22 minute read
ALL QUAYED UP
There’s work afoot on the structural development of Bath, and the Bath Quays development has long been dominating the conversation. The grand plan involves a complex series of intersecting projects so if you’re unclear about what’s happening, where we’re at and what’s to come, here’s an overview
Bath Quays is the Council’s 4.5 acre flagship regeneration project to create a vibrant commercial quarter for Bath’s flourishing businesses in the heart of the Bath City Enterprise Zone. It was conceived to address the gap in provision of grade A office space in the city and to allow existing businesses to expand and new businesses to relocate to the city. In addition to creating economic growth and new high-wage jobs for Bath, it will offer new homes and more attractive, useable public space alongside the river. The site is located on the north and south side of the river between Churchill Bridge and Green Park.
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BATH QUAYS SOUTH
Prominently positioned on the riverfront, Bath Quays South is a game-changing development that will provide the city with a dramatic new riverside space for business, recreation and culture. A blend of historic buildings with contemporary architecture, it will
BELOW: Newark Works in Bath Quays South has been redeveloped for the business community –here is an external view and a visualisation of the interior
offer a total of circa 90,000 sq ft of office accommodation alongside 70 apartments. The principal building will be No 1 Bath Quays, flanked by the historic industrial Newark Works to the south and a new residential apartment block to the east.
Development of the site has been enabled by a collaboration between the Council as landowner and regeneration specialist TCN.
Project status
All aspects are under construction and the opening of Bath Quays South is scheduled for autumn 2021.
No. 1 Bath Quays
No.1 Bath Quays is the flagship building within the Bath Quays South development. The building will provide 46,000 sq ft of grade A office accommodation, an opportunity for scale-up companies to take a leap forward in their growth journey. The energy-efficient office building has been designed to a target ‘A’ EPC rating and will include 100 dedicated cycle spaces, shower facilities and changing rooms. The building will be suitable for single occupation or can be adapted to a number of occupiers.
Project status
No1 Bath Quays is under construction and on programme to complete in July 2021 with earliest occupations after fit-out expected September 2021.
Newark Works
Redevelopment of the historic Newark Works building will provide a 40,000 sq ft vibrant creative campus, where the business community can meet, collaborate and grow. This former industrial building will offer a range of characterful studio and office units from 122 sq ft to 5,020 sq ft. The units are specifically aimed at the burgeoning creative industries sector and will be a great location for start-ups and micro-businesses. Newark Works will also benefit from an on-site café bar, breakout and meeting spaces. There are opportunities for other uses in the building, such as health, fitness and the arts.
Project status
TCN and Bath and North East Somerset have worked together to bring forward this regeneration. TCN began the refurbishment and fit out works in September 2020 and the scheme will be ready for occupation in December 2021.
BATH QUAYS NORTH
Bath Quays North is set to be an inspiring, contemporary central business district. Set opposite the Bath Quays South site, Bath Quays North is designed to inject life into an underused area, and reconnect Bath to its riverside.
This 2.2 hectare site, a five-minute walk from Bath Spa train station, covers the current car and coach park on Avon Street. The site will deliver 250,000 sq ft of modern office space, creating a new business district for the city. The development will also incorporate new pedestrian and cycling routes to promote active methods of transport.
The main focus of Bath Quays North will be the creation of spaces for local companies to move and expand within Bath. It will offer a range of large, open-plan units alongside leisure, retail residential and a business hotel.
ABOVE: Bath Quays South will be connected to the Bath Quays North development by a new bridge –Bath Quays Bridge will provide a new crossing point over the River Avon for pedestrians and cyclists; an alternative crossing point to Midland Bridge and Churchill Bridge to the west and east respectively
LEFT: An architectural visualisation of No. 1 Bath Quays, the flagship building within the Bath Quays South development, which will be within easy walking distance of Bath Station, Southgate Shopping centre and all the city’s amenities. Neighbouring No 1 Bath Quays to the south will be Newark Works (see opposite), offering small serviced office suites and co-working opportunities
In 2019, Legal & General, in partnership with Bell Hammer, was selected by Bath and North East Somerset Council as their development partner for Bath Quays North.
Project status
A new road layout and south-facing riverside park is complete. will allow workers and residents of Bath Quays South to access the
The addition of cycling and walking routes, as well as areas for performances and events, will transform the area into a vibrant public space and will give residents and visitors a place to enjoy Bath’s riverside.
The outline plans for the Bath Quays North development have been approved and detailed designs are currently being progressed. The Avon Street coach park will be deconstructed in spring 2021, after which the car park will be demolished. The café and toilet
Pedestrian bridge
Bath Quays South will be connected to the Bath Quays North development by a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge, The bridge block in the coach park will relocate to Charlotte Street car park.
city centre via a new public park, with the city's retail offer and main bus and rail stations around five minutes walk away.
Project status
The Bath Quays bridge is due to be installed in November (this month) and is planned to open in June 2021.
Enabling works including flood defences, river walls, and a new public park have all been completed.
CITYNEWS
FINE FOUR
Four of Mogers Drewett’s lawyers have been featured in the new Chambers UK 2021 Guide for their standout contribution in their respective practices. Tom Webb, Rebecca Silcock, Victoria Cobham and Jonathan Cheal have all been ‘ranked’ in the new guide. The firm has also been recommended for two practice areas; Agriculture and Estates, and Family. Chambers states that “Mogers Drewett are ‘very strong in the market’ and adds that ‘their lawyers are all fantastic’. Employment Partner, Sean McDonough said “We are delighted to be recognised by Chambers and are very proud of everyone recognised this year.” md-solicitors.co.uk
SPARKLING SPECIAL OFFERS
Alexandra May’s designer jewellery shop at 23 Brock Street has got some very special discount offers available as the shop gently winds down before it closes its doors next year, after more than 21 years of trading. Discounts of up to 50% off are available for sterling silver, and brands including Marcasite Jewellery, Konplott, Ayala Bar, Angela Caputi, and Annie Mundy. The shop is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 11am –4 pm and Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment, between 11am and 4pm. You can also book an exclusive appointment with Alexandra for a jewellery ‘lock in’. alexandramay.com
SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION WITH FUTUREPROOF
With Government initiatives such as the Green Homes Grants scheme, creating an energy efficient home is now a priority for homeowners in the UK, who are looking for builders who can carry out high-quality home improvements and energy saving retrofit work. Futureproof, provided by Bristol-based charity Centre for Sustainable Energy, is an initiative helping builders in the west of England respond to the demand for sustainable construction.
Training courses and skills development opportunities are available, offering certification in sustainable building practices. Futureproof also helps builders access schemes like the Green Homes Grants as well as connecting builders with customers who want this work done. To find out more register your interest on the website. futureproof.uk.net/builders
TOP RANKING FOR STONE KING
Stone King has been recognised as a top-ranked law firm by the legal journal Chambers UK 2021 Guide. The firm has been top Band 1 ranked for both its charity and social enterprise and education sectors, and its crime team has achieved the coveted top Band 1 status. The work of Stone King’s charity and social enterprise sector has also seen the firm named as one of the top three law firms in the country, while its education sector is recognised as one of the top four in England. The firm’s work in transport and real estate have also been ranked, as have 14 of its lawyers. Stone King’s managing partner, Steven Greenwood, pictured here, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the firm, our people and, above all, the clients we are proud to serve.” stoneking.co.uk
BRITISH CBD IN MILSOM STREET
The British CBD Company has opened its doors in Bath’s independent retail area around Milsom Street this month, providing customers with an oasis for finding out how CBD (Cannabidiol) can be used for many common ailments.
The shop is the brainchild of local businesswoman Justine Goldstraw who has extensively researched the natural health remedy. The use of CBD is growing in popularity for those looking for relief from pain and other symptoms without the mind-altering effects of marijuana or the long-term effects of certain pharmaceutical drugs.
Justine says: “CBD is becoming a very popular natural remedy for helping people cope with a whole range of ailments and conditions such as anxiety, sleep disorder, chronic pain and acne. It is gaining lots of scientific attention and really gaining momentum in the health and wellness world now. Products include oils, edibles, books and gifts. The British CBD Company can be found in Queen’s Street or order online. thebritishcbdcompany.co.uk
GET WELL HEELED
The British Shoe Company has opened a new store at 14 Green Street, Bath. This familyrun business supplies high-end ladies and gentlemen’s shoes with brands including Barker, Trickers, Sanders, Berwick and RM Williams. britishshoecompany.co.uk
Contact with grandchildren following divorce or separation
For most, memories of spending time with their grandparents are special but when a couple separates the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is often forgotten. Family Solicitor, Victoria Cobham explores the options available to grandparents wanting to establish or maintain a relationship with their grandchildren. Unlike the children’s parents, grandparents have no automatic legal right to see their grandchildren. Grandparents have two options. •Agreement with parents •A Child Arrangements Order
Agreement
The first step should always be to try and reach an agreement with the parents, whilst not binding, this can be recorded and form part of a parenting plan.
Child Arrangements Order
If an agreement can’t be reached, a Child Arrangements Order may be needed. For grandparents this is often a 2-stage process, as they will usually need to request permission from the court to make an application for a Child Arrangements Order.
Stage 1 – Requesting permission
When reaching the decision as to whether to grant permission to apply for a Child Arrangements Order, the court will consider, amongst other factors, the following:•the applicant’s (in this case grandparents) connection with the children; •any risk that the application will adversely disrupt the child’s life
Stage 2 – Applying for a Child Arrangements Order
If permission to apply is granted, the court will set a date for a hearing and may appoint a CAFCASS officer (court appointed social worker) to speak/meet with all the parties and the grandchildren and report back to the court. In making a decision, the most important consideration is the welfare of any child(ren). The court has a checklist of things which includes:•The wishes of the child •The child’s physical, emotional and educational needs; •The child’s age, sex, background and any relevant characteristics; •Any harm or risk of harm to the child; If you are a grandparent wanting to maintain a relationship with your grandchildren, please contact Victoria Cobham on 01749 342323 or email victoria.cobham@mogersdrewett.com. We can consider your individual circumstances and advise you appropriately
EDUCATION NEWS
POST COVID SUPPORT
Lima Online Learning is set to bring private tutoring into the Covid era, starting with tailored Catch-Up courses targeted at those areas of the curriculum hit hardest by lockdown. “The decision to launch with a poetry course,” explained Samantha Bensted, founder and lead tutor, “was guided by the fact that in many schools poetry is delivered in the summer term of Year 10, when teachers were grappling with the limitations of Teams or Zoom.” Further Catch-Up courses are to follow, and the offer includes the option of attending with 1–2 friends at no extra cost limaonlinelearning@gmail.com
TOP GUN GRADES
Stonar has been placed among the top 1.5% of 400 schools in a nationwide assessment of GCSE grades in 2020. Schools collect baseline data from their pupils which can be used to measure their progress as they advance through the senior school. The assessments help teachers understand what pupils know and highlight where they need support. In their 2020 results Stonar’s GCSE pupils gained an average value-added score of +1.5 grades per subject, per pupil, while its A level pupils gained 0.8 above predictions (equating to the top 2.5% nationally of CEM schools). stonarschool.com
PUPILS OF MERIT
Two King Edward’s School CCF Colour Sergeants, CSgt Alexandra CardashCrowsley and CSgt Amhar Shazuli, have been awarded the highly prestigious honour of becoming Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset Cadets for 2021. These awards for Meritorious Service are awarded annually to only six cadets throughout Somerset; which comprises over 6,000 cadets. The awards are made for exceptional meritorious service rendered to the Reserves and Cadet forces in the county. This year, for the first time in its 120-year history, King Edward’s CCF has had two of its cadets recognised. kesbath.com
CNM has completely changed my life
Emma Gould, CNM Naturopathic Nutrition Graduate
What attracted me to CNM was its flexibility around lectures, its proximity to where I live and the fact that my uncle used to be a lecturer. I especially loved the people I met at CNM. I made so many great, similar-minded friends and the lecturers were extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of nutrition and wellbeing.
If I had to use three words to describe CNM they would be educational, flexible and fun. CNM has completely changed my life; I feel like I’m now fulfilling my purpose in life.
I was medically diagnosed with psoriasis after the birth of my first child in 2011. At first, the recommended steroid creams seemed to work but soon my skin got used
to these and I needed more to get any relief. Eventually their effect stopped working altogether and I was just getting worse and worse. I was variously recommended light therapy, oat baths and other mainstream creams but nothing about nutrition. Seeing no improvement and increasingly disheartened, I decided to change my diet and lifestyle, to see if these changes helped. I had always been brought up to look at the body holistically as my grandmother was a homeopath, so it made sense to try a whole lifestyle approach.
In 2015 I discovered a book called “Healing Psoriasis” by Dr Pagano. In it he explains his techniques in using diet and lifestyle interventions to heal psoriasis. I strictly followed his protocol from June to October 2015. My skin completely cleared after four months! Prior to this I was around 50% covered. I still get some spots if I’ve not been taking care of myself, but as soon as I implement nutrition and lifestyle measures, it’s fairly instant, I clear up again. Now I support my psoriasis using only natural therapies.
I have a degree in Human Biology and Psychology and an inquisitive nature so I wanted to learn why my body had responded like this, which is why I studied Nutrition at CNM. Now I have qualified, I hope to be able to help others in similar situations. I am still working as a secretary part-time whilst I am building up my own business, Nutrition by Emma, specialising in helping people with psoriasis and skin conditions. I love sharing the knowledge of everything I have learnt with others and, even better, watching them improve with my help.
To anyone who is thinking of studying at CNM, relish every minute of the studying, I miss it now it’s gone.
CNM Online Open Events
Discover how natural therapies promote true health and vitality. Our events are packed with inspiring tips on how to nurture yourself in natural, sustainable ways.
And if you are thinking of turning your passion into a career, an Online Open Event will also Geoff Don cover what you need to know about studying at CNM.
Visit cnmcourses.com or call 01342777 747 to find out more
CNM has an exceptional 22-year track record training successful natural health practitioners online and in class. Over 80% of graduates are practising.
Welcome to the world baby Isabella
In the August edition of The Bath Magazine, we told the story of Karen Marks from Taunton and her joy at expecting a longed-for second baby after undergoing IVF at the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine. The wait is now over with the birth of her beautiful daughter Isabella Grace
She may have felt a long time coming, but baby Isabella Grace has most certainly arrived.
The 7lb 4.5oz cutie was born on September 15 to proud parents Karen and James Marks, and sister to a ‘smitten’ two-year-old brother Cameron.
Karen, who was diagnosed with fertility issues in 2015, was given funding for one round of IVF on the NHS in September 2017.
During minimally invasive egg retrieval procedure surgeons collected 15 of her eggs which were fertilised with James’s sperm in BCRM’s labs in September 2017.
The process created five viable embryos and their son Cameron was born the following year.
“We are delighted to have a boy and a girl,” said Karen, who was under the care of BCRM’s Dr Alex Price. “It means the world to us.
“Some days I think after all the years of trying that I must be dreaming – this can’t be my reality – that not only do I have one beautiful baby, but two!
“We have our wonderful son but I’ve never wanted him to be an only child.
“There is a bond between siblings you can’t always find with anyone else, you can talk about literally anything and everything and have your entire lives full of memories together.
“Cameron absolutely adores her. He’s a super proud big brother and is always asking for cuddles.”
Karen says she never hesitates to tell people that her children are IVF babies and says she never forgets how lucky they are to have them.
“Infertility never leaves you. Pregnancy announcements can still be painful, especially when someone has seemingly conceived easily.
“It’s a battle and a journey, and while part of me believes there’s a reason we had to go through it, we’ve met so many wonderful people along the way.”
Karen urges couples who may be struggling with fertility issues to think about IVF.
“If you’ve exhausted all other options, then crack on and go for it,” she added. “IVF is fine. Don’t put it off or avoid it. It’s the most likely fertility treatment to work, and it did for us.
“I can’t speak for every clinic, but at BCRM I always felt the nurses and doctors REALLY care about you. They want what you want and they go through that journey and the ups and downs with you.
“They support you, give you advice, a caring and listening ear, a hug whenever you need. It’s like being part of an extended family.”
And Karen and James’ journey may not end with baby Isabella as they have two remaining frozen embryos at BCRM.
“Hopefully we will have more children,” said Karen. “I’ve always wanted four!”
The Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine has world class facilities and technology that treats both private and NHS patients.
BCRM is involved in innovative research and have one of the best success rates with IVF and other fertility treatments in the UK.
Anyone wishing to register for a Virtual Open Evening webinar or book an initial consultation appointment can email BCRM at info@BCRM.org.uk or call 0117 3018605 or visit: https://www.fertilitybristol.com/.
Interiors: focal energy
Focal points are the main ingredient in an interior designer’s armoury, sayour local interior experts. Let’s embrace them, says Emma Clegg, both in terms of main architectural features and decorative detailing
The focal point is the star of the room. It’s the first place viewers’ eyes should land when they enter, and it’s the emphasis point around which you build the rest of your design. But focal points can also be used in layers: a period mantlepiece or central table might be the big visual draw, but there can also be points playing a more minor role.
The main architectural features in an interior offer one of the most crucial dynamics of a space, and yet their impact is often not consciously registered. Such areas of interest often revolve around light: windows, internal doors, French doors, and the fireplace. It’s wise to make the most of these light sources when designing a room, dress windows to draw the eye and avoid blocking or subduing these points of light. This is because we love looking at light. Windows also invariably offer views of the natural world and if not that, at least a prospect beyond the limitations of the manmade environment.
Some of the most common structural focal points apart from sources of light are fireplaces, built-in shelving, vaulted ceilings and walls. They all offer the opportunity for accentuating a visual feature with colour, paint or wallpaper or textural elements. If you’re working with a room in a modern interior with less architectural elements, you can create one of your own with accent walls using a bold wallpaper or paint colour; add interesting pieces of artwork or mirrors, possibly with accent lighting; include backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms either in the shower or behind the stove; or using pieces of statement furniture (see page 70 for ideas).
Louisa Morgan from Mandarin Stone advises on the use of tiles to create drama: “With walls and floors taking up such a large expanse of space, this is where the eye is naturally drawn, so selecting tiles that will make a focal point and using this as a starting point for the design of the rest of the room is often a good idea.
“With such an array of beautiful tile designs now available, there are many options to choose as a focal point. Going bold with colour or pattern seems the most obvious and eye-catching option, yet there are other ways too. Try perhaps ‘textured tiles’ which will automatically add character and depth to a space. Playing with the size of tiles to create a focal point, either by using super large format tiles, or alternatively small formats, or contrasting the two. Mix sleek with matt surfaces or patterned with plain to really create drama and style to an interior.”
Creating a visual journey
The eye is constantly searching for stimulation, and focal points – often points of light or areas of colour and pattern – so the designer’s role is to provide areas or objects of interest for the eye to settle on and explore. An interior design uses these focal points as the main energy lines in a room. Focal points are effective when placed at the central points of a wall, on a square central axis. They provide ways of guiding the eye away from less attractive features and towards important elements that divert attention or give the room interest and character.
We don’t have to be blessed ❝ with a fabulous architectural feature or breath-taking view from a window to create something wonderful ❝
John Law of Woodhouse & Law explains their approach: “We will often start a project looking to accentuate existing features within a space. A period fireplace will, for instance, have a huge influence on the design of the space around it. It may, for example, include tiles with colours that we would look to reflect elsewhere in the scheme. Equally its dimensions and detailing may dictate the design of adjoining cabinetry, so that shelving and storage sit comfortably both proportionally and aesthetically next to it. And naturally, the fireplace will influence how seating is arranged around both itself and often the TV too; another focal point but one that customers prefer to be less obvious when not in use.”
Interior designer Catriona Archer says, “Providing a clear focal point as a person enters a room is a crucial element to creating a well-considered, comfortable space. We often feel unsettled in a space if our eye doesn’t know where it should focus. It is a subconscious tool we naturally look for when entering a space in order to quickly determine the room’s function and guide a person through it.”
Sarah Latham of Etons of Bath comments, “A balance is achieved by distributing the visual weight of objects within a space to achieve a feeling of equilibrium. The size, colour, texture, shape of an element can change this. For example, larger, darker, brighter, highly textured, complex shaped objects typically feel heavier and require balance through the placement; equally ‘heavy’ items or multiple less heavy items.”
If you have a built-in focal point, you need to give it some help and make the most of it, adding more details to ensure eyes always fall where they’re supposed to. You can also ➲
This living room design by Woodhouse & Law is based on a symmetrical approach –the alcoves with feature wallpaper behind the shelves, the central pendant light and the substantial low footstool in the centre all work to achieve this
