A £150m mixed-use redevelopment scheme for Bath has been given the green light by city planners.

The project will incorporate leisure areas and facilities, a new public transport interchange, retail and residential space and could be completed by Easter 2008.

A new 3,522sq m health and fitness club will house a gymnasium, dance studio and swimming pool, complemented by a variety of neighbouring restaurants and cafés covering 2,370sq m.

Developers Morley Fund Management and Shearer Property Holdings, has set out a design to 'reflect and enhance' the surrounding area with architecture that 'pays close attention Bath's status as a World Heritage City'.

Peter Metcalfe, executive member for Transportation & Planning Policy at Bath & North-East Somerset Council says that working as a partnership and commitment to resolving apparently 'insolvable problems' has paid off:

'The approved scheme represents a top quality development which enhances this world heritage site and meets the needs of a vibrant forward-looking city living in the 21st century.'

'In particular, the scheme will create a new gateway to the city with an ultra-modern transport interchange and a new public square.'

The development team includes architects Chapman Taylor and Wilkinson Eyre, commercial advisors Strutt & Parker and planning consultants Drivers Jonas.

The project is due to start in Spring 2004 and is expected to be fully open in Spring 2009. Details: Jo Lloyd/Daisy Loyd +44(0)207 636 7366 or visit www.bathsouthgate.com