If you haven’t been down to Parade Gardens already, then you have two more days to explore some of this city’s ‘lost spaces’ and have a say in what happens to them in future.
All this week it’s ‘Open Doors’ in this central riverside park with a chance to explore the normally blocked off portion of the Colonnades leading up one side of the weir to Pulteney Bridge.
Also to see into the undercroft – a space forming part of the highway structure supporting Grand Parade.
There are hidden vaults to explore and a chance to walk up Boat Stall Lane and through the East Gate – the only entrance to the originally walled city still standing.
While tourists are welcome to view, this whole week of special access is really designed for the citizens of B&NES who are being asked to say whether they would support a future reimagining of these spaces.
A few years ago the local authority was hoping commercial interests might be found to install a riverside restaurant but l think the noise from the weir ruled that out.
Plus plans for a lift giving access to the facility from Grand Parade – by the bus stops – ruffled more than a few feathers.
B&NES says feedback will ‘give ‘help to inform the Bath Central Riverside Masterplan which will commence in January 2025.’
I have no idea what that is and will be trying to find out.
Meanwhile, l listened to some useful suggestions from a very helpful security guard on duty when l visited.
It was just his own personal opinion – but l tend to agree with him – that if the East Gate was opened from the back of the Guildhall it would give access to the Colonnades for things like markets and art exhibitions.
Throughout much of the 20th century the Colonnades were open to the general public however, due to a rise in anti-social behaviour, access was restricted.
Judging by the fresh graffiti, that threat still remains, and it’s not the easiest site to patrol.
PS. Sculptor Peter McKenna has carved the head of the Gorgon Medusa out of pumpkins to celebrate a new family trail at The Roman Baths.
It took more than 8 hours to create the terrifying likeness of Medusa out of three pumpkins, as part of the council’s ‘Parade Gardens and Colonnades Open Doors’ event.
Visitors to Parade Gardens saw the carving in action before the sculpture went on display in the colonnades. You can see Peter’s pumpkin artwork through to November 1st.
The Roman Baths new trail invites families to ‘Solve the Medusa Mystery’ and is inspired by the children’s bookAuntie Medusa and Me by Marie Basting.
Author Marie popped by to see her character come to life in pumpkin form. Filled with fun facts, mythic monsters, and a legendary goddess or two, the family trail is included in entry to The Roman Baths until 1st December.
Find out more: www.romanbaths.co.uk
Disappointed that the regeneration team are proposing replacing some of the flower beds with shrubs and trees.
Bath is nationaly famous for its floral displays.
Really hope they open this up permanently. I’m not going to have a chance to visit during the current session, and it looks fascinating. Thanks for publicising.