The Archway Project, which includes a new learning centre for the Roman Baths, has been granted full planning permission and listed building consent.
The complex, which includes an underground link to the nearby Baths, will also include a much-needed world heritage centre.
The learning centre in Swallow Street will be a fully accessible state-of-the-art building where school children will participate in hands-on sessions with Roman artefacts and where projects and activities will be run for members of the local community.
It will also feature an investigation zone set amongst Roman remains, where school children will be able to explore and record archaeological materials, with an excavation area where they will be able to unearth replica Roman objects. This space will be used for family events at weekends and during the school holidays.
The world heritage centre in nearby York Street will contain imaginative displays that explain why the World Heritage Site of Bath is so special and will encourage people to explore the heritage around the city. The free-admission attraction will be the first centre in Bath to showcase the city’s standing as a World Heritage Site.
The project will also open up areas of Roman remains that have never before been given regular public access, including a laconicum (sauna) and exercise courtyard.
Bath & North East Somerset Council cabinet member for economic development, Patrick Anketell-Jones, said: “The project will transform learning at the Roman Baths and create a world-class visitor centre where people can find out more about our World Heritage City, as well as opening up new parts of the Roman Baths for public access.”
The Roman Baths has submitted a second stage application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to secure a grant of nearly £3.5m towards the £5m project. The HLF is due to make a decision later this year.
If the fundraising target is achieved, building work will start next summer 2017 and both centres will open in early 2019.
Pictured: Top, artist's impression of the Archway Project learning centre, and left, its appearance from Swallow Street
