An outline planning application has been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council for the development of Bath Quays North, following public consultation towards the end of last year.
Bath Quays is the Council’s flagship regeneration project to create a new and vibrant commercial quarter for Bath’s flourishing businesses in the heart of the city. Bath Quays North, near Churchill Bridge, is a major part of the scheme.
Looking towards the Bath Quays North proposed development from Churchill Bridge.
A Bath Quays North Masterplan has been developed and plans for the site include the delivery of up to 25,000 sqm of new office space, creating up to 1,900 new jobs, a minimum of 70 new homes for local people and a new, modern basement car park.
The Bath Quays North application is an important step forward in the Council’s economic strategy to create jobs and opportunities for local people.
The Council gathered feedback on the scheme prior to the submission of the outline planning application, through a series of public events and an online consultation during November 2017.
Cllr Paul Myers (Conservative, Midsomer Norton Redfield, Cabinet Member for Economic & Community Regeneration), said: “The Bath Quays project is a key part of our wider vision of creating a vibrant, prosperous city with flourishing local businesses, job opportunities for our residents, and new homes for people to live.
“Bath Quays would 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 for the city. This would help to provide more opportunities for our residents and young people, especially in Bath’s successful high tech, creative, financial and professional sectors. In addition, an increase in business rates income would support frontline Council services.”
Planning for the future
As part of the proposed scheme, the old multi-storey car park would be replaced with a new and safer basement carpark with up to 485 spaces, of which 320 will be public spaces.
The scheme is in accordance with the aspiration to encouraging greater use of sustainable transport such as bikes, buses and trains and Park and ride sites to reduce traffic levels and improve air quality. The strategic location of the Bath Quays North site close to the bus and train stations and on the cycle path would maximise the opportunity for sustainable travel. Cycling would be encouraged further with cycle storage and changing facilities being provided for occupiers living and working at Bath Quays North.
New spaces for public life
The proposed layout of the site is intended to reinstate the historic street pattern and create space for public life with pedestrianised squares and shared cycle routes linking the new Bath Quays Bridge and river path to the rest of the city. The addition of waterfront cafes and restaurants would also help create a lively location accessible to all. The recently completed south-facing riverside park was the firststep to improve this area of the city.
Construction of a new high quality office block at Bath Quays South alongside the Newark Works building, which received planning consent last May, will begin in early 2018, as will a new pedestrian and cycle bridge located in-between Churchill Bridge and Green Park.
For further information about the Bath Quays North development visit www.bathquays.co.uk.
To view the outline planning application, go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/planningapplications.
For your information.
The Bath Quays development is divided into Bath Quays North which is currently home to Avon Street car park and coach park on the north side of the river; and Bath Quays South, the derelict Newark Works buildings on the south side of the river and adjacent to A36/Lower Bristol Road.
The Council is seeking outline planning consent at Bath Quays North for a total of 38,000 sqm comprising:
- Up to 25,000 sqm of Grade A office space
- Minimum of 70 residential dwellings
- Up to 4,500 sqm of retail/food outlets
- Basement car park with at least 320 public spaces and additional parking for business/residents
