The Case for Change

Bath's outward image of beauty and elegance, world-class heritage and apparent prosperity conceals a range of economic and social problems which, if left unchecked, will lead to the long-term decline of the city.

There is a growing perception of Bath as an increasingly staid, self-satisfied and complacent city that is currently failing to achieve its world-class potential. There is also criticism that Bath has over-traded on its World Heritage Site status in recent decades without significantly reinvesting in its future and that the city's streets, public spaces and cultural and leisure attractions are beginning to look tired and dated.

Development has proved difficult in Bath over the years and a number of the policies that seek to preserve the city are now in danger of helping to cause its decline.

If Bath is to arrest decline and build strong foundations for its continuing success, a step change is required which, while respecting Bath's outstanding universal values as a World Heritage Site, acknowledges and positively engages with the necessity for change and growth.

The need to tackle the causes and effects of climate change, and to develop a low-carbon economy is also a crucial driver of change.

Other key drivers of change include:

• Narrow economic base
• Low wage economy
• Lack of modern workspace
• Affordable housing shortages
• Visitor numbers
• Declining retail status
• Eroded environmental quality
• Transport and congestion

If many of the issues outlined above are not addressed as a whole, there is a risk that Bath will eventually become an historically interesting offshoot of a Greater Bristol with little vibrancy, community or wealth creating economy of its own.