The Singapore-based hotel investor aiming to transform Bath’s Royal Mineral Water Hospital into an upmarket hotel and spa has modified the design ahead of applying for planning permission.
Fragrance Group has submitted its plans for the redundant Grade-II*-listed Min, pictured, to Bath & North East Somerset Council having changed the appearance of a new extension to the rear of the west wing. 
The group acquired the site from the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust in January last year for £21.5m. It has since worked with the Bath office of architects Stride Treglown on the high-profile scheme which is says takes the site’s heritage and distinctive architecture into account, including its historic links to Bath’s world-famous thermal waters.
The two 18th century buildings making up the Min on Upper Borough Walls were originally opened to cater for people who came to the city for the healing properties of its mineral waters and are connected by a two-story bridge link and basement tunnel.
Health services based on the site are being transferred to Bath’s main Royal United Hospital.
The Fragrance Group’s ambitious proposals were drawn up following extensive discussions with council planning and heritage officers, as well as Historic England. They went on show in October when the public were asked for their feedback.
Martin Rogers, from Global Hotels & Leisure Consultancy, on behalf of the Fragrance Group, said: “We are very grateful to everyone who took the time to view the proposals at our exhibition and on our project website.
“The feedback was very supportive of our overarching proposals to preserve and enhance these much-loved buildings. 
“We have taken into account all of the comments from the public and other stakeholders and, as a result, we have refined our designs, primarily the appearance of a new extension to the rear of the West Wing.
“The proposals will secure the long-term future of the Royal Mineral Water Hospital buildings and also provide exciting new facilities for residents and visitors alike.”
The Fragrance Group owns five UK hotels – including the Townhouse in Manchester, the Crown in Harrogate and the Imperial in Blackpool – and has five more in the pipeline. As well as The Min it is working on redevelopment projects in Torquay, Paignton and Liverpool.
Founded in 2000 by Koh Wee Meng, one of Singapore’s richest businessmen with a fortune of around $1.9bn (£1.54bn) according to Forbes magazine, the group also has 21 properties in Singapore and a number of outlets in Australia.
Opening The Min will put Fragrance Group up against Malaysian conglomerate YTL’s hotel operations, which opened the five-star, 99-room Gainsborough Hotel in Bath three years ago.
