United Kingdom: Bath site in the news for controversial construction

2008-07-16 05:04:01 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Art)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (WiredPRNews.com) — A new development has taken place involving the controversial site of Bath in the UK. The United Nations has decided to end the World Heritage Status of this location due to building expansion. This new development was troublesome for Bath as it lead to the loss of a very prestigious title. The decision will be effective once UNESCO delegates meet in Quebec for their annual conference.

Every year, millions of tourists gather in Bath. There have been issues among environmentalists regarding the construction projects, especially in the building of homes worth 500 million pounds, or nearly $1 billion in the Western Riverside area.

This development has not been appreciated by the Bath heritage. Deborah Aplin, Managing Director of the Crest Nicholson Regeneration and the person behind the Western Riverside construction project, has declared support from the English government. She also has a written support from the English Heritage regarding the construction of the Riverside homes. She said that the land has been vacant for a period of 25 years and her scheme will help in the regeneration of this beautiful city.

UNESCO is planning to request for the development of an engineering school project worth $56 million. The project is the idea of the Dyson Foundation and the implementation is delayed due to the UNESCO’s visit. Francine Haeberling, head of Bath and leader of the North East Somerset Council, is also excited about the visit. She added that the status of the World Heritage Site was a motivation for the future and not a constraint.

Heritage sites are always at a risk from the construction of modern buildings and the same situation seems to be happening in Bath. The city acquired the status of the world Heritage site in 1987.

Wired Art Reporter

No tag for this post.

newsdesk · Filed Under Art