West: Bath Spa; money down the drain?

Paul Barltrop Editor, Politics Show West

It was meant to be a triumphant revival of the spa culture for which Bath was world-famous for centuries.

Facade of Georgian Spa

However, the cost to local taxpayers of re-opening the waters to bathers has soared; and politicians are being accused of ducking the issues.

Bath is a city whose wealth is based on water.

It was the Romans who originally harnessed the natural resource of its hot springs but it was the Georgians who turned liquid into solid gold.

Since the 1970's people have not been able to enjoy the natural springs of the city, so it was decided to build a spa for the 21st century.

No completion date

The project has been dogged at every step. They have stopped giving opening dates because so many have passed and now it is more than two years overdue.

It was estimated to cost £13m, but that figure has doubled.

Bath and North East Somerset Council is putting £11m into it.

That works out at £65 per head for every man, woman and child in B&NES.

On a pro-rata basis it is more expensive than the Millennium Dome or the Scottish Parliament building.

Previous supporters like the local paper, the Bath Chronicle, are losing faith and losing patience. Editor David Gledhill says;

Despite our name we can't build a receptacle to put water in.

To be fair B&NES are trying hard, but they should take flak.

It is our money and they have kept us in the dark. B&NES taxpayers deserve a detailed explanation.

Cllr Mike Ringham

It has brought internal criticism too. Conservative councillor Mike Ringham says the authority's leaders are talking but not saying anything;

We are dealing with millions of pounds of taxpayers money, against a background of proposed cuts in services.

When council tax bills arrive in the spring they will say what's happening with that building in the centre of Bath, and all we'll be able to say is that there's a problem with the paint.

And so to the latest and most bitter problem. The pools are coated in paint which had started peeling.

The council sent in another company to strip the paint. Contractors Mowlems went to court to stop it.

Lawyers are involved, the courts are involved, junior government ministers have tried to bang heads together and it has taken a whole five months to produce a report on the paint.

A new style of tourism

When open, it will boast four bathing pools

The Bath Spa Project is crucial to Bath's tourism future and at a cost of £26m, it's a serious investment.

The Spa will combine the best of the historic Spa with a State-of-the-art building offering modern comforts and facilities.

When open, it will boast four bathing pools using natural thermal waters, a spectacular rooftop pool, whirlpools, a series of steam rooms and an extensive range of Spa treatments.

It could be the best Spa in Europe, and a massive tourist magnet but its official opening has now been delayed till February or March 2004.

Thermae hopes to attract between 100,000-150,000 visitors a year when it finally opens.

Council doing "everything possible"

Cllr Nicole O'Flaherty

Liberal Democrat Nicole O'Flaherty is the senior councillor in charge of the project;

We have been doing everything we could to do it according to the law.

Unfortunately the law takes a very long time.

The Bath Spa project is 100% overspent, more than two years behind schedule, with no proper idea of the final cost.

The council are the project managers, so is she happy they have done a good enough job? "I am," says Councillor Nicole O'Flaherty, with a weary smile.

However what she won't say if the spa will actually open this year.

The Politics Show wants to hear from you.

Let us know what you think. That is the Politics Show Sunday 01 February at Midday.

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