Apex dips toe into Bath market

Four-star hotel operator Apex is to further expand beyond its Edinburgh heartland after unveiling proposals for a £35 million establishment in the spa city of Bath.

An artists impression of the new hotel in Bath

The firm, which runs four hotels in its home city, three in London and one in Dundee, plans to transform a vacant office complex into a 177-bedroom facility with conference rooms.

Work to demolish the current building within the city’s historic conservation area is due to start later this year, with the construction of the hotel scheduled to begin in May 2015.

Apex, which has appointed Edinburgh-based practice IS Architects to oversee the project. said it anticipated an opening date of autumn 2016.

Norman Springford, chairman of privately-owned Apex Hotels, said: “This is a rare and exciting growth opportunity for Apex to add to our portfolio and have a presence in a popular Unesco world heritage site.

“Our properties have developed a great reputation and we hope to emulate this with the opening of our property in Bath.” The planned hotel, on the corner of Charles Street and James Street West, will be just 200 metres from the city’s world-famous Roman Baths.

Angela Vickers, managing director of Apex, added: “Bath is a beautiful city with world-class attractions, festivals and events that attract visitors all year round.”