Renaissance plan for Georgian gardens
A key part of Bath’s World Heritage Site which has suffered from decades of under-investment is set to get a renaissance. The council’s plans say the need to “restore and revitalise” the Georgian era Sydney Gardens has been long apparent but much of the work recommended in a 1993 survey was not carried out. Plans have been submitted to make the nearly five hectare venue more wheelchair accessible, to bring the buildings into better use and to construct a new cafe. Bath and North East Somerset Council will find out in December if its bid for £3.4million from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Parks for People grants programme is successful. The planning application says: “The principles underlying the project are the only realistic and achievable approach to conservation of buildings and landscape and sustaining the long-term future of the gardens to a satisfactory standard, which otherwise is likely to continue to decline.” With backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the vision is to “revitalise Sydney Gardens as a beautiful pleasure garden with peaceful and tranquil spaces, that achieves a renaissance as a unique, fun and restorative environment, for all ages - its remarkable built and natural heritage, people and events, told and experienced in witty and eclectic ways”. The plans add: “[The Sydney Gardens] have, like many public parks and gardens, suffered as a result of under-investment and subsequent decline for several decades, and as a result are in real need of rejuvenation. “Some areas are closed to the public, or underused, and there are unused, underused and derelict buildings, tired facilities, surfacing and planting. “Despite its close proximity to the city centre, access is difficult from the north due to the lack of road crossing and closed entrances; and access from the canal is via steps.” The proposals include:
■ The demolition of the bowls pavilion and replacement with a new cafe kiosk and accessible toilets
■ The restoration of Grade Ii-listed Edwardian toilets and the relocation of the modern ladies’ loos to improve the setting
■ Conversion of toilets to a community use
■ Conservation works to the “somewhat dingy” Grade II listed Loggia to bring it back into use for events and as a place for contemplation and relaxation ■ Conservation works to Minerva’s Temple, built as an advert for Bath stone, to halt its deterioration
■ Improved wheelchair access and the creation of a dementiafriendly garden
■ Improvements to the upper play area to include new play equipment, petanque and table tennis facilities and a basketball hoop
■ Bringing the tennis courts up to Lawn Tennis Association standards
■ Increased use of the bothy, which was built as an electricity substation - possibly free of charge by an arts collective in exchange for a programme of activities for park users. There is also the possibility of a Jane Austen statue, but it is not in the Heritage Lottery Fund project. The plans say B&NES Council worked closely with community groups including the Friends of Sydney Gardens and Holburne Museum, plus specialist architects and conservators, to develop the proposals. Among those supporting the funding application was the World Heritage Site advisory board chairman Professor Barry Gilbertson, who said: “The gardens have sadly faded in grandeur over many years and were in danger of losing their purpose - a far cry from the gala of 1796 that reportedly attracted 4,000 people. “The financial challenge of a major restoration is very challenging for B&NES Council to face alone in the current economic climate and the continued support of the Heritage Lottery Fund is vital in turning around the fortunes of this park.”
The Sydney Gardens... are in real need of rejuvenation
Headteacher Kevin Purkiss said Bathwick St Mary Church School regularly uses Sydney Gardens to enhance the pupils’ learning and they would “without doubt benefit from its much needed restoration”. B&NES Council will decide the fate of the planning application.