An outline planning application has been granted consent by Bath & North East Somerset Council for the development of Bath Quays North.

The site, near Churchill Bridge, is a major part of the Bath Quays redevelopment, which spans both sides of the River Avon in the centre of Bath. It is the Council’s flagship regeneration project to create a new and vibrant quarter for Bath’s flourishing businesses in the heart of the city, and is being referred to by the Council as “the most significant development opportunity in a generation.”

A statement from the Council reads: “The Bath Quays North site will deliver in the region of 20,000 sqm of new Grade A office space, creating up to 1,900 new jobs, a minimum of seventy new homes and a new, modern basement car park.”

Cllr Paul Myers (Conservative, Midsomer Norton Redfield), Cabinet Member for Economic and Community Regeneration, said: “Outline planning at Bath Quays North is a hugely significant step forward for Bath.

“Bath Quays will 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.

“The development will enhance the city’s and region’s reputation as a home for business, and will enable the provision of more opportunities for our residents and young people, especially in Bath’s successful high-tech, creative, financial and professional sectors.

“Bath Quays aims to enrich life, work, leisure, our local economy, and our world-renowned city.”

Homes England have committed grant support through the recently announced Accelerated Construction Programme, to accelerate the delivery of new homes within Bath Quays, and ensure affordable housing is part of a mix of accommodation aimed towards young, local workers.

Cllr Myers added: “I welcome Homes England’s support that will allow Bath and North East Somerset Council to deliver affordable homes and employment space to benefit residents.”

Stephen Kinsella, Executive Director for Land at Homes England, said: “We’re supporting ambitious local authorities to develop their land more quickly to get more homes built for local people.

“Meeting the demand for housing requires different approaches, and our funding will see local partners using new technologies.”

The outline planning consent will ensure a detailed design comes forward that is befitting of a UNESCO World Heritage City and is of exceptional design quality.

The Council is in the process of selecting a development partner for the Bath Quays North scheme. An announcement on the successful partner will be made early next year, and construction is likely to commence in early 2020.

Bath Quays is being developed by B&NES Council working in partnership with and part-funded by the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership and administered by the West of England Combined Authority.