Bath’s iconic Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases – better known as The Min – could be converted into a luxury hotel and apartment complex, according to the property agents who have just placed it on the market.
The Grade II* listed building was designed by John Wood the Elder – the father of Georgian Bath – and opened in 1739, but has only been used as a hospital. 
Its services are due to transfer to a new purpose-built centre at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) next year – allowing the RUH NHS Foundation Trust to sell the historic building.
The fact that it could tap into Bath’s hot springs is likely to attract buyers seeking to convert it into a hotel or apartment scheme, according to Gordon Isgrove, senior director at property agency GVA in Bristol.
“This is a truly special building, steeped in history. For prospective purchasers it represents an exceptional opportunity close to the heart of Bath centre and adjoining the main retail pitch,” he said.
“By its very nature, it has potential access to hot spring waters, so we’re anticipating bids from developers who are looking to create a very special mixed use development that benefits from this unique position.”
The 99-room Gainsborough Hotel in nearby Beau Street opened nearly two years ago as the only hotel in the UK to use natural thermal waters – the result of a 40-metre bore hole sunk during the building work to draw Bath spa water. Two of its rooms even feature baths with three taps – hot, cold and thermal.
With Bath being increasingly being marketed as a location for ‘wellness’ short breaks focussing on the city’s spa facilities and associated treatments – the city's Thermae Spa next week opens its new Wellness Suite, which replaces its steam rooms pods – a converted Min has the potential to tap into this lucrative market.
GVA has extensive experience of marketing unusual and listed buildings across the UK, including the 1,100-room historic Old War Office London’s Whitehall – which is likely to be converted into an upmarket hotel and apartment scheme – and the Clifton Lido, Bristol, which was returned to its original use as a pool and spa.
GVA expects The Min to attract interest from national and international purchasers.
The property is made up of two main buildings fronting Upper Borough Walls, dissected by Parsonage Lane but connected with a two-storey bridge link and basement tunnel. It also includes a small lodge in the rear garden of its west wing.
While The Min has been providing specialist treatment and rehabilitation for complex conditions for more than 250 years, its buildings have been continuously adapted to create new wards, treatment rooms and offices.
GVA said any conversion work by the new owners would have to take account of its position in the Bath Conservation Area and within the boundary of the World Heritage Site.
Proceeds from the sale of The Min will be invested in the new treatment centre at the RUH. No price tag has been put on the 6,905 sq m building. GVA is marketing it for sale as a single lot under an informal tender process, with bids closing on April 26. A series of open days is being held for prospective bidders.
