A prestigious major design and build project to regenerate part of Bath’s city centre with the redevelopment of the listed Post Office building and neighbouring Georgian properties to provide a modern Post Office, high quality shops, a museum and apartments.

This high-profile, award winning redevelopment of the 1920s Bath Post Office building, created modern apartments on the upper floors, eight high quality retail units and a modern central Post Office. On the lower ground floor area Beard also formed and fitted out a new home for the Bath Postal Museum.

Beard was chosen for its experience in the restoration and sensitive adaptation of listed buildings for contemporary uses. In addition to restoring the historic external fabric of the listed building, Beard converted a number of neighbouring properties to their original use as retail outlets with accommodation above.  An infill extension within an existing courtyard enabled Beard to extend the building’s footprint by 40 per cent, providing a total floor space of over 3,200 square metres.

This was a challenging project as it comprised not only restoration work, but also alterations and high quality fit out for both the accommodation and retail areas.  This was made more complex because of its busy city centre location. Beard’s careful planning and considerate approach helped to ensure minimal disruption to local residents, retailers and businesses in and around the development.

Challenges & Solutions

Sandwiched between one-way, city centre streets, health and safety was of paramount importance, particularly for pedestrians.

Careful and proactive planning took place to prevent disruption caused by construction traffic and the site compound was restricted to minimise any affect that it may have had to nearby businesses.

“Beard impressed us because they have successfully restored and converted many important listed buildings, most notably the historical building housing The Corinium Museum in Cirencester completed in 2004.”
Stephen Green, Managing Director Future Heritage