Bath Council Secures £18.2M to Redevelop Gasworks
Bath & North East Somerset Council has successfully secured an additional £18.2 million in grant funding from Homes England through the Housing Infrastructure Fund. This funding will play a pivotal role in unlocking the long-abandoned Bath Gasworks site, paving the way for the development of a sustainable city-center neighborhood with over 900 low-carbon private and affordable homes.
The grant will be allocated to essential site preparation, including land remediation and infrastructure improvements, enabling the transformation of the site, which has been vacant and fenced off since 1971. This initiative marks a significant step in rejuvenating a historically industrial area into a vibrant, modern community.
A Collaborative Vision for Sustainable Development
The funding was secured through an innovative partnership between St William, a subsidiary of the Berkeley Group, and Bath & North East Somerset Council. This collaboration aims to breathe new life into the former gasworks, ensuring the land serves the community with housing, green spaces, and essential amenities.
To celebrate the beginning of this ambitious project, a groundbreaking event was held at the site, bringing together key stakeholders committed to revitalizing the area.
Project Scope and Key Features
St William, which owns approximately 65% of the site, received planning approval in December for a major redevelopment project. Their plans include:
- 611 new low-carbon homes
- A 2.7-acre riverside public park
- A nursery, café, and restaurant
- Electric vehicle charging points
- A pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly infrastructure
The project prioritizes sustainability and environmental enhancement. The landscaping plan includes the planting of 263 native trees and aims for a biodiversity net gain of 38%, reflecting a commitment to ecological preservation and urban greening.
Additionally, £2 million will be dedicated to improving sustainable transport links and other key infrastructure within the surrounding area, further integrating the new development with the wider city.
Additional Housing and Public Space Enhancements
The remaining 35% of the site is owned by Bath & North East Somerset Council, which has outlined plans to develop approximately 300 additional homes. The council is also focused on placemaking enhancements, ensuring that the new development contributes positively to the cityscape while preserving the historical and cultural significance of the area.
Both St William and the Council have worked closely with Historic England to ensure that the development is in harmony with Bath’s UNESCO World Heritage status. The architectural designs and urban planning efforts aim to complement the city’s rich history while meeting modern sustainability standards.
Leaders Express Optimism for the Future
Elkie Russell, Managing Director at Berkeley, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating:
“We are excited to transform this redundant brownfield site into a landmark residential area in the heart of Bath. Once complete, the 611 high-quality, low-carbon homes will sit alongside a new public park, river walk, café, and children’s nursery.
We take immense pride in collaborating with Bath & North East Somerset Council and Homes England on this endeavor. Throughout the planning process, we have worked closely with the council, Historic England, ICOMOS, and other key partners to design a development that respects and enhances the site’s historical significance. Securing £18.2 million in funding was essential for remediating this contaminated land, and we look forward to bringing this vision to life.”
A Major Step Toward Housing Goals
Councillor Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing, and Sustainable Development, emphasized the importance of the project in addressing housing needs:
“We have set out clear ambitions in our B&NES Housing Plan to diversify the housing supply across Bath & North East Somerset, ensuring a mix of open-market, affordable, and social housing. The progress of this complex site is a testament to the dedication of our council officers and the commitment of St William to this shared vision.
This development will make a significant contribution to our much-needed housing supply while also unlocking additional riverfront space for the public. The project aligns perfectly with our goals of sustainable urban expansion and community enrichment.”
National Support for Urban Regeneration
Pauline Schaffer, Director of Infrastructure Funding at Homes England, praised the project as a model for urban renewal:
“Bath Riverside exemplifies the ambition of Bath & North East Somerset Council and St William to repurpose brownfield land for community benefit. This key regeneration initiative holds the potential to create a lasting impact on the city.
Our collaboration with the Council and St William underscores how targeted investment can unlock new homes and foster vibrant, thriving neighborhoods. The funding from Homes England ensures that this site can be fully remediated and transformed into a place people will be proud to call home.”
Regional Leadership Backs Development
Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England, highlighted the project’s strategic importance in regional housing development:
“It is essential that we build new homes in the right locations, prioritizing the redevelopment of brownfield sites. Bath Riverside is a prime example of how we can repurpose underutilized land to create new housing opportunities.
This former gasworks, located near Oldfield Park railway station, will soon be home to approximately 900 new residences, along with essential community amenities such as a nursery and a public park.
The £8 million investment from my Mayoral Combined Authority was instrumental in securing this additional £18.2 million from Homes England. This funding ensures that we can complete the remediation process and fully unlock the potential of this site for the benefit of local residents.”
