andplanning@bathnes.gov.uk
