Bath's spa project delayed again

It is reported that the multi-million pound project to regenerate Bath's spa has been further delayed.

The spa, adjacent to the Roman Baths in the centre of the city, was due to open last autumn but it now looks as if it will not be ready until the end of July.The opening is scheduled to be marked by an open air concert - planned for 7 August - at which Luciano Pavarotti has been booked to appear, so the stress is on to get the spa completed.

Giles White, of the Bath Spa Project, has commented that the delay was the result of an accumulation of factors on a complicated project.The city's baths have been out of use since 1978 and the current project - a joint venture between the council and the Thermae Bath Spa company, which benefited from a near-£8m grant from the Millennium Commission - began in 2000.

Amongst other features of the development will be an open air pool on the roof of a new building containing further pools and treatment and steam rooms. Details: www.bathspa.co.uk