The New Bath Spa: Thermae Bath Spa

Overdue, over-budget and an improper use of local tax-payers' money - the problems and accusations were bitter. But the Thermae Bath Spa is now open for business, and visitors can pay to relax in thermal waters or be 'treated' with caviar.

Visitors should note that this spa is a new commercial enterprise and is unconnected to the historic baths at the Roman Baths Museum.

Bath is named for its famous thermal springs; the only ones in England. Even before the times of the Romans (who named the town Aquae Sulis) the hot water was a local attraction. The water is heated by high temperature rocks far below the earth's surface, and eventually wells up at a temperature of 46 degrees centigrade.

Story of the development

The steaming waters can be admired in the Roman Baths Museum, and tasted in the Pump Room, but for the past couple of decades it has not been possible to bathe in the Bath spring water. Recently, despite failed commercial enterprises in the past, the local council decided to invest public money in building a 'landmark' spa complex. Far from bringing the city prestige, however, the project brought only frustration and humiliation, with repeated delays, squabbles between organisations involved (BNES Council, contractors Mowlem and architects Grimshaw), threatened lawsuits and embarrassing technical problems including 'the wrong paint' and leaking floors.

The original opening date was autumn 2002, but work dragged on for another four years. The cost was projected at £13m but the final figure came to £45m. The council's reckless, open-ended investment of public money in a speculative project- not really to make the thermal waters accessible to all, but to construct a fashionable 'centre for well-being' - was criticised by locals, media, tourists and the Government. There is still a lot of bad feeling locally as residents have seen their council tax rise to meet the project's expenses, and the council has been forced to sell off long-term assets.

Now the spa is up and operating, however, there have been good reports of the facilities, especially the open-air roof-top pool. Now is the time for the development to redeem itself, so we locals will be the first to urge tourists to visit the facilities and avail themselves of all the costly treatments.

Spa access and treatments

Prices for the spa start at £20 for a two-hour spa session (no treatments included). This includes various baths and use of the rooftop pool and steam rooms. Note that extras aren't included - you'll need to bring your own robes, slippers and towels, or hire them at the complex. If you really want to splash out, treatments include a £140 'Caviar and pearl facial'.

The development also includes the historic Georgian Cross Bath - this used to be viewable by the public but now is part of the fee-paying complex. The restoration of this bath won an award.

Past BBC stories about the spa:

End in sight for spa paint row - Wednesday, 7 April, 2004
More embarrassment for Bath spa - Friday, 16 July, 2004
Spa saga bubbling with resentment - Tuesday, 8 February, 2005
Why the Spa saga may end in court - Saturday, 9 April, 2005
Timeline: Spa saga highs and lows - Monday, 31 July 2006
Bath Spa open to paying customers - Monday, 7 August 2006