The Bath World Heritage Centre will officially open on May 9th 2022, it has announced.
The centre has been created as a central point for visitors to find about the city-wide UNESCO World Heritage site’s hot springs, Roman remains, Georgian architecture, Georgian town planning, the social setting of the Georgian spa town and the city’s natural landscape setting.
Supported by £5 million funding The National Lottery Heritage Fund, once established the Centre is expected to attract 100,000 visitors per year.
The World Heritage Centre is part of the Archway Project, which also includes a brand-new Roman Baths Clore Learning Centre for pre-booked school and community groups, and a new Roman Gym at the Roman Baths.
The Centre will feature interactive exhibits and displays and free walking trails and guides to help visitors explore the city.
Ahead of the launch a companion app has also been revealed. ‘Bath World Heritage’ contains trails, facts and a local map designed to allow for the creation of bespoke itineraries. Users can ‘collect’ augmented reality characters, items and stickers at locations across the city.
The city recently gained a second listing as one of the ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’ and is the only UK city to appear twice on the World Heritage List.
Councillor Dine Romero, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Communities and Culture at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “The World Heritage Centre will provide something we’ve never had before in the city: a central place for visitors and residents to find out about Bath’s special status as a World Heritage Site.
“It will inspire people to go out and discover the city’s heritage, from spotting hidden details in the Circus and Royal Crescent, to learning about the extravagant funfairs that took place in Sydney Gardens, or finding out how Romans placed curses on their enemies. We can’t wait to open the doors to the public.”
Stuart McLeod, Director, England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “This state-of-the-art centre is part of the Archway Project and will offer a new learning experience for the local community and visitors to discover more about the fascinating history of this beloved World Heritage Site.”
Located in York Street, the World Heritage Centre will be open Monday to Sunday and will be free to enter.
