Bath Recreation Ground Edwardian Turnstiles

Planning Consent Application, Justification Statement for Scheme/Works

Property:                    Bath Recreation Ground Turnstiles,

Location:                    William St, Bath

Work Details:            General renovation/repair to timber turnstiles including walls windows and doors. Reinstatement of original finials, renovations of railings/gates, installation of sacrificial bollards, introduction of sacrificial bollards and entrance levelling work. The proposals include change of colour scheme.

Applicant:                   Property Services (Miles Barnes)

Client:                         Bath & North East Somerset Council, Property Services (Building Consultancy)

Scheme Objective: To carry-out essential repairs to both turnstiles and bring the buildings back into a good state of repair following damage caused by heavy traffic colliding with one of the buildings. Associated works included railings overhaul, and colour changes to both buildings. The entrance roadway was re-surfaced to reduce further damage by traffic. Sacrificial bollards were also installed as a means to reduce still further vehicular contact with the buildings.

Background

The turnstiles are located at the end of William Street which leads to Pulteney Mews. They form a considerable part of the aesthetic setting within this road and are significant features. Although now not used as functioning turnstiles, the entrance is used throughout the year for access into and out of the Recreation ground. The turnstiles are grade II listed structures currently maintained by Bath & North East Somerset Council (Property Services Division). The buildings were erected around the start of the twentieth century, replacing an earlier arrangement. The buildings are paired and have some very nice detailing inherent in its construction detailing and overall form.

Viewed as a pair from the top of William Street, the buildings have a unity of scale and form which is extremely pleasing to the eye. The buildings were sadly neglected over many years and one of them had been severely damaged by lorries colliding with the structure.

The buildings had received superficial maintenance over the last 10 years which proved to be inadequate to stave off extensive deterioration/decay. Following initial inspections, Property Services was commissioned to carry out a detailed condition survey to establish the scope extent and cost of repairs necessary to bring the building into a good state of repair. A photographic survey was carried out along with measured plans and elevations to determine the scope of works required. To assist with this stage of investigations a condition survey was carried out by St Blaise Ltd.

The Turnstiles are timber framed and clad with lead roofs supporting horizontal wrought and cast iron ornate finials.