Obsolete office space in Bath city centre has been transformed into luxury holiday and short-term let apartments in a move that will strengthen the city’s high-end tourist offering.
The redevelopment of 4-5 Westgate Buildings by Bath-based property developer Kersfield has created 17 upmarket studio and one-bedroom apartments arranged over three floors above a Tesco supermarket.
The scheme, pictured, designed by Bristol-based Angus Meek architects, was sold off-plan by Savills to the Charities Property Fund, represented by Savills Investment Management.
The fund, which already has a significant investment in Westgate Buildings, has acquired the long-leasehold interest of the apartments, which will be operated by recently formed Bath holiday rental operator Hiding Space on a 10-year lease.
Savills development and valuation director Ben Taylor said: “Having initially managed the sale of the site to Kersfield for development, I’m delighted to have witnessed its transformation from obsolete office space to boutique rental accommodation.
“The finished accommodation looks fantastic and I would expect Hiding Space to experience high demand for these properties.”
Kersfield chief executive David Newton added: “Within such easy reach of Bath’s restaurants, bars, shopping, theatre and cinemas, the apartments are in an ideal location. We’re excited that the addition of these properties to the city centre will encourage more visitors to Bath, with all the benefits that brings to the local economy.”
The move is the latest in a string of deals this year for privately owned Kersfield. Among its other schemes in Bath are the first phase of development of a prime four-acre former MoD site in Lansdown with 26 four and five-bedroom houses and nine large apartments, the former Hope Chapel, which is being converted into eight apartments, a house and a ground floor retail/restaurant space, and four large apartments at Beckford Gate, also in Lansdown.
