THINK-TANK BUILDS ON ARCHITECTS' EXPERTISE TO DISCUSS CITY SCHEMES
Bath Chronicle—June 12th 2008
Two of the biggest names in Bath's property sector have helped to form a think-tank to discuss architectural issues in the city. Trevor Osborne, whose company is building a five-star spa and hotel in the city centre, has joined forces with Peter Clegg, of Feilden Clegg Bradley architects, to spearhead Bath Architecture 2008. he group will meet four times over the next 12 months to hold cultural debates on urban design and architecture in Bath
The idea came from a meeting of 30 architects who decided there was a need to encourage more open discussion among those involved in the development, management and improvement of the city.
Bath Architecture 2008 will operate alongside existing forums in Bath and membership will be open to all architects practising in Bath and north east Somerset or involved in significant commissions in the area
Mr Osborne hosted a meeting at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution to discuss the importance of an architectural forum in the city. He said: "Bath is on the cusp of change with many opportunities to reinvigorate its historic character and stimulate its economy.
"A number of important projects are under construction and several others are moving through pre-contractual stages with site activity to commence in 2008 and 2009. The moment has come when architects working in the city could, with advantage, share perceptions of architecture, making Bath a city in which design is elevated to its rightful place in the planning and improvement of the city and its future management."
Nationally-known speakers will be invited to address members at the group's first four meetings. Members linked to Bath-based projects will have the chance to discuss their work as part of the forums.
The role of architects in the development of Bath has proved controversial in recent times with schemes such as the extension to the Holburne Museum, Western Riverside, South Gate and the Dyson school hitting the headlines.
