wasted opportunity? | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Rhiannon Sep 26, 2005 09:11:52

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/4277086.stm
It's a bit of a touchy subject locally - the amount of council tax that's gone into building a fancy new spa in Bath so rich people can take the waters again. Apparently if it ever opens they'll be having to squeeze in next to all the white elephants in there.

I know I'm 2000+ years too late to see the springs in their magical misty best but it's a shame the design of the new spa is so very modern and clinical. I'd love to leap into the roman bath - did you ever get to swim here Moss? (I'm not implying she's Roman, I'm sure it was swimmable in 20 years ago?) and the pool of the spring itself still has a rather special atmosphere. I know I'll never get the public to turn into spring-worshipping hippies but the new spa is just alienating people from the Point of the place even more.

juamei Sep 26, 2005 09:55:32

Replying to Rhiannon

"become a museum to stupidity"

Can't wait to see it open! Agreed opinion amongst people I know in Bath is that it will cost far too much to use for the average Bathite...

moss Sep 26, 2005 10:24:52

Replying to Rhiannon

Its been a farce since the architect first put pen to paper, its ugly, full of idiotic mistakes and it was a much better corner of Bath in its old ramshackle state with the ducks raising their family every spring in the pool. Reminds me of Beckford's Folly, which besides being the one at the top of the lansdown was also his Fonthill Abbey. Built at great expense with a large central tower - it fell down after only 8 years, don't think they got the foundations deep enough - bet you that top pool comes crashing down one day... and I still can't understand that with all the millions of swimming pools built, Bath Spa pool manages to leak because of wonky paint. Next time we should make those that designed and built it go and contemplate the intricate roman baths that surrounded the sacred spring - still can't beat it for atmosphere and magic...