City & Country has begun the regeneration of a landmark brownfield site in Bath, with Paragon Bank providing a £32.5 million development finance facility.
The 5.3-acre former Bath Press site, located on Lower Bristol Road, was once home to the Pitman Press printing works – led by Sir Isaac Pitman who developed one of the world’s most widely used methods of shorthand. City & Country’s residential-led scheme will see 250 new homes built on the site over the next four years, with the first houses due to be completed in winter 2026.
The development will retain the original Bath Press façade, honouring the city’s architectural heritage while introducing a modern mix of apartments, houses and commercial units.
Residents of the new scheme will be within walking distance of Bath Western Riverside, with its cafés, gym and riverside footpath connecting to the city centre. Bath Spa railway station is just over a mile away, offering direct services to Bristol Temple Meads in under 15 minutes and London Paddington in around 90 minutes.
Despite a challenging economic climate, ONS data reveals Bath and North East Somerset remains an attractive and resilient region to invest in, with house prices rising by 2% across the region year-on-year, driven by constrained housing supply, its desirable location and strong transport links. Bath continues to attract a broad demographic, from professionals commuting to London and Bristol to downsizers and families drawn to its schools, culture and green space.
Paragon’s funding has supported the acquisition of the site together with development funding for the first phase of the scheme which will deliver 134 apartments, including nine which are affordable, and 12 houses.
James Helmore, relationship director at Paragon Bank, said: “City & Country is a proven developer with a unique approach to blending heritage restoration and contemporary living. We’re delighted to play a part in bringing this site forward and supporting housing delivery in a region where new homes are critically needed.”
The new land purchase expands City & Country’s projects across the Southwest region, following successful Bristol developments at Factory No. 1 and The General and Burderop Park in Wiltshire.
Wayne Douglas, managing director at City & Country, said: “Bath Press is a hugely important acquisition for us, offering the opportunity to create a thriving community in a location with exceptional heritage and connectivity. Bath is a city of global significance, and this development will reflect the high quality and placemaking that City & Country is known for.”
