Office plan for derelict public loos in Widcombe
The site of a derelict public toilet block could be turned into offices.
An application for the former facilities in Claverton Street, in Widcombe, has been submitted to B&NES Council, which closed them in 2004.
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An image of what the development to turn the former public toilets in Widcombe into office space would look like
It has been put forward by Hambury Hird Design and looks to demolish the conveniences and build a two-storey modern glass and stone structure, which would run as office space.
Architect Mark Hambury Young and his interior designer wife Rachel Hird bought the block for £34,500 in 2008 in response to their own struggles to find affordable offices.
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Mr Hambury Young said: “When we first set up our architectural design business we really wanted to be based in Bath, but as a new business there wasn’t much affordable space. We saw this and thought it would be a great size for a small business, so we came up with this idea.”
He added: “This site is located in the city, right next to Bath Spa station and offers all sorts of opportunities. We have developed the design in consultation with B&NES Council and hope we have created something with some architectural merit.”
The couple are not yet sure if they intend to use the office space for their own business or lease it out.
13 Comments
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by jonquil
Friday, January 25 2013, 8:50AM
“I think one has to be careful about what is allowed to be built as it will be there for many years, and whilst some change has to be made, someone has paid £34.500 to erect an eyesore which looks like a temporary building... really odd.”
by Imp-Act
Thursday, January 24 2013, 4:52PM
“This would be ideal for BaNES head office. After all they are 100% 'P' takers! So just leave it as is and move them in!”
by 1MVBR
Thursday, January 24 2013, 4:52PM
“Agreed. You can tell because they never address a single point you make, say more or less the same thing over and over again and then invariably end up contradicting themselves. Most of them can't spell either, but this bunch don't seem too bad at that.
They also like to spend lots of time deleting cookies so that they can give themselves positive ratings. I should know better than to waste my time.”
by jdd1977
Thursday, January 24 2013, 2:56PM
“I wouldn't listen to them 1MVBR. The vast majority of people who comment on this site are at best a kind of low-grade everyman, at worst, complete idiots.”
by 1MVBR
Thursday, January 24 2013, 12:13PM
“So you'd like it to remain derelict, and a small business to be denied a new city centre home on a site that they own?
Splendid logic.”
by rogerh3
Thursday, January 24 2013, 12:09PM
“Looks fine, albeit with the usual artistic licence applied to its surroundings (no cars, no road even).”
by jonquil
Thursday, January 24 2013, 11:58AM
“I think it is one of the prefabricated kit form buildings, the roof goes on last like lego. The benches opposite mean that you will be able to stare at the occupants.”
by 1MVBR
Thursday, January 24 2013, 11:56AM
“So now you no longer think it looks like a toilet, Jonquil? Try to maintain some basic consistency in your arguments, eh?
Malthouse: It's very small, meaning that there would'nt be many staff or visitors. It's near the railway and bus stations (I already pointed this out but there you go), so public transport can be used. It's even near the river and canal, come to that, so perhaps they could boat/swim. Besides, where do the staff and visitors to the 20+ businesses already in Widcombe High Street currently park? What's the difference?
Joejohn: Could you be more specific about what you don't like about it? Personally I think it looks very striking - clean lines, plenty of glass for light, and a vast improvement on the site in its current state - a grim, run-down ex toilet.
Honestly, a small creative business wants to grab a tiny foothold in the city, in the process regenerating a horrendous and very prominent eyesore, and this is the response you come up with. It really is pathetic.
What an extraordinarily mean-spirited bunch you are.”
by Malthouse
Thursday, January 24 2013, 11:15AM
“Where exactly would staff and visitors park? Or is the entire area scheduled for redevelopment?”
by jonquil
Thursday, January 24 2013, 10:28AM
“It looks like the offices on Wellsway which became Tesco. I think you must be the architects 1MVBR.”