A traumatic journey for all involved

Firstly, and most importantly, Bath Place CV has moved forward. We have a new temporary address at the Band Factory, Althorpe Street, in the Old Town and are most grateful to the organisers for the very flexible approach they have adopted to meet our needs.

Secondly, we have plans to lease premises in Clemens Street, and the land immediately behind this, to provide offices, and community facilities, subject, in part, to planning permission. When we have agreed leases we will issue a press release detailing our plans for the future.

Thirdly we believe that the future of the Old Library must be left to the objective assessment of the professional planning officers and the planning committee. They have very detailed methods of looking at the merits of the objections (including our own) that have been made against the developer’s plans for the site, and the requirements of the Local Plan. We just hope that this process is not too long delayed. The building is in a fragile state, and needs protection, whoever occupies it in the end, though we believe the community should have the benefit of demonstrating a use for its facilities.

Finally, and not least, we should acknowledge the assistance given to us by Warwickshire College in allowing us to occupy the premises for over two years at a peppercorn rent. We have mutually ended that occupation is a satisfactory and professional manner, and we look forward to continue working with them as we develop our services. We also acknowledge with thanks the input of the developer (TAG Properties) in allowing us to sort out our goods and fittings left behind in the Old Library, long after the end of our lease.

Our journey has been very traumatic for our staff, and for the many people and organisations who have supported us in recent times. It remains for me to thank them so much for the contribution they have made to our work. I hope we will be able to show, in the near future, that their confidence in us has been worthwhile, and that we will have an organisation, a business model, and a charity worthy of their support. - David Williams, Chair - BPCV Board of Trustees.