We are looking to use the funding associated with the implementation of the Clean Air Zone in Bath city centre to make public realm improvements in the vicinity of Queen Square.
Earlier this year, we appointed Jacobs and Stride Treglown to undertake a feasibility study of potential improvements.
Project aims
- Improve the Square and its surroundings, taking into account their uses by both residents and visitors.
- Enhance Queen Square itself, improving access to, from and within Charlotte Street Car Park.
- Complement any highway projects being carried out in the area under the CRSTS or similar programmes.
Queen Square
Queen Square is a historic public space located in the centre of Bath. Originally designed by John Wood the Elder, the square has evolved to its modern form for leisure such as boules and events.
Working with Jacobs and Stride, we now aim to:
- Contribute to improvements in air quality brought about by the introduction of the Clean Air Zone
- Enhance pathways, landscaping and seating within the Square, in line with historic design but recognising modern uses of the space and maintenance requirements
- Improve the space for enjoyment by boules and other events users
Having held early discussions with selected stakeholders, an initial masterplan has been drawn up which looks to meet these aims.
Charlotte Street Car Park
We are also looking at ways to improve wayfinding within Charlotte Street car park. A strategy is being devised which will look to enhance signage and directions to and from the city’s landmarks, including Victoria Park and Queen Square.
Pop up events
The project team wants to share its plans for Queen Square with the public, and gather views on what can be improved.
Our staff and partners will be on site at Queen Square to discuss the designs on Friday 29 November and Wednesday 4 December, between 12 and 2pm.
Consultation response and next steps
We are grateful to those residents who took the time to attend the pop-up events in Queen Square and respond to the questionnaire.
- We received 89 individual responses, with the vast majority (96%) being residents of Bath
- Almost half of respondents agreed the proposals represent an improvement to Queen Square, whilst a quarter responded that is not an improvement
- Responses on specific subjects – including lighting, planting and the configuration of the boules courts – have been captured and used to develop the next iteration of the Square’s design
- View the updated designs
- View the full report (including a summary of comments raised and their outcome)
- We will now continue to work with our design team and other stakeholders on the details of these plans, before commissioning a works contractor later in 2025
- We are seeking to complete the works in 2026 – no work will be programmed during the summer months when the space is at its most popular
- Further updates will be provided on this page when available