Kingsmead Square businesses target post lockdown recovery
Kingsmead Square businesses target post lockdown recovery
Businesses in and around Bath’s Kingsmead Square are looking to the future as the area adapts to life post-lockdown following a number of improvements to one of the city’s historic areas.
The Square is pedestrianised each day between 10am-6pm to allow additional space for social distancing measures, including the increase in outdoor seating areas for the Square’s eclectic range of independent restaurants and cafes including Mission Burrito, Kingsmead Kitchen, Yum Yum Thai and Boston Tea Party who are all increasing their alfresco offer.
Local business owners have welcomed these measures, and along with a return of the popular Kingsmead Square flower displays, are hoping that it will encourage people to return to this bustling corner of the city.
HPH Commercial Property, which is based in Kingsmead Square, has recently agreed a new 10 year lease with Society Café at number five. As one of the most popular cafes in Bath and a fixture in the Square for over five years it is very positive news, and with only one empty unit remaining on Kingsmead Street, the future for local businesses is looking bright as people return to “normal life” over the summer.
Lindsay Holdoway, Managing Director of HPH Commercial Property, said, “It has undoubtedly been a very testing time since March and all businesses in Bath have faced many difficult challenges over the past few months with more still to come.
“However, it is very encouraging to see changes within and around Kingsmead Square. The area is known for its wide range of independent businesses which create such a vibrant atmosphere in this part of the city, and the renewal of Society Café’s lease is a strong statement showing that businesses are able to be positive about their future in this part of the city.”
HPH has also agreed a new nine year lease with IT training company Verhoef at 11 Kingsmead Square and is currently refurbishing the final office space remaining in the building ready for occupation in September.
Kingsmead Ward Councillor, Andy Furse, believes the Square is setting a strong example to the rest of the city as it rises to the various challenges presented by Covid-19.
He said, “Kingsmead Square is showing what can be done when businesses come together and work for the benefit of all. The popular fruit and veg stall managed to provide essential supplies throughout the lockdown period and there is a great sense of camaraderie in the area, as businesses, independent retailers, restaurants and cafes strive to stimulate recovery.
“Kingsmead Square is open and ready for business. All visitors can rest assured that social distancing measures are in place to protect them – it’s a great time to rediscover the amazing range of businesses this part of Bath has to offer.”
