Work set to start on Phase One of the Bath River Line project

Work on a scheme to create a 10km linear park alongside the River Avon in Bath that will improve the towpath, parks, open spaces and public realm is set to start early next year.

Bath & North East Somerset Council carried out user research and community engagement in 2021, which has helped to shape the final designs. The Bath River Line project will be developed in three phases, with work on Phase One, the stretch from Windsor Bridge to Green Park, due to run through to Summer 2025.

Phase One includes new seating, improved access to the river path and pollinator-friendly planting along the river path. Work will be carried out at Green Park, the north west corner of Norfolk Crescent and the south east corner of Norfolk Crescent green space, as well as on the riverside path to the south of Bath Artists Studio; at the junction of steps from Norfolk Buildings Road; to the south of Norfolk Buildings; and to the north and south of Midland Bridge.

Councillor Sarah Warren, Cabinet Member for Climate and Sustainable Travel, said: “The Bath River Line will help to expand the active travel network in Bath by creating a level, accessible route for everyone to use while the new seating spaces and planting will help to improve biodiversity and climate change resilience and provide social spaces that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors. This project will support the council’s vision of being Nature Positive by 2030.”

Signs giving details about the work will be displayed at eight key points along the river path and if temporary closures of the riverside footpath are necessary during construction, details and alternative routes will be advertised in advance. New wayfinding signage will be installed during the summer.
Residents will be able to learn more at one of the drop-in sessions to be held at Percy Community Centre, Bath on:

• Saturday 7 December, 10am to 12pm 
• Tuesday 10 December, 2pm to 4.30pm.

For more information, including a map showing the locations of the work, visit the council’s website at www.bathnes.gov.uk/bath-river-line.

The Bath River Line is an urban green and blue infrastructure project, developed in partnership with the Canal & River Trust, the Environment Agency, Wessex Water, National Trust and Bath Spa University.
In April 2022, the West of England Combined Authority awarded £1.048m to deliver the Bath River Line, in addition to £150,000 development funding it awarded in 2019. A further £216,959 from the combined authority’s Investment Fund will fund the work on the riverside path at Midland Bridge, following the removal of the old pipe bridge. Bath & North East Somerset Council is funding the remaining £509,074 of the project including £493,000 through developer contributions.