Bath city centre’s multi-million pound Saw Close redevelopment, which will include an hotel, casino and restaurant, has reached a major milestone.
The ‘topping out’ ceremony was attended by city leaders, builders and investors and marked the scheme reaching the highest point in its construction.
When complete, the 145-room hotel will be operated by the budget Z chain. The development will also include an Ask Italian restaurant and an upmarket burger chain as well as a casino. The Saw Close area will be pedestrianised.
The scheme has been designed by Bath architects Aaron Evans and Bristol-based AWW and is being built by Bristol-based Mi-space, part of the South West-based building group Midas.
Leader of Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Council, Tim Warren, joined Mi-space, developer Deeley Freed Estates, and invited guests to mark the topping out – a ceremony that is a longstanding tradition in the industry.
Cllr Warren said: “The redevelopment will increase footfall around Saw Close and surrounding areas. This part of the city centre has been in need of this kind of development for some time and I am sure it will be good for local businesses and for attracting visitors.
“As well as the construction jobs, it will help lead to longer term employment opportunities in the local area in the future.”
Deeley Freed Estates director David Freed said: “This project took a very long time to come together and we’re delighted to see the buildings taking shape and moving towards completion later in the year. We look forward to working closely with Midas and the council to bring it to a successful conclusion.”
Midas Group chief executive Alan Hope praised the team on site for their work.
“We are delighted to be working with Deeley Freed Estates on this very significant project for Bath and especially pleased to be celebrating the topping out of the building with partners from across the city,” he said.
“Over the coming months, residents can expect to see the building really take shape. Block and stone work will finish on the top floor and the roof will be installed.”
Construction is due to be completed this summer.
Pictured, from left: B&NES Council leader Tim Warren with Rob Bradley of Midas and David Freed of Deeley Freed mark the topping out stage of construction on Saw Close
