Bath’s much-needed innovation and digital campus is to come a step closer as Bath & North East Somerset Council prepares to sign a partnership agreement with design, engineering and risk management consultancy BMT and regeneration specialists TCN.
The council said the agreement would help it secure an anchor tenant for the city’s new central business district and pave the way for BMT to build its regional headquarters in what will be known as the Quays South area. 
The site is a key part of Bath’s Enterprise Area and the council said the agreement would reflect its plans to create work space for the type of hi-tech companies that will bring high-quality, skilled jobs to the city to match its vision for an economy built on innovation and creativity.
Bath Quays South is part of the wider Bath Central Business District proposal. The council is creating a new city centre location for businesses which includes Bath Quays North – on the current site of Avon Street car park and coach park – and Bath Quays South with a crucial link provided by a new pedestrian and cycle bridge.
BMT is a significant employer in Bath, employing more than 500 people in the city – mainly in highly skilled jobs.
The company is already based on South Quays and the new partnership arrangement will provide a new office for it alongside new workspace for other businesses.
The project will be delivered by the council’s project delivery team which has had recent successes including the award-winning Keynsham Civic Centre buildings and Writhlington School.
Once the necessary floodworks and planning permissions have been completed, on-site construction is estimated to begin in 2017 with BMT moving into its new offices in 2018.
council cabinet member for economic development, Patrick Anketell-Jones, said: “The council’s vision for a thriving economy and local jobs depends on creating the right type of high quality workspace for our businesses. Developments like South Quays, aimed directly at successful modern businesses are key to delivering that vision for 21st century Bath.”
Council leader Tim Warren added: “This is great news for our ambition to bring more quality jobs to Bath – meaning even greater prospects for local people. We look forward to working closely with our partners and the business community to ensure this exciting development helps to Bath at the forefront of entrepreneurship.”
BMT Group programme director David Bright said: “BMT is delighted to have found a long-term solution to our requirement for new office space in Bath. The partnership approach with the council provides greater business certainty and supports our long-term business strategy. New regional headquarters will allow us to grow and develop our business and secure our company’s future in Bath.”
The council is also working with specialist London-based regeneration property company TCN. The firm is known for regenerating unloved buildings and creating innovative workspaces and is behind a number of schemes across the UK including five in Bristol – among them Temple Studios near Temple Meads railway station which has been transformed into premier creative space.
TCN development director Stephen Holme said: “Having regenerated over 600,000 sq ft of old buildings into dynamic workspace over the last 10 years, TCN are uniquely positioned to help Bath & North East Somerset Council deliver their vision for the area. Bath is a city with a reputation for highly successful creative and digital business and we look forward to being part of its future.
“Working closely with partners we will ensure that our development maintains the character of this unique historic area of Bath whilst repositioning it into an exciting environment fit for future generations.”
