Former Bath print works site to be transformed into homes and office space
A former printing works site in Bath dating back to the 1890s is set to be transformed into a new development of homes and office space. The 5.3-acre Bath Press site, on Lower Bristol Road, has been acquired by heritage developer City & Country for £13.8m.
The site was once home to the Pitman Press printing works, led by Sir Isaac Pitman, who developed one of the world’s most widely used methods of shorthand. It has been vacant since 2007 and was demolished between September 2017 and November 2018. The land has already been granted planning permission for redevelopment.
The scheme will include a mix of new-build apartments, houses and office space. City & Country, which is planning to keep the historic façade of the Bath Press site, said works would start “as soon as possible”.
Simon Marner, City & Country’s land and property director, said: “This is a significant acquisition for the business, with the site due to deliver more than 250 units in addition to the commercial space. Bath is a thriving city, known for its status as a World Heritage site and a centre of international cultural significance and is an excellent fit for our brand.”
The new land purchase will expand City & Country’s projects across the South West region. The company’s Bristol developments include former tobacco headquarters Factory No. 1 and old hospital The General, which have been turned into homes; the former prison sites at Dorchester and Gloucester; and Burderop Park near Swindon.
“We have ambitious plans for the next five years as a business, as we continue expanding our new build arm and restoring heritage buildings to provide beautiful, modern high-specification homes,” added Mr Marner. “As with all our new build homes, we pride ourselves in the quality of our design and the creation of community. Placemaking is at the heart of everything we do, and this site will be no different.”