I am aware there is a lot of local social chatter about the fate of Bath’s historic and Grade 11* listed Royal Mineral Water Hospital.
Its services have moved up to a new build at the RUH, but the original city centre site was offered for sale in 2017. Most recently, it was sold to the Singapore-based Fragrance Group in January 2018 for £21.5 million.
The company, which owns other historic hotels in England, obtained planning permission in July 2021 to convert the building into a 160-bed hotel by removing 20th-century additions and building an extension.
While the building is boarded and all the internal former NHS fittings removed, people are asking why nothing more is happening. Is the old hospital in danger of becoming another old Broad Street KES School – lying empty for decades?
My understanding is that some ‘enabling works’ are being carried out within the Min, while there might also be a ‘small revision’ made to the original planning application. It is still hoped that work will start on the hotel conversion this year, but don’t hold your breath.
I will let you know if l hear any more.
Much though I consider that “nagging” is not the way forward, I do applaud your flagging up of the state of KES and the Min. I cannot imagine what the Council are here for, if it isn’t to maintain our heritage – under which both buildings would come, surely?
Owz yer chin this morning ??!! Not that it must have been a larfing matter – have had the shingles myself.
Celia Hutton
Feeling much better, thank you Celia, and thank you for your comment.
It’s not going to happen.
The costs will have gone through the roof and the design is awful.