The Council holds a number of commercial properties in Bath which generate income to support its objectives.
As a major landlord, the Council is committed to achieving and maintaining a positive and constructive relationship with tenants. The property team is working very closely with tenants, tenant organisations and the Federation of Small Businesses with the aim of mitigating cash flow problems.
Any business tenant facing difficulties is encouraged to contact the team (see below) as soon as possible. Every tenant has a nominated estate surveyor who they should contact and arrange to discuss options with them, or they can call the number below.
One of the ways we can help is by arranging monthly, as opposed to three-monthly, advance rent payments for businesses with evident cash flow problems. We are also ensuring that only essential maintenance to buildings is carried out, and working with tenants to give them notice of this to ensure that they can forward plan to help mitigate the impact on their business and to look at spreading any costs.
The Council owns approximately 400 commercial properties, including small industrial units, office accommodation and retail units, catering for both independent traders to multiple retailers.
Empty premises are something which the Council wants to avoid but where retail properties do become available window licences can be given to individuals or organisations to promote charitable or local community events. Local artists may also display their work in vacant shop windows. Window licences are available for a period not exceeding two weeks and usually run from a Monday.
Please contact the Property Helpdesk if you have any queries: pals_adminhelpdesk@bathnes.gov.uk, 01225 477172.