A £5 million project to transform the neglected Grand Parade and Undercroft into a new exclusive dining quarter for the city has moved a step forward.
Bath and North East Somerset Council is now looking for formal approaches by restaurants interested in the new venue.
As part of the scheme the two restaurants created in the development have to pre-let before the council will start the renovations.
Situated below Grand Parade the two new restaurants will have al fresco dining, overlooking Pulteney Bridge and the weir. Grand Parade will be transformed with the introduction of two new foyers providing greeting areas and lift access to each restaurant. In addition, a new stairwell leading down to the Colonnades will also be installed.
Leader of the council, Councillor Paul Crossley, said: "There are exciting possibilities for businesses who want a breath taking and unique location for their restaurant. The redevelopment of the Colonnades is something which is particularly exciting given their riverside location and important place in Bath's commercial history."
A planning application for the development is due to be submitted in April.
Leisure property specialists Fleurets has been appointed to act on behalf of the council to attract restaurant tenants to the development.
Kevin Conibear, from Fleurets' Bristol office said: "Restaurant demand for Bath is always exceptional, due to the popularity of the city and the visitors that it attracts, coupled with limited restaurant availability. The Colonnades is unique and will offer riverside dining within the heart of the city. The image of Pulteney Bridge and the Colonnades defines Bath and is one of the most recognisable aspects of the city and this really is a great opportunity for restaurateurs to acquire trophy sites."
Speaking at a Resource Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel meeting, property director for B&NES Tom McBain, said the development had received 18 expressions of interest from restaurants last year. He said the successful chain would be an exclusive name.
"This will be somewhere you have to book several weeks in advance."
Councillor Roger Symonds (Lib Dem, Combe Down) said the scheme was brilliant.
"The people of this city, both people who have been here a long time and new people, will welcome this."
But some members of the scrutiny panel criticised the consultation process.
Councillor Charles Gerrish (Con, Keynsham North) said: "I am disappointed that the council does not follow the example of developers engaging with the public before there's a planning application.
"I think this is such a major issue as far as the city is concerned we should engage with the public before submitting a planning application."
Mr McBain said there had been extensive consultation with stakeholder groups and there would be a public exhibition once the planning application was submitted.
It is anticipated that the restaurants will be available for occupation in early 2015.
For further information contact Kevin Conibear or Stuart Parsons on 0117 923 8090.
