I was thrilled to read in the Chronicle that Kingsmead House is due to be demolished later this year.
Everyone I have spoken to has agreed with me that it is a dreadful eyesore. However I was somewhat disappointed by the picture in the Chronicle of the new development.
Although it appears to be a considerable improvement on what is there at the moment, I think that it is a pity that the new building does not reflect the splendid Georgian architecture in nearby Queen Square.
Maybe the trouble is that when imitation Georgian building has been carried out in Bath in the past, the results have been at times appallingly bad (ie. the University building in Dorchester Street) mainly because of cost cutting exercises on behalf of committees and bureaucrats.
Bath could and should be one of the most beautiful cities in the world but it won't happen unless more attention is paid to architectural detail.
After all, tourists are unlikely to come 3,000 miles to look at Kingsmead House!
W Ashwell
Staplehurst
Farrs Lane
Combe Down
Bath
