A landmark brownfield site in Bath is set for a major redevelopment following a £32.5 million funding agreement between Paragon Bank and specialist heritage developer City & Country.
The financing will support the transformation of the former Bath Press site on Lower Bristol Road, once the home of the renowned Pitman Press. The 5.3-acre site is steeped in industrial and educational history, with Sir Isaac Pitman – the inventor of shorthand – having led the printing operation. It will now be reimagined as a mixed-use neighbourhood of homes and commercial space.
Development work began earlier this year and the scheme will be delivered in phases over the next four years, with the first homes expected to complete in winter 2026. The plans include 134 apartments – nine of which will be affordable – and 12 houses in the first phase. The project will retain the historic Bath Press façade, in keeping with the city’s distinct architectural character.
The new community will be within easy reach of Bath Western Riverside and just over a mile from Bath Spa railway station, offering direct services to both Bristol Temple Meads and London Paddington. According to ONS data, the Bath and North East Somerset area continues to attract strong investor interest despite wider economic challenges, with house prices rising 2% year-on-year. Limited supply, strong transport links and the city’s enduring appeal for commuters, downsizers and families have all contributed to ongoing demand.
The deal was led for Paragon by relationship director James Helmore and portfolio manager Megan Andreou. It forms part of a series of recent transactions in the South West, including developments in Exeter, Cheltenham and Bristol. Paragon’s development finance division has now surpassed £3 billion in total lending, supporting SME developers in delivering new housing across the region and beyond.
James Helmore 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.”
City & Country has an established track record in the South West, including recent schemes at Factory No. 1 and The General in Bristol, as well as Burderop Park in Wiltshire. Managing director Wayne Douglas described the Bath Press site as a significant addition to the company’s portfolio.
“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,” he said. “Bath is a city of global significance, and this development will reflect the high quality and placemaking that City & Country is known for.”
