Presentation by Paul Simons “Thermale Bath Spa; quality, design and new markets in Bath, UK”

1. CONGRESO TURISMO TERMAL.<br />03 March 2011.<br />Presentation by Paul Simons: “Thermae Bath Spa; quality, design and new markets in Bath, UK.” <br />SUMMARY:<br />This paper will present the arguments that surrounded the decision to revive the redundant thermal facilities in Bath, UK. The project was debated in 1996 and became a reality 10 years later after many difficult problems were overcome including, political, economic and environmental. The project, managed by the local municipal authority, provided a significant resource to ensure that detailed consultation took place with the local community, businesses and other stakeholders. Whilst this process did not resolve everyone’s concerns the project did enable a very public and inclusive debate to take place across the city. <br />The whole of the city is a World Heritage Site, designated by UNESCO in 1987, and represents outstanding universal value for its natural thermal waters, the archaeological remains of the Roman Temple, Sacred Spring and Baths, and for the C18th architecture and urban plan which saw a complete medieval city rebuilt in the Neo-classical style between 1720 and 1790. This was to influence new urban design and forms across Europe and beyond.<br />The presentation will illustrate the development of the architectural concept and the driving factors that led to a contemporary design within the heritage environment , it will discuss the political reasons for the local government’s involvement, the aspirations of the local tourist businesses and the economic impact after four very successful years of operation.<br />“Thermae Bath Spa” is not just a building but represented the renaissance of the whole city as one of Europe’s most famous spa city destinations. As a result further new developments are now planned.<br />See: www.thermaebathspa.com www.visitbath.co.uk <br />BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE:<br />Paul trained as an architect at the Architectural Association in London and was awarded an SPAB Lethaby Scholarship in 1976. He has also been a Director of McCurdy & Co. since 1981, a company specialising in the repair and conservation of historic timber buildings; the company built the replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London and the Elizabethan gardens at Kenilworth Castle.<br />He has managed major heritage projects in Bristol, Cromford and Bath and for 25 years was a trustee of The Vivat Trust which rescues dilapidated historic buildings at risk and subsequently manages them as holiday accommodation. He is also a member of the ICOMOS UK Cultural Tourism Committee and has been involved in drafting the latest International Charters on Cultural Tourism and Training and Education. <br />Paul has also been the Director of Tourism in Norwich (1987-1991) and in Bath (1994-1998) and became the Project Director for the new thermal baths in Bath from 1998 to 2003. He currently works half his time with McCurdy’s and the remained as a heritage, tourism and spa consultant. He represents Bath on the European Historic Thermal Towns Association and is a past Vice-President of the European Spas Association (ESPA). He is also the Chairman of the National Heritage Training Group which is responsible for the training and qualification framework for all crafts working in the heritage and conservation sector in the UK. <br />